What do you think?
Rate this book
Don't Pigeonhole Me!: Two Decades of the Mo Willems Sketchbook
Young readers first met the Pigeon, a beleaguered bird desperate for a shot behind the wheel of a bus, in 2003. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! went on to sell millions of copies, receive a Caldecott Honor, and spawn additional picture books, apps, games, and even silly bands.
But did you know the Pigeon was born many years earlier in the pages of a sketchbook?
In Don't Pigeonhole Me! Two Decades of the Mo Willems Sketchbook, readers are given a rare glimpse into the mind of the man the New York Times described as "The biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the '00s." Since he was a teenager, Mo has been creating characters and scribbling ideas in the pages of sketchbooks. In the early 1990s, he started self-publishing collections of his drawings, and The Mo Willems Sketchbook was created. What began as a calling card for his work has morphed over the years from a form of therapy, to an opportunity to explore and experiment, to a gift for friends and loved ones. But these sketchbooks have always been (and continue to be) the well from which Mo draws ideas and inspiration.
Featuring a foreword by Eric Carle and an introduction by Mo, this volume includes all twenty sketchbooks from the last two decades. Don't Pigeonhole Me! reveals the author/illustrator at his most truthful, most experimental, most grown-up.
Most Mo.
Want to know where ideas come from? Look inside.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2013
5 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Mo Willems
231 books4,113 followers#1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems is best known for his Caldecott Honor winning picture books Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale.
In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.
The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."
Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.
Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.
The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."
Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.
Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
January 21, 2014
Cannot believe the complaints about this books from other reviewers. Heaven help the children's author who writes an adult book. You know, Willems wasn't always a children's author, or an animator for Nickelodeon. This is a retrospective of his past work. Obviously, he must have expected this to be an issue, since the title is Don't Pigeonhole Me. People are even wondering why there isn't a warning label and clutching their pearls over the fact children might see it. Heaven help any of these folks if they come across what Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein were up to when not winning the hearts of children everywhere.
Anyway, this is a really cool book full of what were basically Mo's zines. If you are familiar with Willems, you'll spot the origins of some of his popular picture books, but even if you're not, it's an enjoyable look at the creative process.
Anyway, this is a really cool book full of what were basically Mo's zines. If you are familiar with Willems, you'll spot the origins of some of his popular picture books, but even if you're not, it's an enjoyable look at the creative process.
October 6, 2018
Mo Willems could publish anything---anything, even a book of his old scribble-dy cartoons---and I would read it.
This book is that anything. It's literally a book of his old, scribble-dy cartoons.
And, of course, because it is by Mo Willems, (though, admittedly, it is by a much, much younger and less wise Mo Willems), it is brilliant.
Keep it comin', Mo. Surely you still have a few chests of drawings from elementary school still stored at your mom's place?
This book is that anything. It's literally a book of his old, scribble-dy cartoons.
And, of course, because it is by Mo Willems, (though, admittedly, it is by a much, much younger and less wise Mo Willems), it is brilliant.
Keep it comin', Mo. Surely you still have a few chests of drawings from elementary school still stored at your mom's place?
February 18, 2018
Good thing Willems hit on the childrens' book angle, his adult stuff is pretty boring.
June 22, 2013
While somewhat interesting to see the "behind the scenes" of what makes Mo "Mo," this book unfortunately does not cater to his biggest fans or the people who brought him fame and fortune......kids. How much more wonderful it would have been for children to experience the mystery behind the author/illustrator they feel such an affection towards with a non-fiction book meant for them! Sadly, this book must have been intended for the teachers, parents, and librarians who are familiar with his work and can handle some of the adult themes of his sketches. A missed opportunity here.
November 10, 2016
You know those days where all you can see is despair about the end of civilization as we know it, and the beginning of bad, very horrible times, and you just want to crawl into a dimly lit warm and dry space from now until you feel better, which is clearly going to be ten minutes past never? But you realize that maybe your best chance of surviving the terror is to be near other human who you are pretty sure don't want to destroy all that is good and valued in your life? But not in any sort of situation when you might have to talk to them, because that seems beyond your abilities at the moment?
So the day after the presidential election I went to the library. That place where you can be by yourself while near other humans without having to interact with them...oh, and they also have books there.
I'm glad I went, because in addition to practicing seeing other people without bursting into tears and whimpering "Why? Why?" I found a copy of Don't Pigeonhole Me.
Mo Williams has a fabulous illustrating (cartooning?) style, which is easily equaled, if not topped by his humor. His sketchbooks through the years shows a breadth of style and free flowing creativity that was such a lovely find in my dark mood.
Even though I put this on my graphic novel shelf it isn't one. I was just to lazy to create a "comic/cartoon" shelf. Mostly because I just now thought of it (but still too lazy to add one..). Don't expect a "story" for the book. Instead this is a collection of Mo's notebooks over the years, with non verbal stories, and other illustrated stories that eventually evolved into children's book, as well as just stream of conscious sketches that fell out of his brain onto paper.
A fun, light, and well done book. Check out your library to see if they have a copy! (Four stars rather than three because it happily distracted me on a very dark day)
So the day after the presidential election I went to the library. That place where you can be by yourself while near other humans without having to interact with them...oh, and they also have books there.
I'm glad I went, because in addition to practicing seeing other people without bursting into tears and whimpering "Why? Why?" I found a copy of Don't Pigeonhole Me.
Mo Williams has a fabulous illustrating (cartooning?) style, which is easily equaled, if not topped by his humor. His sketchbooks through the years shows a breadth of style and free flowing creativity that was such a lovely find in my dark mood.
Even though I put this on my graphic novel shelf it isn't one. I was just to lazy to create a "comic/cartoon" shelf. Mostly because I just now thought of it (but still too lazy to add one..). Don't expect a "story" for the book. Instead this is a collection of Mo's notebooks over the years, with non verbal stories, and other illustrated stories that eventually evolved into children's book, as well as just stream of conscious sketches that fell out of his brain onto paper.
A fun, light, and well done book. Check out your library to see if they have a copy! (Four stars rather than three because it happily distracted me on a very dark day)
August 11, 2014
A lot of the cartoons and drawings here were amusing, but it strikes me as the kind of work that is generally collected and published in a handsome volume like this after an author has died, or is at least is very near the end of his career, a la The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss. The frequent gushing quotes about how great Mo Willems is would have been appropriate if this book had been some sort of tribute; in a book he himself produced at the height of his career they come across as a tad immodest.
October 23, 2016
This book reminds me of the James Thurber collections I read years ago. Very New York, very funny.
I have no idea why people are freaking out that it's not a kids' book. It was in the adult nonfiction section of my library, and it would be in the adult section of any bookstore. Also, it's a book of cartoons, so it would be the work of moments to preview it if you were honestly confused about whether or not to give your five year old a copy. ALSO it weighs about ten pounds, which is pretty unlikely in children's books. Take a tiny bit of responsibility, folks. Any confusion reflects poorly on you, not on Willems, his publisher, etc.
I have no idea why people are freaking out that it's not a kids' book. It was in the adult nonfiction section of my library, and it would be in the adult section of any bookstore. Also, it's a book of cartoons, so it would be the work of moments to preview it if you were honestly confused about whether or not to give your five year old a copy. ALSO it weighs about ten pounds, which is pretty unlikely in children's books. Take a tiny bit of responsibility, folks. Any confusion reflects poorly on you, not on Willems, his publisher, etc.
January 14, 2014
Awesome bday gift! I love it but was a little bit shocked seeing some of the sketches considering Mo writes kids books. So glad I finally read this, but I'm sure there are angry parents out there who bought this thinking it was an enormous children's book. No warning on the cover, and even an intro by Eric
Carle? Yikes! Hopefully kids won't grab this at the bookstore by mistake?!
Carle? Yikes! Hopefully kids won't grab this at the bookstore by mistake?!
May 20, 2019
I have not read the Pigeon picture books, so do not know this author, but when this book showed up on my library shelves I picked it up. This is a collection of a yearly zine and doodles from the artist's sketchbooks, and I had fun dipping in and out. I liked some of the work better than others, and some the humor is dead on. Fans of his kid books note this is one is for mature audiences only.
January 26, 2015
I enjoy reading Mo Willems children's books out loud to my students. I enjoy his "simple" drawings. This book is not for kids. No Willems shows his thinking and doodlings from the 1990s. It was interesting to see the progress of characters from his sketchbooks and 'zines.
June 4, 2018
Mo Willems is even better when not constrained by having to write a book for children. I feel like I always knew there was a bit of dark undercurrent to his humor, and seeing his less popular and unpublished works I don't think I'm wrong.
February 23, 2016
SOOOOOOO funny!! I'm a huge fan of Mo Willems' children's books. This is absolutely not one of them!
June 14, 2017
Mo Willems is funny and talented and both traits are evident in this book.
February 18, 2018
Mo Willems fans will love this. Everybody will enjoy it.
My favourite is The Pigeon tells a Story.
My favourite is The Pigeon tells a Story.
August 22, 2015
I saw his The Pigeon Needs a Bath! in a bookstore a few months ago and loved it, so when I found this big, heavy book at a library, I had to check it out.
Reading other people's reviews, I realize how tricky book marketing is. This book is NOT for children, even though the author is best known for his children's books. He clearly says so in the book, but I guess some people had to see a big warning sign on the book cover that says "Caution! Nudity inside" or something.
This book is a friendly invitation to his creative process. You get to see how an idea evolves, and how some ideas never make it to the big stage but still are essential in a special way. If you are a creator of some kind, I think you'll love this. I also love his sense of humor and bold pictures. It almost makes me want to be an artist rather than an author. (Haha ...)
Btw here is his story behind the book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (first of the Pigeon series, I guess): all the publishers rejected it saying, "It's unusual." Until one of them, who also thought the book was unusual, took it up -- she didn't think "unusual" was a problem.
Yeah, yeah, I can see that. Most publishers don't want something new and unusual. They want something like the books they could sell well before. Then someone takes the risk and boon! The readers love it. ^_^
Reading other people's reviews, I realize how tricky book marketing is. This book is NOT for children, even though the author is best known for his children's books. He clearly says so in the book, but I guess some people had to see a big warning sign on the book cover that says "Caution! Nudity inside" or something.
This book is a friendly invitation to his creative process. You get to see how an idea evolves, and how some ideas never make it to the big stage but still are essential in a special way. If you are a creator of some kind, I think you'll love this. I also love his sense of humor and bold pictures. It almost makes me want to be an artist rather than an author. (Haha ...)
Btw here is his story behind the book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (first of the Pigeon series, I guess): all the publishers rejected it saying, "It's unusual." Until one of them, who also thought the book was unusual, took it up -- she didn't think "unusual" was a problem.
Yeah, yeah, I can see that. Most publishers don't want something new and unusual. They want something like the books they could sell well before. Then someone takes the risk and boon! The readers love it. ^_^
June 2, 2014
I think a few of the reviewers on here missed the point. The title of the book is "Don't Pigeonhole Me!" and it's Mo Willems sharing the art he has been creating for DECADES, even before he was famous for his Pigeon and Elephant and Piggie. As he explains in the first few pages, he doodles all the time and sometimes he draws things for his adult friends and this collection highlights many of those doodles.
If you are a teen or adult fan of Willem's art, you MUST read this book. It gives you insight on his artistic career through his love of 'zines. It starts out with him as a poor struggling artist in NYC in his 20s, practically tricking his friend to publish an entire 'zine of his work. And then this becomes an annual tradition that he still upholds today.
You get to watch his entire style grow and expand until you see the Mo we know by the end.
I loved this book. I loved his little notes. I think Mo loved having the opportunity to share this artwork which was just distributed to a handful of his friends over the years. It's like being a part of his inner circle. The introduction of each collection explains where he was in his life at the time and why the collection is themed the way it is. GREAT book for aspiring artists who need some motivation to go on and maybe great inspiration for a home project or school/library program.
If you are a teen or adult fan of Willem's art, you MUST read this book. It gives you insight on his artistic career through his love of 'zines. It starts out with him as a poor struggling artist in NYC in his 20s, practically tricking his friend to publish an entire 'zine of his work. And then this becomes an annual tradition that he still upholds today.
You get to watch his entire style grow and expand until you see the Mo we know by the end.
I loved this book. I loved his little notes. I think Mo loved having the opportunity to share this artwork which was just distributed to a handful of his friends over the years. It's like being a part of his inner circle. The introduction of each collection explains where he was in his life at the time and why the collection is themed the way it is. GREAT book for aspiring artists who need some motivation to go on and maybe great inspiration for a home project or school/library program.
April 18, 2016
I thought Mo Willems was a genius before I read this book. Don't Pigeonhole Me! is just further proof of his brilliant mind. Includes lots of his early work in sketchbook form and details about what inspired him to create his most beloved characters. I love the fact that he and his wife have "doodle dinners" where the dining room table is covered in butcher paper and all guests are encouraged to draw on the chalkboard walls in Willems' dining room.
Highlights of this book for me were: Olive Hue Show Mutts, a "hard reader" with a drunken bunny main character that will actually make you realize (or remember) how incredibly hard decoding words is for anyone just learning to read. This story must be read out loud to be understood. Hilarious! Also laughed throughout the original version of Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs...and finally, The Little Bad Wolf, who is not really very bad, but instead is merely annoying, works as a telemarketer, plays stupid pranks on people repeatedly, and recommends bad music to people.
Much of the humor in this book is aimed at adults (more than a few boobies in the drawings, people). But if you're a Willems fan, this is a must read. Great insight into a weird and wonderful mind.
Highlights of this book for me were: Olive Hue Show Mutts, a "hard reader" with a drunken bunny main character that will actually make you realize (or remember) how incredibly hard decoding words is for anyone just learning to read. This story must be read out loud to be understood. Hilarious! Also laughed throughout the original version of Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs...and finally, The Little Bad Wolf, who is not really very bad, but instead is merely annoying, works as a telemarketer, plays stupid pranks on people repeatedly, and recommends bad music to people.
Much of the humor in this book is aimed at adults (more than a few boobies in the drawings, people). But if you're a Willems fan, this is a must read. Great insight into a weird and wonderful mind.
June 13, 2017
Let me start this review by saying, I love Mo Willems work! His Elephant and Piggie books are true gems and have encouraged my kids to keep going when they were starting their reading career. Every time we pick up a Mo Willems book, it's like magic. The kids laugh and giggle, find delight in the silly little story - but most importantly want to keep reading.
When looking for a children's biography on Willems, I stubbled across this title. I decided I had to read this for myself, because I have come to appreciate Willems work over the years and now as my kids are growing older, realize we won't be sitting around reading Elephant and Piggie books anymore!
This book has Willems' early material. He came from the era of Zines and made his own sketchbooks for publication over the years. He starts each chapter giving the reader a little background on what he was going for. Honestly, the earlier material did not really spark anything within in me.. but I would say from the introduction from Pigeon on, I was just as entertained as my children are by his children's books. My personal favorite chapter was Olive Hue Show Mutts.
Mo Willems remains an inspiration - not only to children but adults as well!!
When looking for a children's biography on Willems, I stubbled across this title. I decided I had to read this for myself, because I have come to appreciate Willems work over the years and now as my kids are growing older, realize we won't be sitting around reading Elephant and Piggie books anymore!
This book has Willems' early material. He came from the era of Zines and made his own sketchbooks for publication over the years. He starts each chapter giving the reader a little background on what he was going for. Honestly, the earlier material did not really spark anything within in me.. but I would say from the introduction from Pigeon on, I was just as entertained as my children are by his children's books. My personal favorite chapter was Olive Hue Show Mutts.
Mo Willems remains an inspiration - not only to children but adults as well!!
August 8, 2019
Seldom do I quibble much with reviewer-supreme Karen Brissette (who has provided many funny reviews and stories), but in this case I do.
Mo Willems is one of my favorite cartoonists. His "Pigeon" and "Elephant and Piggie" books helped save my youngest son as a reader, and for that I put him up there among the pantheon of children's writers. Especially young children. But I didn't know him in any other realm. But now I do.
Sure, so much of this book is just the simple doodling of a delightfully warped cartoonist, and I love it. I relished the pun cartoons. So many of them just made me grin. Probably my favorite was "The neighs have it." This collection of his sketchbooks, which appear to be keepsakes sent to family and friends (and I am jealous), simply brings mirth and merriment. They are often refreshingly different. And we can be eternally thankful that a few of them spawned some of the best children's picture books ever.
So, don't listen to Karen (on this one / well, maybe not too much either on the Chuck Tingle reviews, if you are the prudish sort). Get this book and enjoy a little humor in your life. Some are childish. Some pun-ish. Some artsy, some silly. All good.
Mo Willems is one of my favorite cartoonists. His "Pigeon" and "Elephant and Piggie" books helped save my youngest son as a reader, and for that I put him up there among the pantheon of children's writers. Especially young children. But I didn't know him in any other realm. But now I do.
Sure, so much of this book is just the simple doodling of a delightfully warped cartoonist, and I love it. I relished the pun cartoons. So many of them just made me grin. Probably my favorite was "The neighs have it." This collection of his sketchbooks, which appear to be keepsakes sent to family and friends (and I am jealous), simply brings mirth and merriment. They are often refreshingly different. And we can be eternally thankful that a few of them spawned some of the best children's picture books ever.
So, don't listen to Karen (on this one / well, maybe not too much either on the Chuck Tingle reviews, if you are the prudish sort). Get this book and enjoy a little humor in your life. Some are childish. Some pun-ish. Some artsy, some silly. All good.
March 4, 2014
I love this book! I must get a copy to keep forever and ever!
I've been a fan of the pigeon for a few years now, and to be able to meet all his wacky friends and corrupt family was awesome. My favorite part was getting to see the pigeon retell the Little Engine that Could - what an ending! I read it to my husband, but he didn't see the genius. My brother doesn't either. I'll have to wait until my nieces are a little older to read it to them, but they love the pigeon almost as much as Tia.
I also enjoyed seeing the first draft for the Three Dinosaurs. I must admit that it got ever so much better in the rewrite. The dinosaur from Norway is way funnier than the baby dinosaur.
If you like Mo Willems, you must read this book.
And let the pigeon drive the bus...
I've been a fan of the pigeon for a few years now, and to be able to meet all his wacky friends and corrupt family was awesome. My favorite part was getting to see the pigeon retell the Little Engine that Could - what an ending! I read it to my husband, but he didn't see the genius. My brother doesn't either. I'll have to wait until my nieces are a little older to read it to them, but they love the pigeon almost as much as Tia.
I also enjoyed seeing the first draft for the Three Dinosaurs. I must admit that it got ever so much better in the rewrite. The dinosaur from Norway is way funnier than the baby dinosaur.
If you like Mo Willems, you must read this book.
And let the pigeon drive the bus...
October 2, 2017
Don't Pigeonhole Me is a hard book to categorize! It is a large collection of small sketchbooks that Willem's has made over the years to share predominantly with his family and friends. -- I'm going to admit that I didn't always "get the joke"! (Not sure if that says more about me, than him though!)
Definitely for adults, Don't Pigeonhole Me is an interesting look into Willem's humour as well as the origins of some of his children's book characters, as he plays with them in his sketchbooks before developing them into his incredibly popular children's books. This giant tome is worth a look at, but don't expect Willem's usual child-friendly entertainment.
Definitely for adults, Don't Pigeonhole Me is an interesting look into Willem's humour as well as the origins of some of his children's book characters, as he plays with them in his sketchbooks before developing them into his incredibly popular children's books. This giant tome is worth a look at, but don't expect Willem's usual child-friendly entertainment.
January 10, 2014
Seriously, does he really need the money? How very sad a successful children's book author publishes a book clearly for adults and hopes to collect on his name. Perhaps using a pen name would have avoided the bad publicity he will get when children take this book out and then realize - it is not a Mo Willems they are familiar with. Shame on Mo Willems, shame on Eric Carle who does the forward and shame on Disney for publishing and shame on any parent who purchases this without reading it first. SKIP IT!!!!!
October 6, 2014
Great collection of Mo Willems doodles, jokes, and sketches. Clearly the humor and drawings are for adults. Influences from other artists are evident in some, making this collection even more enjoyable to me.
May 28, 2017
My first and second grade students absolutely adore Mo Willems' books, and I love reading them aloud! This was a fascinating look at how he got his start...I had no idea how diverse his body of works truly was!
July 5, 2018
Truly a delight! A great gamut of fun! I love his simple line drawings and his great sense of humor. I was thrilled to see the wide range of Mo Willems's interests. I laughed uproariously and had to share it all with my husband.
May 22, 2014
Entertaining and thought provoking, just not a childrens book.
Read
September 13, 2013Has his first draft of "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus". It's not totally for the youngsters, though, just be aware. Had to explain to my 8 y.o. what "paunchy" meant today.
August 8, 2014
I learned 2 things from reading this sketchbook "biography."
1) Willems loves to draw breasts.
2) This is not appropriate for children.
1) Willems loves to draw breasts.
2) This is not appropriate for children.
Read
September 12, 2024Взяла, бо автор майже кожного року є номінантом Goodreads Choice Awards в категорії Книжки-картинки, але відклала, бо він надихався російським художником для одного зі своїх видань скетчбуків. Так як сьогодні я вже бачила двох росіянок (й на іншому континенті нема мені покою...), мені було цього достатньо, щоб DNFнути альбом.
Read
February 15, 2018While this book is 288 pages, it's a short 288 pages as it's mostly Willems sketchbooks. I really enjoyed reading the introductions for the sketchbooks and how they came to be. I especially loved reading about how Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! came to be. While I would have liked to see more about Elephant and Piggie, I still enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews