friday's five

We happily picked up a new supply of about 30 library books this week, and one author (shockingly) appeared several times in our pile. As a result, I'm dedicating this week's friday's five to our favorite children's author who I've had the pleasure of chatting with on a couple occasions, Mo Willems.What I love the most about his books is the ever-present sense of humor that doesn't play down to children or stoop to innuendo just to appeal to adults. It's simply this- his books don't try to be funny. They just are.

With his announcement this week of a new Pigeon book in the works (YAY!), we looked at the library for a few of his other books that we had sadly not yet read together. In addition, we pulled out some old favorites, too, resulting in a very Mo'riffic reading week.

1. Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator -- In 6 and half short stories, we're introduced to two new characters in the Willems line-up. Amanda, the voracious readers of titles such as Climbing Things for Fun and Profit, is an independent young girl who loves her stuffed alligator, but isn't necessarily attached to him at all times. She's quick-witted and thoughtful in her interactions with Alligator, who adores spending time with her more than anything. The stories have some unexpected little surprises, and the characters are as lovable as the other Willems creations we've come to know over the last decade or so.

2. I Broke My Trunk! -- How is it that this Elephant & Piggie book has been out for four months and we hadn't read it? (Apparently Should I Share My Ice Cream comes out next week, so I'm happy that we've caught up!) I adore these two friends, and this is perhaps the funniest E&P book yet. The "long, crazy story" behind Gerald's broken trunk is full of twists and turns (and heavy, heavy animals!) until it's hilarious conclusion that will appeal to lovers of slapstick humor, of any age. I don't think it's generally a good idea to read a book aloud with children without being already familiar with it, but I very purposefully do not do a sneak peek on Mo's books, so the first time my kids hear a new one is the first time I'm experiencing it as well. Fun all around.

3. Let's Say HI to Friends Who Fly! -- Cat the Cat and her crew of "Animal the Animal" friends are featured in these easy-reader-type books that my children adore. The storylines are as simple as can be, with a little joke at the end that they now know to anticipate- they know something isn't going to be what they expect at the end. The simple illustrations are appealing in a Pigeon-esque way, which is lovely for children like my daughter who enjoy being able to make her own versions of these lovable characters.

4. Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct -- One of Mo's lesser appreciated works happens to be a favorite for read alouds for me. From the fun language (can you beat a character named Reginald Von Hoobie Doobie?!) to a unique storyline (seriously, the dinosaur is completely unaware of her extinction!), this is a hit all around. Sadly, I'm not sure that folks are as familiar with the chocolate chip cookie baking dinosaur Edwina. If you haven't read it before, promise me you'll look for it on your next library visit!

5. Leonardo the Terrible Monster -- I cannot believe it's been almost six years since I first met Leonardo and his fantastically-tricky titled story. Is he terrible in that he is ferocious and frightening? Um, no. But all he wants to do is to scare the tuna salad out of someone, a not too lofty goal for a monster, after all. This is an incredibly clever book, and if I've pointed it out here before (which I'm pretty sure I have, but am too lazy to double check on), it just goes to show you how much I love this book. It possesses the best two-page spread of text to read aloud in an excited voice, in one breath if you really want a challenge, and it's a hit every single time I've read it to my own kids or to a class of preschoolers. I love every aspect of it- the story, the wacky humor, the color scheme of the illustrations, everything.


I hope I've inspired you to hit the W section of your own library's children section!


Happy reading,