Review: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

Mo Willems, Goldilocks and dinosaurs. Woohoo! what a combination.

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you the story. According to my quick internet search, The Story of the Three Bears was first written down in the early 1800s.

So, what would the legendary Mo Willems do with the famous Goldilocks?

Mo Willems has delivered the quirkiest Three Bears plot yet. It’s not porridge, it’s chocolate pudding. Goldilocks doesn’t sit on any of the three chairs, because they’re all too tall. The bears dinosaurs aren’t really going for a walk. They’re hiding in the forest, waiting to see who will enter their tempting house. Oh, and one of the dinosaurs is just visiting from Norway.

Video: Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems

Mo Willems, bestselling creator of books like Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny, and the Elephant and Piggy series, is sharing daily videos with the world. This first episode of Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, filmed in his studio, is just over 22 minutes long.

This is a great way for parents, teachers, and other carers to occupy young minds, getting them to use their imaginations, and develop their drawing and storytelling skills. It's like your own personal author visit!

Watch Mo draw, get tips and join in, see behind the scenes, and hear him answer questions from viewers. Make sure you have paper and pencils ready so kids can dive straight in and draw along with Mo, too!

The playlist of Lunch Doodles episodes can be followed on YouTube, and you can read our reviews of Mo Willems' books here.

Bibliography: Mo Willems

image credit

We are hopping around with glee to feature talented author/illustrator Mo Willems on Kids Book Review's Behind the Books. For the next two days you will be Mo-Fested! We kickstart things with a bibliography from the present to waaaaaay back... Warning: it's long.

Knuffle Bunny Free: an Unexpected Diversion

City Dog, Country Frog (Author)

Cat the Cat, Who is That?

Let’s Say Hi to Friends Who Fly!

What’s Your Sound, Hound the Hound?

Time to Sleep, Sheep the Sheep!


We Are In a Book!

Can I Play, Too?

I Am Going!

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Big Frog Can’t Fit In!

Watch Me Throw the Ball!

Elephants Can Not Dance!

Pigs Make Me Sneeze!

The Pigeon Wants A Puppy!

I Love My New Toy!

I Will Surprise My Friend!

Are You Ready To Play Outside?

The Complete Peanuts 1969-1970 (Writer, Introduction)


Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Today I Will Fly!

My Friend is Sad!

There is a Bird on Your Head!

I Am Invited to a Party!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When It Monsoons: The World on One Cartoon a Day (forward by Dave Barry)

Edwina, the Dinosaur That Didn’t Know She Was Extinct

'Honestly', Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road Anthology (Illustrator)

'Eye Poker', Rush Hour: Reckless (Illustrator)


Leonardo, the Terrible Monster

Time To Say ‘Please’!

The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!

The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!

'The Unbeatable' Every Man For Himself: Stories About Being A Guy

ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2006, NYPL Books for the Teen Age 2006

'Aw, Nuts!', Guys Write for Guys Read

'Machiavelli On The Telly', PEN America (#6) (Author)

'The Wonder of It All', Bizarro World (Author)

Adventures in Cable Television Featuring That Lovable Sap, Mo Willems, Death of Monkeysuit, Monkeysuit Press comix anthology


Knuffle Bunny; a Cautionary Tale

The Pigeon Finds A Hotdog!

'Nuts To You', Marlo Thomas’ Thanks and Giving All Year Round (Illustrator)

Time To Pee!


Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Walking the Williamsburg Bridge to Work, 911: The World’s Finest Comic Book Writers & Artists Tell Stories to Remember, Comics anthology

'Freak Show of the Less Than Bizarre', Viva La Monkeysuit, comix anthology, Monkeysuit Press

'Just Some of the People Who Hate You', Bride of Monkeysuit, comix anthology, Monkeysuit Press

The Mo Willems Sketchbook

More here

Review: The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

The king is here! The king of the modern picture book in my eyes anyway. Mo Willems. Seriously, if you have not slapped your eyes on a Mo Willems creation before, you need to get some Mo!

Besides being a best-selling and award winning author, Mo began his career as a script-writer/animator and garnered six Emmys for his writing on Sesame Street. It is safe to say, the man knows his stuff.

In The Duckling Gets a Cookie, the ever angst-ridden and manic pigeon is back with his old mate, Duckling. Now there is no burying the lead there with that title, that is indeed what happens in this book ... and doesn't the Pigeon get the irrits!

Review: Nanette’s Baguette

Nanette is a little frog, living in a town where flies are pets, and baguettes are simply irresistible.

The text of this story is reminiscent of Dr Suess’ Cat in the Hat, with short, rhyming, tongue twisting sentences,

‘Today is a day Nanette won’t soon forget … Is Nanette set to get the baguette?’.

And so on the story goes, in which Nanette does get the baguette, but is unable to quite make it home with the baguette intact. Will Mum be upset?

Review: Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Sleigh

From Mo Willems’ best-selling Don’t Let The Pigeon… series, comes this cracker.

Father Christmas has to step away from his sleigh for a short while, and before he goes, he asks the reader to make sure that nobody steals it. Especially not the pigeon.

And, well, if you want to see a pigeon having a tantrum mid-strut, then look no further. This is the book for you.

Mo Willems’ much beloved pigeon series has delivered again, with ho ho hos and surprises aplenty.

Review: Diva and Flea: A Parisian Tale

Diva and Flea: A Parisian Tale is a gorgeous new story, told in thirteen short chapters, by the award-winning Mo Willems (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny, Elephant and Piggie).

Diva is a small, white dog who lives in Paris with the gardienne (caretaker) of an apartment building. Diva is also a gardienne, standing guard at the gate, although rather wary of the people and their feet who pass by.

Flea is a big, black cat who lives somewhere different each day. He's a street-wise and confident flaneur (someone who wanders around exploring and experiencing new things).

Review: That is NOT a Good Idea!

Looking for Thrills? Drama? Dinner? In the style of the old silent films, That is NOT a Good Idea delivers all that and more as Hungry Fox tries to outsmart Plump Goose.

Will the debonair and charming fox trick the mother goose into following him back to his home where he is preparing dinner? What is the missing key ingredient in the fox’s soup? Why isn’t anyone listening to the Baby Geese as they shout out their ‘This is NOT a Good Idea!’ warning?

Review: The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! is another hilarious Mo Willems classic, that will strike a chord with any child who has ever felt nervous about starting something new, particularly school.

With characteristically enthusiastic shenanigans, the feisty Pigeon rails against the unfairness of having to go to school. Readers who have come to know and love the Pigeon through some of Willems' many other books, including Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus, Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late! and The Pigeon Needs A Bath!, will not be disappointed.

Review: Kuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Title: Kuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Walker Books, A$15.95RRP

Publication date: 01/06/2008

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9781406313826

For ages: 2 - 6

Type: Picture Book

About: There’s a reason Mo Willems’ books have done so well. His inherent sense of humour, both in his text and illustrations, is just completely huggable. My first Willems book was the original Knuffle Bunny (A Cautionary Tale) and I was totally addicted.

This second book in the Knuffle series (book three is out soon), sees Trixie a little older now – kindergarten age – and her faithful sidekick, K.Bunny is still firmly attached to her person (and still as cute as ever).

But when another little girl brings a Knuffle Bunny identical twin to school, things start to go pear-shaped. Knuffle Bunny is no longer a one-of-a-kind friend, and when some childlike ego battering ensues, teacher steps in and removes the bunnies altogether.

At the end of the day, the stuffed rabbits are redistributed… but of course, it’s not until the middle of the night, when Trixie is snuggled up with Knuffle in bed, that she… realizes something…

That’s right. It’s not her bunny.

The debacle that follows is truly giggle-worthy, and parents will groan and nod in empathy as a nighttime rendez-vous is organized to facilitate an undercover swap. And when both girls are finally reunited with their respective bunnies, they extend that warm fuzzy relief into a new best-friendship.

The use of photographs and coloured sketches in this book are so gorgeously done. Willems not only has a knack for styling (without over-styling), he also uses each page to heighten the drama and emotion. When Trixie first sees the rival bunny at kinder, for example, the use of separate successive shots zooming in on Rival Rabbit is priceless. You can just hear the ominous music – da da daaaaaaaa…………

Trixie is an adorable character and her dad is glorious, but of course, it’s Knuffle Bunny always steals the show. Bring on Book Three!

Teacher's Notes

You can buy this book online

Review: The Pigeon HAS To Go To School

This picture book bursts with voice and humour. 

Mo Willem’s famous pigeon speaks directly to the reader and invites the child to share his journey. 

The pigeon is about to commence school and really doesn’t see the point of going. After all, he already knows everything, right? Okay, maybe not.

The reader soon discovers that this is just bluster and pigeon is actually nervous about starting this big journey. 

After all, there’s sooooo much stuff to learn. And what if his head pops off with all those things he will have to learn? 

Review: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

Title: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Walker Books, A$15.95RRP

Publication Date: 01/04/07

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9781406308129

For ages: 3-6

Type: Picture Book

About: After Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late proves that Mo Willems knows when he’s onto a good thing. And good on him.

In this adorable book, Pigeon does a fast con job on the reader about going to bed. Every excuse under the sun is rolled forth for consideration – “Can I have a glass of water?” and “I’ll go to bed early tomorrow night” are only superceded by the borderline hysterical wail of “I’m not tired!!!”

Pigeon is a character unto himself, and Willems once again uses beautifully-balanced kid-style text that is engaging, easy to emote and totally creative. You night notice the appearance of Knuffle Bunny in the book, and the addition of a be-capped man who introduces the story and pleads with the reader to help him get pigeon to sleep, is adorable.

Kids will laugh. Adults will nod their heads in eye-rolling recognition, and here’s hoping against hope the utter sleepyness of our birdie friend by the end of this very tiring book. Tiring in a good way.

You can buy this book online

Review: The Pigeon Needs a Bath

Following on from the hard cover release in April, this soft cover version of Mo Willems' addictive pigeon is typical of this talented creator's dry wit and engaging illustrations.

Like most Willems books, I can't read them without passing thought - on each and every page - to how kids would respond to pigeon and his antics.

Review: Knuffle Bunny

When little Trixie misplaces her best friend, Knuffle Bunny, at the laundromat, who knew this small crisis would instigate a major, life-changing event in a young toddler’s life?

Review: Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

Title: Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems

Publisher: Walker Books, A$15.95RRP
Publication Date: 01/08/05

Format: Softcover

Language: English

ISBN: 9781844280599

For ages: 3-6

Type: Picture Book

About: When little Trixie misplaces her best friend, Knuffle Bunny, at the laundromat, who knew this small crisis would instigate a major, life-changing event in a young toddler’s life?

This delightful book, written and illustrated by the irreverent Mo Willems, is one of our family’s favourites (read: MY favourite). The use of witty text and stunning black and white photos is only rivalled by the hilarity of the emotion in its characters.

Willems' simplistic yet sophisticated signature drawings perfectly complement a blatant sense of humour that hits adults and kids right on the funny bone. An instant classic that will have you flicking for a giggle long after the kids have entered college.
Teacher's Notes
You can buy this book online

Review: Sam: The Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World

Oh how I relish the first viewing of a Mo Willems title - his books are delightful, often charming, always hilarious and so deliciously odd.

Characters do not always act as expected and it is an adventure to read through each new offering that Mo presents, and repeat readings are always must - he is the top of my recommendations list when patrons ask for my assistance at the library.

In this sequel to Leonardo the Terrible Monster (KBR Review here), we learn a bit more about Leonardo's friend Sam who as the title suggests, is the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world. Sam is scared of absolutely everything, well everything except for Leonardo of course, because Leonardo and Sam are very good friends.

Review: Show Me a Story! Why Picture Books Matter

Honestly? As if we need ANYONE to tell us why picture books matter - but I was nonetheless drawn to this book, least of all for its title but also for the fact that its front cover has been Mo Willems-fied. How could I resist?

And the content is equally irresistible.

The foreword is penned by Caldecott medal winner David Wiesner, who quite rightly notes that it is through a book's images that a child first understands the world of the story. He also notes that picture books leave the imagination energised and/or leave children giggling maniacally on the floor.

Review: Be the Bus

Review: We Are Growing!

This book is about as interesting as watching grass grow...but that is VERY interesting when the characters are blades of grass and they are growing in all sorts of crazy directions!

Part of the new Elephant and Piggie Like to Read series (a spin off of Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie series) the book is introduced by Mo Willems as one of Elephant and Piggie's favourite books to read, and brings us a story with the same enthusiasm, sense of fun and wonderful friendships that we've come to expect from the Elephant and Piggie series.

Book List: Gifts for Newborns

When a new baby is born, what better gift to give than a book or two? Books make wonderful keepsakes and will be loved and read for many years. The KBR team has pooled their resources and compiled this list of favourite books to give at special times like this. Some are classics that have stood the test of time, while others are newer and will soon create their own memories. We hope you enjoy them and make this a 'go to' list whenever you want to find something particular to give.