ARTIST OF THE DAY: MO WILLEMS

ABOUT MO WILLEMS

Mo Willems is an American writer, animator, voice actor, and creator of children's books. His television work includes creating the animated television series Sheep in the Big City for Cartoon Network as well as working on Sesame Street, and The Off-Beats.

BORN: February 11, 1968 (age 52 years), IL

RESIDENCE: MASSACHUSETTS, U.S

SPOUSE: CHERLY CAMP (m. 1997)

CHILDREN: TRIXIE WILLEMS

Mo Willems has a knack for both writing and drawing images. He started drawing cartoons when he was a child and never quit. When it was time to start college, Willems decided on pursuing a degree in animation at New York University. He became successful with a few smalltime films while in still a student. Upon graduating, Mo Willems took a job with Children’s Television Workshop in the research department. This later led to him working as a writer for the hit show, Sesame Street.  Doing so gained him six Emmy awards. Willems continued working there from 1994 to 2002. During this time, he was also credited with creating Sheep in the Big City and Codename: Kids Next Door.  


In the library world, Mo Willems is better known for his children’s books. In 2003, Willems released his first picture book, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Due to the popularity and writing, the book was given a Caldecott Honor. Now, the book is backbone of several other Pigeon books. Not only are his Pigeon books successful, but Willems has been awarded honors and medals for other books. Included in this list is a series of “Easy Readers.”  There is also an illustrated memoir available for older readers to enjoy reading about his trip exploring different parts of the world. 

 Currently, Willems lives in Massachusetts with his family. He is no longer involved with television, but he is still drawing and writing.  

QUOTE BY MO WILLEMS

“If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave.”

WHAT I WISH FOR YOU TODAY

The courage to leave or stay; the courage to seek & find YOUR story.