Courtesy of Maricopa County Library District
Whether you love laughing while reading Mo Willems’ books or you have recently visited the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to see their Mo Willems exhibit (on view thru January 14, 2024), “Knuffle Bunny,” “The Pigeon,” and “Elephant & Piggie” are staples of childhood these days. If you find yourself wanting more Mo Willems than you can get your hands on, check out these books handpicked by Maricopa County Library District librarian Lindsey. They are sure to keep you laughing with the kids in your lives!
“Can You Make a Scary Face?”
Author: Jan Thomas
Join a bossy ladybug for this interactive book that will have your little one out of their seats to dance and make silly faces of their own! A great read for those who love “Elephant & Piggie.”
“Children Make Terrible Pets”
Author: Peter Brown
Lucy is a boisterous bear, who acquires a pet! Lucy and Squeaker have the best day ever, until things start to go wrong. This read aloud is an opportunity to lean in with silly voices and characters. “Knuffle Bunny” fans will surely enjoy this book!
“Mother Bruce”
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Bruce was a grumpy bear. When his lunch eggs hatch and believe that Bruce is their mother, he must try to change. This hilarious book explores emotions and change, which is a great read for those who love “The Pigeon” books!
“The Watermelon Seed”
Author: Greg Pizzoli
Panic ensues when a crocodile who loves watermelon, accidentally swallows a seed! Fans of Willems’ “Leonardo, the Terrible Monster,” will enjoy the perfect comic pacing of this crocodile’s wild imagination.
Lindsey Powers loves to read picture books! She used to read them to kids, when she was a children’s librarian in both Indiana and Arizona, but now she reads them to herself, in her current role as the customer experience administrator at Maricopa County Library District. Her favorite day of the year is when the Caldecott and Newbery Awards are announced!
