Author Biography
Mo Willems is the author of the Caldecott Honor-winning books Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (9781844280599) and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (9781844285136). His other groundbreaking picture books include Leonardo, the Terrible Monster (9781406312157) and Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct (9781406312294). Mo began his career as a writer and animator on Sesame Street, where he garnered six Emmy Awards.
Critical Reviews
That most basic of functions, subject of countless earnest tomes, at last receives a treatment whose instructional value is equaled by its entertainment value. "If you ever get that funny feeling . . . " reads a series of signs borne by a host of cheerful, cartoony mice as they fly, drive, march, and (in at least one instance) get shot from a cannon past a bevy of dubious-looking multicultural children: "don't PANIC! Don't FRET!" The simple text is direct, not without humor ("And please don't ignore it!"), and wonderfully child-wise, providing the critical reassurance that "everything will still be right where it was." The multitudinous mice in their kite-flying, instrument-playing, sky-diving, helicopter-driving variety constitute a visual feast that enlivens the simple text and will keep the inevitable re-readings from becoming snooze-inducing. The uncluttered layout allows the children to take center stage while the legions of mice, with their text-bearing signs, happily perform their supporting roles. Those kids move from doubt to magnificent relief to pride in a happily encouraging progression, making this offering number one in the potty department. (Picture book. 2-4)
