amysutton's review against another edition
2.0
This was an interesting collection of Mo's early work and annual zine sketchbooks. It was interesting to read the blurbs for how he got ideas for certain series and themes, but the sketches were hit or miss for me.
This is very clearly not a collection for children (which is somewhat ironic considering that's his most famous audience...) but there are still a few collections that could be appropriate. I loved learning that his dining room is painted with chalkboard paint and his tablecloth is white butcher paper that they color on with crayons. Those insights really inspired me to surround myself with more opportunities for art and creativity.
This is very clearly not a collection for children (which is somewhat ironic considering that's his most famous audience...) but there are still a few collections that could be appropriate. I loved learning that his dining room is painted with chalkboard paint and his tablecloth is white butcher paper that they color on with crayons. Those insights really inspired me to surround myself with more opportunities for art and creativity.
shayneh's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining, and fun to see another facet of Mo Willems. Still funny, though most of these whimsical drawings are not made with children in mind.
sarahfett's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful collection of sketches by Mo Willems. I didn't realize that it would be a book geared toward adults, but I enjoyed some of the darker humor. It was interesting to see how he played with different styles of sketching. And being a book by Mo Willems, I of course laughed aloud more than once.
orangerful's review against another edition
5.0
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.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
4.0
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.
falconerreader's review against another edition
4.0
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.
starnosedmole's review against another edition
4.0
A great chance to glimpse Mo Willems' work beyond picture books, this collection of zines, drafts and doodles is clever and fun.
_nothankyou_'s review
3.0
Mo Willems is a favorite in this house so it was cool seeing his doodles, sketches, and stories not necessarily catered to the preschool set. I'm inspired to cover our dinner table in butcher paper & crayons for dinner time doodle sessions.
ashleyreads88's review
While 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 [b:Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!|191113|Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!|Mo Willems|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328495575s/191113.jpg|884960] came to be. While I would have liked to see more about Elephant and Piggie, I still enjoyed this book.
nce14210's review
5.0
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.