Oh, Mo!
By July Douglas, Family Program Specialist
We crammed into the venue, surrounded by a mob of fellow groupies. An excitement buzzed as we took our seats. Everywhere there was evidence of the crowd's adoration for the star of the show. In front of me, a petite blonde, stylishly clad in head-to-toe cheetah print, stood on her chair and stretched for a peek at the stage. In the next seat, a young man grasped his companion’s arm and asked, "Is that him, is that Big Mo?" A pair of pre-teens hoisted a cardboard sign that boldly declared their love. Fans sat anxiously clutching their newly purchased books.
Wait… what? Books? At a rock concert?
No, my friends, this was no rock concert, but instead an evening with Caldecott-winning author/illustrator Mo Willems at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters. The fans, mostly of the early bed-time variety (but not all), had gathered to hear the creator of such characters as Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and the naked mole rat read a few stories and make us laugh. The event certainly had the feel of a pint-sized rock concert.
The opening act thanked us for coming and established a few rules. True to the rock concert nature of the event, rules 2 through at least 5 were "no flash photography." With the anticipation reaching a boiling point, the emcee led us in a foot stomping, fist-waving "pigeon fit."
"We want Mo right here, right now," we cried. Mr. Willems took the stage and a hush fell over the crowd. Ok, not exactly a hush, but there were definitely a LOT of children wearing their "listening ears."
Willems delighted the audience with a reading of his latest work, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed. Now, if you know kids, you know that any book with the words naked, underwear, or a mention of any bodily function is an automatic giggle-maker. Squeals and hoots filled the packed library as we listened to the tale of Wilbur, a naked mole rat who thumbs his nose at tradition and insists on wearing clothes, much to the dismay of the rest of the Colony. On the surface this very silly story is a twist on the Emperor’s new clothes, but listen a little more closely and you will hear a story about standing up to the status quo and being true to yourself.
The hilarious antics of Mo's beloved characters are enough to bring readers back to his books over and over, but his read-aloud-techniques provided a wonderful model to all of the taller, more mature groupies in the mosh pit. Mo began by setting up the story by showing us a photo of a real naked mole rat and then his rendition of the beauty-challenged animal. He hinted to the kids that even the end papers in a book might provide some clues about what will happen. When the Grand-pah issues a PROCLAMATION, Mr. Willems paused to ask the audience what we thought that word might mean.
The dialogue in the story provided an opportunity for Mo to really test his vocals. As I listened to this accomplished storyteller, it struck me that some of the techniques he was using were the very things our READ from the START Discussion Leaders share with RFTS participants. Mr. Willems was using open-ended questions, altering the pace of his reading to fit the story, and acting out parts of the story as he read.
As bedtime neared, Mo read one of the tales starring the much-loved Pigeon (of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus fame.) Pigeon wants what he wants, and in Pigeon Wants a Puppy, he reeeeeaaaaallllly wants a puppy and tries to convince the reader that he is up to the task of having one. The room filled with laughter as Pigeon pleaded his case. It was abundantly clear that this audience was listening to an old favorite, as evidenced by the chorus of tiny voices chanting right along. Mo invited listeners to stomp, jump, and read along. A preschooler in front of me threw her hands in the air and shrieked, "I’am a puppy-loving pigeon!!!"
The evening ended and we squeezed through the crowd in front of the merch table where dedicated fans waited for a chance to talk to Mo and have a book signed. As we stepped out into the fresh air, my husband shook his head and remarked, "I feel like I've been to a rock concert."
To become a fan yourself, take a look at Mo's books. Enjoy! And ROCK…er, I mean, READ ON!
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems (Hyperion 2009)
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems. (Hyperion 2004)When Trixie loses her beloved Knuffle Bunny while running errands with her daddy, a hilarious (and very true to life!) communication problem arises.
Also, check out Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems (Hyperion 2003)Pigeon wants to drive a bus, and he'll stop at nothing to convince the reader that it's a good idea. Children will laugh at Pigeon's hilarious antics, while parents of preschoolers may have a little feeling of déjà vu!
Can't get enough of Pigeon? Here are more chances to enjoy this delightful character:
Pigeon Has Feelings, Too
Pigeon Finds a Hotdog
Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
Pigeon Wants a Puppy
The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!
