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Mo Willems Books in Order

Explore Mo Willems books in order, with short summaries, guides to every series, and clear where-to-start picks for Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and more.

Last updated: January 13, 2026

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It's My Bird-Day!

by Mo Willems

2026

The Pigeon declares it’s his bird-day and wants you to celebrate his big day. He makes demands, dreams up party plans, and tries to get his way. A festive Pigeon story packed with birthday energy and big feelings.

Will the Pigeon Graduate?

by Mo Willems

2025

The Pigeon is facing graduation, and he has a lot of mixed feelings about what comes next. He tries to delay the moment, argue with the rules, and talk you into taking his side. A funny, surprisingly tender milestone book.

The Pigeon WON’T Count to 10!

by Mo Willems

2025

The Pigeon refuses to count to 10, and he’s very loud about it. Page by page, the reader keeps challenging him, until the numbers start slipping out anyway. A funny counting book for stubborn little mathematicians.

Me and Other Bunnies

by Mo Willems

2025

A chatty bunny introduces the many kinds of bunnies in the world: me bunnies, you bunnies, us bunnies, and them bunnies. Along the way, the story turns pronouns into a joke kids can actually follow. Expect lots of bunnies.

Are You Small?

by Mo Willems

2024

What does “small” mean when you zoom in far enough? This companion book flips perspective and explores scale from the everyday to the microscopic. It’s curious, funny, and designed to make kids look at “small” in a new way.

Are You Big?

by Mo Willems

2024

What does “big” mean, really? This playful nonfiction book zooms through different scales, showing how something huge in one context can be tiny in another. It’s a fun, kid-friendly way to rethink size and perspective.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!

by Mo Willems

2023

It’s the holidays, and the Pigeon has one big dream: to drive Santa’s sleigh. He pleads and negotiates with the reader the whole way. A seasonal Pigeon story about impatience, excitement, and wanting control.

Be the Bus

by Mo Willems

2023

A small, gift-sized collection of “Pigeon-isms,” quotes, complaints, and sketches that turn the Pigeon’s attitude into mock wisdom. It’s quick to dip into, packed with doodles, and written for fans who like their humor a little absurd.

The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster

by Mo Willems

2022

The Pigeon is about to ride a roller coaster for the first time, and his emotions go on their own loop-de-loop. He hypes himself up, panics, changes his mind, and tries again. A funny story about bravery and nerves.

The FRUSTRATING Book!

by Mo Willems

2022

Zoom Squirrel wants to experience brand-new emotions, and his squirrel pals are ready to help. But not every feeling is fun, especially frustration. A comic-style early chapter that makes room for big feelings and lots of jokes.

It's a Sign!

by Mo Willems

2022

Four friends want to start a club, but they can’t agree on what to call it. As they experiment with words and ideas, a literal sign offers a clue. A playful beginner reader about collaboration and naming the thing you’re making.

Opposites Abstract

by Mo Willems

2021

This concept book explores opposites through simple shapes, bold design, and minimal words. It invites kids to think about ideas like near and far, inside and outside, and more, without needing a long story to carry the point.

I'm On It!

by Mo Willems

2021

Goat likes to lead, and Frog usually follows. Soon they are on it, under it, beside it, and around it, until their friendship feels stretched thin. A funny beginner reader that plays with prepositions and boundaries.

Guess What!?

by Mo Willems

2021

Zoom Squirrel is counting down to a trip to the beach and wants everyone to guess his big news. The closer it gets, the more nervous he becomes about what the beach will actually be like. A comic-style early chapter about anticipation.

What About Worms!?

by Mo Willems

2020

Tiger isn’t afraid of anything, except worms. He tries to avoid the topic, but worm facts keep popping up anyway. A funny beginner reader about facing a specific fear, learning new information, and not letting panic run the day.

I Want to Sleep Under the Stars!

by Mo Willems

2020

Zoom Squirrel wants to sleep outside under the stars, and he cannot stop talking about it. Excitement turns into worry as the night gets closer. A comic-style early chapter about trying something new, with plenty of squirrel chaos.

Who is the Mystery Reader?

by Mo Willems

2019

Zoom Squirrel is sure there’s a mystery to solve: who is the secret mystery reader at school? Zoom gathers clues, makes wild guesses, and drags his friends into the case. A comic-style story about curiosity and teamwork.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!

by Mo Willems

2019

The Pigeon is finally going to school, and he has a lot to say about it. He insists he already knows everything, then worries about all the unknowns. A funny, familiar story about first-day nerves and trying anyway.

Harold & Hog Pretend For Real!

by Mo Willems

2019

Harold the elephant loves pretending, while Hog prefers a calmer plan. When their playtime ideas clash, they have to negotiate what “playing together” really means. A funny beginner reader about imagination, boundaries, and friendship.

Because

by Mo Willems

2019

A girl hears a beautiful piece of music at a concert, and the story traces all the little “becauses” that made that night possible. Moving backward through time, it shows how small choices can add up to a life-changing moment.

The Itchy Book!

by Mo Willems

2018

A herd of dinosaurs has a problem: they are itchy, and everyone keeps saying “don’t scratch!” The more they try to resist, the harder it gets. A funny beginner reader about self-control, teamwork, and finding a better solution.

I Lost My Tooth!

by Mo Willems

2018

Zoom Squirrel has lost a tooth, and the whole squirrel crew has BIG thoughts about what should happen next. The story turns tooth drama into comic chaos, with jokes, asides, and a surprisingly sweet look at growing up.

A Busy Creature's Day Eating!

by Mo Willems

2018

A hungry “busy creature” chomps its way through an alphabetical feast, from apples and berries to everything it can get its mouth on. The jokes escalate as the creature eats more than food. A wildly silly ABC-style picture book.

Welcome

by Mo Willems

2017

A playful “guide” that welcomes new arrivals to the world using the language of signs, rules, and friendly announcements. It points out all the big activities of being a tiny human, from eating to sleeping to, yes, pooping.

The Good for Nothing Button

by Mo Willems

2017

Yellow Bird finds a button that supposedly does nothing. Red Bird and Blue Bird press it, and feelings show up fast: happy, mad, and more. A short, funny story about arguing, emotions, and what “something” really means.

Sam, the Most Scaredy-cat Kid in the Whole World

by Mo Willems

2017

Sam worries about everything and tries hard to stay safe. When a new situation pushes him out of his comfort zone, he has to decide what courage looks like for him. A funny, reassuring story for cautious kids.

It's Shoe Time!

by Mo Willems

2017

A girl reaches into her closet and chooses two mismatched shoes, and the shoes are shocked. What even counts as a pair? Elephant and Piggie pop in to comment as the story plays with perspective, confidence, and right versus left.

We Are Growing!

by Mo Willems

2016

A little group of plants realizes they’re growing, and everyone wants to be the something-est. Walt worries he doesn’t have a special “est” at all. A warm, silly early reader about noticing what makes you uniquely you.

The Thank You Book

by Mo Willems

2016

Gerald wants to thank everyone who has mattered to him, but the list keeps growing. Piggie helps him remember friends, small kindnesses, and big moments. A warm early reader that celebrates gratitude and community.

The Cookie Fiasco

by Mo Willems

2016

Four friends have three cookies, and no one wants an unfair split. As the debate grows, nervous Hippo starts to crumble, literally. A funny beginner reader that sneaks in problem solving and a lot of cookie panic.

Nanette's Baguette

by Mo Willems

2016

Nanette is given one job: bring home a baguette. The smell is amazing, the temptation is huge, and the walk is long. Step by step, she learns what it feels like to want something and still hold on.

I Will Take a Nap!

by Mo Willems

2015

Piggie is ready for a nap, and Gerald has plans for everything else. As Gerald tries to keep the day moving, Piggie stays determined to rest. A gentle early reader about different moods, different needs, and being kind anyway.

I Really Like Slop!

by Mo Willems

2015

Piggie can’t wait for Gerald to try her favorite food: slop. Gerald is skeptical, and Piggie is wildly enthusiastic. Their debate turns into a funny early reader about taste, trust, and the courage it takes to try one bite.

Diva and Flea

by Mo Willems

2015

In Paris, Diva is a small dog with a safe home, and Flea is a streetwise cat who goes wherever he likes. When they become friends, Flea shows Diva the wider world, and Diva helps Flea rethink what “home” can mean.

Waiting is Not Easy!

by Mo Willems

2014

Piggie asks Gerald to wait for a surprise, and Gerald struggles with every second. His imagination fills the time with worry and frustration. A hilarious early reader about patience and the huge feelings hidden inside a simple wait.

The Pigeon Needs a Bath!

by Mo Willems

2014

The Pigeon insists he does not need a bath, even when he’s visibly filthy. He bargains, complains, and tries every excuse. It becomes a hilarious standoff about stubbornness, hygiene, and finally giving in.

My New Friend Is So Fun!

by Mo Willems

2014

Piggie has a new friend and is having the best time. Gerald tries to be happy for her, but jealousy sneaks in fast. A funny early reader about making room for new friendships and remembering you still matter.

That Is Not a Good Idea!

by Mo Willems

2013

A hungry fox invites a goose to dinner, and a chorus of goslings keeps warning that it’s not a good idea. The goose seems calm anyway. The tension builds page by page to a last moment that flips the whole story.

I'm a Frog!

by Mo Willems

2013

Piggie decides she’s a frog, and she’s not taking no for an answer. Gerald tries to correct her, but Piggie’s imagination keeps winning. A playful early reader about pretend play, identity, and letting a friend be silly.

A Big Guy Took My Ball!

by Mo Willems

2013

Gerald is upset when a big guy takes his ball. Piggie wants to march right up and fix it, but Gerald is scared. Together they face the problem and discover that the story isn’t as simple as “big” and “mean.”

The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

by Mo Willems

2012

A polite duckling gets a cookie, and the Pigeon is outraged. He compares, complains, and tries to make his own case, loudly. A hilarious story about jealousy, manners, and learning to handle someone else getting the spotlight.

Listen to My Trumpet!

by Mo Willems

2012

Piggie has a new trumpet and can’t wait for Gerald to hear it. Gerald is supportive, but he’s also confused by what he’s hearing. Their back-and-forth becomes a funny story about honesty, encouragement, and trying again.

Let's Go for a Drive!

by Mo Willems

2012

Gerald and Piggie decide they want to go for a drive, but there’s one obvious problem: they don’t have a car. Their search for a solution becomes a cheerful early reader about planning, asking for help, and not giving up.

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

by Mo Willems

2012

Three dinosaurs set a perfect trap, with porridge, chairs, and beds, hoping Goldilocks will fall for it. The narrator tries to warn her, but Goldilocks keeps making bad choices. A twisty, funny fairy-tale remix.

Don't Let the Pigeon Finish This Activity Book!

by Mo Willems

2012

The Pigeon tries to hijack an activity book, turning every page into a new argument and a new challenge. Packed with doodles, prompts, and puzzles, it’s part craft book and part comedy, with the reader always in charge.

Should I Share My Ice Cream?

by Mo Willems

2011

Gerald has an ice cream cone and faces a hard question: should he share it with Piggie? He debates with himself until the decision feels urgent. A simple, hilarious early reader about generosity, regret, and the ticking clock of melting ice cream.

I Broke My Trunk!

by Mo Willems

2011

Gerald has broken his trunk and insists he has a very important story about how it happened. Piggie listens as the tale gets bigger and bigger. A funny early reader about storytelling, exaggeration, and what really matters.

Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator!

by Mo Willems

2011

Amanda and her stuffed alligator do everything together, and Alligator has opinions about all of it. Their little arguments and make-ups feel like real friendship. A funny, tender picture book about imagination and companionship.

Happy Pig Day!

by Mo Willems

2011

It’s a special day for Piggie, and Gerald wants to celebrate it the right way. Piggie’s ideas keep getting bigger, and Gerald tries to keep up. A sweet early reader about celebrating a friend and leaning into joy.

What's Your Sound, Hound the Hound?

by Mo Willems

2010

Cat the Cat asks each friend to make their sound, until she reaches a quiet hound who can’t answer the expected way. Together they find another way to join the fun. A gentle early reader about inclusion and creativity.

We are in a Book!

by Mo Willems

2010

Gerald and Piggie realize they’re characters in a book, and the end is getting closer. They try everything to keep the reader laughing before the last page arrives. A clever, meta early reader that feels like a game.

Time to Sleep, Sheep the Sheep!

by Mo Willems

2010

It’s bedtime, and Cat the Cat helps her friends wind down. One by one, the animals say goodnight and settle in. A cozy, slightly silly early reader that makes nighttime routines feel friendly and predictable.

Let's Say Hi to Friends Who Fly!

by Mo Willems

2010

Cat the Cat is excited to meet friends who fly, and each animal shows what it can do in the air. When not everyone can fly, Cat stays welcoming anyway. A bright early reader about differences, confidence, and saying hi.

Knuffle Bunny Free

by Mo Willems

2010

Trixie is older, and her family is facing a big change. As they travel and return to a familiar place, a beloved bunny becomes tied to growing up and letting go. A sweet, slightly wistful finale to the trilogy.

I am Going!

by Mo Willems

2010

Piggie announces she’s going, and Gerald panics. Is she leaving for good, or just for a moment? Their misunderstanding becomes a sweet story about separation anxiety, reassurance, and saying what you really mean.

City Dog, Country Frog

by Mo Willems

2010

A city dog visits the countryside and meets a country frog who shows him ponds, fields, and quiet seasons. Their friendship returns again and again as the year turns. A gentle picture book about friendship and change over time.

Cat the Cat Who Is That?

by Mo Willems

2010

Cat the Cat greets a parade of familiar friends, then meets someone she doesn’t recognize. Instead of backing away, Cat decides to say hi and figure it out. A cheerful early reader about curiosity, kindness, and new friends.

Can I Play Too?

by Mo Willems

2010

Gerald and Piggie are playing catch when a new friend wants to join in. The problem is, playing ball is tricky without arms. Together they experiment, improvise, and make sure everyone gets to play.

Watch Me Throw the Ball!

by Mo Willems

2009

Gerald and Piggie play a simple ball game that quickly turns into a big performance. Piggie is impressed, Gerald is proud, and then the ball does what balls do. A light, laugh-out-loud story about showing off and expectations.

Pigs Make Me Sneeze!

by Mo Willems

2009

Gerald feels a sneeze coming at the worst possible moment, and Piggie is not prepared. Gerald tries to explain, but Piggie’s excitement keeps interrupting. A fast, funny early reader about patience, listening, and a very big sneeze.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

by Mo Willems

2009

In a tunnel full of naked mole rats, everyone insists clothes are unnecessary. One mole rat loves wearing outfits, and the group reacts badly. A funny, upbeat story about self-expression, fitting in, and being brave enough to be different.

Elephants Cannot Dance!

by Mo Willems

2009

Piggie wants to teach Gerald how to dance, and Gerald is convinced he can’t. Step by step, Piggie coaches him through embarrassment and doubt. A joyful early reader about trying something new and finding your own style.

Big Frog Can't Fit In

by Mo Willems

2009

Big Frog is too big for his pond, his home, and just about everything else. As he squeezes, pops, and searches for space, he learns that belonging sometimes means finding the right place, and the right friends, to make room.

Pigeon Wants a Puppy!

by Mo Willems

2008

The Pigeon wants a puppy, and he wants one right now. He imagines all the fun and makes his case with maximum drama. When he finally meets a real puppy, the Pigeon discovers that getting what you want can be… complicated.

I Will Surprise My Friend!

by Mo Willems

2008

Gerald wants to surprise Piggie, but planning a surprise is harder than it sounds. As each attempt goes sideways, Gerald worries he’ll ruin everything. A funny early reader about intentions, timing, and how friends read each other.

I Love My New Toy!

by Mo Willems

2008

Piggie has a brand-new toy and wants to share her excitement with Gerald. Gerald is happy for her, but he’s also nervous about breaking it. Their game becomes a gentle story about trust, care, and playing together.

Today I Will Fly!

by Mo Willems

2007

Gerald announces a bold goal: he will fly today. Piggie cheers him on, but the laws of physics have opinions. Together they test ideas, rethink them, and find a way to feel brave, even if it looks different than expected.

There Is a Bird on Your Head!

by Mo Willems

2007

Gerald discovers a bird on his head, then two birds, then a whole nest. Piggie tries to help before Gerald completely loses it. A silly, satisfying early reader about problem solving and staying calm when things get weird.

My Friend is Sad

by Mo Willems

2007

Piggie is sad, and Gerald is determined to fix it. He tries everything he can think of, but cheering up a friend isn’t simple. A warm, funny early reader about empathy, patience, and showing up anyway.

Knuffle Bunny Too

by Mo Willems

2007

Trixie brings her one-of-a-kind Knuffle Bunny to school, and discovers another kid has the exact same bunny. Feelings explode, and the day turns into a mix-up that only grown-ups can make worse. A funny sequel about identity and first friendships.

I am Invited to a Party!

by Mo Willems

2007

Piggie has an invitation to a party and can’t wait. Gerald wants to come too, but he’s worried about what to wear and what to do. Their planning spiral turns into a sweet lesson about confidence and friendship.

You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When It Monsoons

by Mo Willems

2006

Mo Willems captures a year of world travel by drawing one cartoon each day. Part travel diary and part sketchbook, this collection strings together quick observations and jokes about places, people, and everyday surprises.

Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!

by Mo Willems

2006

It’s bedtime, and the Pigeon has a long list of reasons he should stay up late. He bargains, pleads, and tries every trick he can think of. A laugh-out-loud book that turns bedtime battles into a conversation with the reader.

Time to Say

by Mo Willems

2005

A playful picture book about using polite words, especially “please.” With a chorus of animals and simple, rhythmic text, it shows how one small phrase can change a whole interaction, without turning it into a lecture.

The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!

by Mo Willems

2005

Cars, planes, trains, the Pigeon loves anything that moves. This board book races through favorite ways to go, with big reactions on every page. It’s a quick read for little vehicle fans who like loud opinions.

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!

by Mo Willems

2005

The Pigeon finds a delicious hot dog and cannot wait to eat it. Then a persistent duckling appears and wants a bite. What follows is a funny standoff about sharing, jealousy, and who gets the last word.

Leonardo, the Terrible Monster

by Mo Willems

2005

Leonardo wants to be a terrible monster, but he’s not very good at scaring anyone. When he finally succeeds, he’s surprised by how it feels. A funny, warm picture book about empathy, mistakes, and an unexpected friendship.

Knuffle Bunny

by Mo Willems

2004

During a trip to the laundromat with her dad, toddler Trixie realizes her beloved Knuffle Bunny is missing. She can’t explain it with words, so the family races back to find “some bunny” before it’s too late.

Time to Pee!

by Mo Willems

2003

Potty training becomes a goofy, high-energy chase as animals follow signs and race toward the bathroom. With bold art and simple text, this book turns a stressful milestone into something kids can laugh about and repeat.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

by Mo Willems

2003

A bus driver asks you to watch his bus, with one rule: don’t let the Pigeon drive. The Pigeon begs, argues, and throws a spectacular fit, turning the reader into the final decision maker on every page.

Are You Ready to Play Outside?

by Mo Willems

2001

Piggie is ready for a perfect day outside, and Gerald wants to join in. Then the weather changes fast, and their big plan has to adapt. A funny early reader about flexibility, friendship, and making the best of a surprise.

The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!

by Mo Willems

1994

The Pigeon has a lot of feelings, and he wants you to know about all of them. This sturdy board book invites kids to name emotions as the Pigeon cycles through dramatic reactions, from proud to sad to absolutely furious.

Where should I start?

If you want the classic picture-book chaos: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!The Pigeon Needs a Bath!The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
If you want a family story with real-life Brooklyn vibes: Knuffle BunnyKnuffle Bunny TooKnuffle Bunny Free
If you want easy-reader friendship comedy: My Friend is SadThere Is a Bird on Your Head!Are You Ready to Play Outside?We are in a Book!
If you want newer comic-style chapter fun: I Lost My Tooth!Who is the Mystery Reader?Guess What!?
If you want funny standalones: Leonardo, the Terrible MonsterNanette's BaguetteGoldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

Author bio

Mo Willems was born in Des Plaines, Illinois, and grew up in New Orleans. As a kid, he was already drawing cartoons and making up characters, and he paid close attention to how people reacted when he shared a story.

He noticed something early: grown-ups will compliment almost anything if they’re trying to be nice. So he started aiming for something harder to fake, a real laugh. If the room laughed, he knew he was onto something, and if it was just polite praise, he went back to the drawing board.

He wanted the laugh, not the polite smile.

Willems studied at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. After graduating, he spent a year traveling around the world and drew one cartoon each day, a project that later became You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When It Monsoons.

Before picture books, he built a career in television. He worked as a writer and animator for Sesame Street and won six Emmy Awards for his writing there. He also created animated series like The Off-Beats and Sheep in the Big City, and later worked as head writer on Codename: Kids Next Door. Along the way he tried stand-up comedy and recorded radio essays, which makes sense when you see how comfortable his books are with timing and voice.

Then he switched lanes.

In 2003 he published Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and immediately found the thing that would become his signature: a character who talks straight to the reader, argues, negotiates, and refuses to accept “no.” A year later came Knuffle Bunny, a family story that blends photographs and drawings as a toddler named Trixie tries to communicate one urgent fact, her beloved stuffed bunny is missing. Both books earned Caldecott Honors, and they helped turn Willems into a go-to name for read-aloud time.

The Elephant & Piggie books, starring cautious Gerald and fearless Piggie, pushed that same voice into early readers. The stories are built almost entirely from dialogue, with simple sentences, big emotions, and jokes that land even if you’re sounding out the words. Two of the titles won Theodor Seuss Geisel Medals, and several others received Geisel Honors, but the appeal is simpler than any award: kids can finish one, feel proud, and ask for another.

Willems has always liked taking everyday kid problems and treating them like huge adventures. That’s true whether he’s writing a gentle monster story in Leonardo, the Terrible Monster, a temptation-and-willpower comedy in Nanette's Baguette, or a sly fairy-tale remix in Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs. Even his darker joke books, like That Is Not a Good Idea!, keep the tension playful, with the reader in on the warning.

In recent years he’s kept experimenting with format, from the comic-style Unlimited Squirrels books to concept titles like Opposites Abstract. He was also named the first education artist-in-residence at the Kennedy Center, and his “Lunch Doodles” videos became a daily creative ritual for many families during the early months of the pandemic.

Willems is married to writer Cheryl Camp, and they live in Northampton, Massachusetts. He still draws with the energy of someone trying to earn that honest laugh, and his best characters make kids feel like they’re part of the conversation, not just listening in.

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.

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All 82 Mo Willems Books in Order (Complete List 2026)