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Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals
Mo Willems' introductory guide for new arrivals welcomes readers to the world using bold, eye-catching graphics and clever text that is perfect for reading aloud. With a fun and heartwarming message, Welcome playfully interacts with the reader with its meta-humor, while addressing such topics such as injustice, cats, friendship, and family. This one-of-a-kind guide to the world is a must-have for infants and new parents alike.
30 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 2017
3 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Mo Willems
233 books4,134 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
June 15, 2017
This is not a book for reading to babies. Babies don't know the word "endeavor". Babies don't know a lot of words, I know. But this is one of those books that's for adults, but adults are going to pretend it's for babies. Read a different Mo Willems book to a baby. Keep this one for yourself. Also, the mirrors in the front and back of this book are decent: if you need to peep yourself, I highly recommend using them.
June 19, 2017
First sentence: Our research indicates this is YOU. Take a good look. How remarkable it is that you are you. You are a unique combination of LOVE + Time + Luck. I am lucky, too. I am lucky that you are here with me...while we read this book together.
Premise/plot: Mo Willems has a new picture book. It is for "new arrivals." It is written in the second person, presumably to your new baby. It celebrates reading books together among other things.
My thoughts: I asked for a second opinion on this one. My mom said, "what a disappointment! I expect more from a Mo Willems' book!" I concurred--which is why I went to her in the first place. I was very disappointed. Still, I want to talk about what this book is and isn't.
There is a mirror at the front and back of the book. Many books for babies feature mirrors. Babies do like to look at themselves...usually. So this could be a plus.
Also the cover is thicker and sturdier which may invite a certain amount of sucking and chewing. The pages themselves are not as sturdy or as thick as a traditional board book.
The text of the book is wordy. Or should I say verbose?! It is the sound of your voice reading anything, that babies enjoy, or so I've been told. So the fact that the book is text-heavy wouldn't have to be a deal breaker. Comprehension isn't the goal, right? Not at the 'new arrival' stage.
There is some repetition. Nine times we see the refrain, "while we read this book together." Repetition goes hand in hand with being a book for babies, toddlers, or preschoolers.
The book is all about being honest.
Honesty is good.
Is the book truly for newborns? for very young babies? Or is the book written for new parents? Is the message really written for--directed to--new arrivals to this thing called parenting. If the "new arrivals" in question are actually the parents, then, I think it would make more sense!
Parents can establish the habit, the routine, of reading books aloud to their newborns. It is never too early to start reading aloud. One shouldn't worry if the baby can understand, comprehend, the text. As a bond-builder this one can more than suffice.
I guess what I found so disappointing were the illustrations. I just was not amused or impressed by the illustrations. I did not find them appealing. I found them dull, boring, uninspired.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 1 out of 5
Total: 5 out of 10
Premise/plot: Mo Willems has a new picture book. It is for "new arrivals." It is written in the second person, presumably to your new baby. It celebrates reading books together among other things.
My thoughts: I asked for a second opinion on this one. My mom said, "what a disappointment! I expect more from a Mo Willems' book!" I concurred--which is why I went to her in the first place. I was very disappointed. Still, I want to talk about what this book is and isn't.
There is a mirror at the front and back of the book. Many books for babies feature mirrors. Babies do like to look at themselves...usually. So this could be a plus.
Also the cover is thicker and sturdier which may invite a certain amount of sucking and chewing. The pages themselves are not as sturdy or as thick as a traditional board book.
The text of the book is wordy. Or should I say verbose?! It is the sound of your voice reading anything, that babies enjoy, or so I've been told. So the fact that the book is text-heavy wouldn't have to be a deal breaker. Comprehension isn't the goal, right? Not at the 'new arrival' stage.
There is some repetition. Nine times we see the refrain, "while we read this book together." Repetition goes hand in hand with being a book for babies, toddlers, or preschoolers.
The book is all about being honest.
Please enjoy your stay. Many activities are available for you to enjoy, including, but not limited to: SLEEPING and WAKING, EATING and BURPING, POOPING and MORE POOPING. Other options are available upon request and will be updated on a regular basis. Of our current offerings, I can personally recommend your being right here with me...while we read this book together.
If you have further questions do not hesitate to CALL or FLAIL ABOUT or SCREAM LIKE A BANSHEE. Someone is standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They will be with you as soon as possible. Right now I am here with you...while we read this book together.
Honesty is good.
Is the book truly for newborns? for very young babies? Or is the book written for new parents? Is the message really written for--directed to--new arrivals to this thing called parenting. If the "new arrivals" in question are actually the parents, then, I think it would make more sense!
Parents can establish the habit, the routine, of reading books aloud to their newborns. It is never too early to start reading aloud. One shouldn't worry if the baby can understand, comprehend, the text. As a bond-builder this one can more than suffice.
I guess what I found so disappointing were the illustrations. I just was not amused or impressed by the illustrations. I did not find them appealing. I found them dull, boring, uninspired.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 1 out of 5
Total: 5 out of 10
Read
July 6, 2018Review to come.
A gorgeous story for new families, as new (or experienced) parents are bound to enjoy this one.
To be honest, a new baby isn't going to understand what the words mean, obviously, but they will love being read to and the images are simple but eye-catching.
This is more of a book aimed at the parents than the kids themselves (though it works for both), but when reading to "new arrivals" that's often the kind of thing you're looking for.
A gorgeous story for new families, as new (or experienced) parents are bound to enjoy this one.
To be honest, a new baby isn't going to understand what the words mean, obviously, but they will love being read to and the images are simple but eye-catching.
This is more of a book aimed at the parents than the kids themselves (though it works for both), but when reading to "new arrivals" that's often the kind of thing you're looking for.
August 8, 2017
Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals - Mo Willems Very good concept, excellent execution. Another book giving the reader warm, positive, living words to say to the listener, but not smarmy or precious.
Library copy.
Library copy.
March 20, 2017
The perfect gift for reluctant readers who are new parents. This is a gateway book.
May 29, 2017
5 million stars. Best baby book ever. 💛
July 3, 2017
I don't read many picture books but this one is special! It may be our first day of school read aloud! Yes, officially, it's for babies, but I think it would work for 8th graders too:)
February 8, 2019
I'm not crying! You're crying!!!
This book is as much affirmations for parents as it is an introduction to reading for wee babies, and it kind of does everything right.
This book is as much affirmations for parents as it is an introduction to reading for wee babies, and it kind of does everything right.
June 2, 2017
Hey - I, like Mo Willems, am also a former baby! I, however, have never won any medals.
I like this book because it's up front and honest. Life is what you make it and while there may be many hurdles along the way, it is well worth enjoying. You are not alone.
I like this book because it's up front and honest. Life is what you make it and while there may be many hurdles along the way, it is well worth enjoying. You are not alone.
April 8, 2022
This will be my new go-to book for new parents & baby showers!
November 27, 2017
Clever and funny. Would expect nothing less from Willems. But... what infant is going to get anything out of this book?
April 10, 2018
I was charmed from start to finish.
But this is not a baby book for baby. This is a baby book for the grown ups.
It's funny, it's apt, it's heart-warming.
It speaks the truth in a way that new parents will respond to.
In those early days and months, reading to baby is a GREAT habit to get into. The trick is finding books that you, as the adult, enjoy reading. Let's face it, when you're tired and overwhelmed and feeling out of your depth with this whole being a new parent thing, you want something that affirms, and amuses you at the same time. You want to be reminded of the glory and the reality that is your new life.
Willems hits this mark beautifully.
Yes, read this book to your new born baby. They wont understand a word of it yet, after a few weeks they might start responding to the image in the mirror, but this book is all about you, sitting down with your newborn, snuggling up together at the end of a tough day to share some quiet time together, reading.
Later on, down the track, you will have to read the books that juniors wants and you will read some really bad, dull stories over and over again. But until then, enjoy reading your favourites over and over again.
Sharing a story is good for both of you - books like this help it to become a habit that you enjoy and want to do.
But this is not a baby book for baby. This is a baby book for the grown ups.
It's funny, it's apt, it's heart-warming.
It speaks the truth in a way that new parents will respond to.
In those early days and months, reading to baby is a GREAT habit to get into. The trick is finding books that you, as the adult, enjoy reading. Let's face it, when you're tired and overwhelmed and feeling out of your depth with this whole being a new parent thing, you want something that affirms, and amuses you at the same time. You want to be reminded of the glory and the reality that is your new life.
Willems hits this mark beautifully.
Yes, read this book to your new born baby. They wont understand a word of it yet, after a few weeks they might start responding to the image in the mirror, but this book is all about you, sitting down with your newborn, snuggling up together at the end of a tough day to share some quiet time together, reading.
Later on, down the track, you will have to read the books that juniors wants and you will read some really bad, dull stories over and over again. But until then, enjoy reading your favourites over and over again.
Sharing a story is good for both of you - books like this help it to become a habit that you enjoy and want to do.
January 13, 2018
I typically do not count or comment on any of the hundreds of children's picture books that I read on GoodReads. HOWEVER, this one is so cute and so clever that I needed to say something about it so that I don't forget that it exists. In fact, two small children that I happen to know and love will be receiving a copy of this book very soon.
Set up as a guide for babies, Willems does what he does best -- gives us a book that both children and adults will love!
The messages are simple ones. You are loved. Things won't always go your way. You are loved. There will be disappointment. You are loved. There's even a reminder on every page that the adult and the child are "read[ing] this book together."
It is perfect. I'll be hard pressed to find a newly released picture book that I like more anytime soon.
Buy this book and read it to the kids in your life!
Set up as a guide for babies, Willems does what he does best -- gives us a book that both children and adults will love!
The messages are simple ones. You are loved. Things won't always go your way. You are loved. There will be disappointment. You are loved. There's even a reminder on every page that the adult and the child are "read[ing] this book together."
It is perfect. I'll be hard pressed to find a newly released picture book that I like more anytime soon.
Buy this book and read it to the kids in your life!
June 19, 2017
While it is breaking my heart to give a Willems book a one star, I'm doing it. 'Cause, really? who is this book really for? Is it simply a money maker for people to give at baby showers? While it has basic pictures and a cute mirror but. but. but.. just no. It will be added to my library's picture book collection and it will go out b/c it is Mo but this is one librarian that is unimpressed.
May 26, 2020
It doesn't matter if a baby cannot understand one word of this witty take on a new arrival. What DOES matter is sitting the baby in your lap and reading out loud to her. Or him. Every day. Night. Whenever.
If you want your kid to grow up smart, loving books and connected to you, you'll read to them. Over and over.
If you want your kid to grow up smart, loving books and connected to you, you'll read to them. Over and over.
February 28, 2023
Oh, Mo. You have tried a board book. It's full of advice for new babies. It's all good advice. We thank you for it.
You can write anything, I guess, maybe even a garage sale sign or a grocery list, and we would read it and love it.
You can write anything, I guess, maybe even a garage sale sign or a grocery list, and we would read it and love it.
June 13, 2017
Definitely a book for parents, not the "new arrivals" it advertises, but it was fine.
June 8, 2017
Disappointed. I love Mo Willems and this was just blah. None of his usual wit.
October 6, 2017
A fun book to give to a new parent for a baby shower gift, this is a charming welcome brochure for a new baby, but lacks the charm of Willems' zany illustrations, which I missed a lot. Still cute though.
May 28, 2017
Another winner from Mo Willems. Not only is it a perfect gift for families welcoming a new member into the mix but also a fun way to promote reading aloud to babies! The art is unique. And it has two mirrors so that's doubly good!
June 14, 2017
Hilarious, as his books always are! Original idea too, which can be kind of hard to come by in the picture book world...
July 27, 2017
cute :)
October 4, 2017
Just perfect. Absolutely perfect.
January 7, 2018
BEST NEW BABY BOOK EVER.
June 13, 2018
My new baby shower gift
June 10, 2025
The EarlyON program gave us a copy at the last "You and Your Baby" session. It's a sweet, fun, clever, heartfelt guide for me parents and babies. This may be my new go to for baby gifts!!
July 25, 2017
OMG THIS IS SO FANTASTIC.
August 28, 2017
A very clever and funny novelty board book!
November 12, 2017
I imagined John Cleese's voice reading this. it was perfect
August 7, 2018
Somebody needs to have a baby so I can get them this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews