Currently the High Museum here in Atlanta is featuring a beautiful exhibit of Mo Willems' illustrations.  I heard they were having a book signing, so I looked into it, and was excited to discover they were hosting a free evening viewing of the exhibition, along with a Q & A session with Mo Willems.  I reserved our spots, hoping for a fun evening, but not really certain what to expect.  (books pictured above: don't let the pigeon stay up late and that is not a good idea)

I have always liked his books; we don't really have very many, though.  They have a surprising way of making both me and the girls laugh, which I feel like is quite a feat for a children's books, but they are really quite simple, and seemingly straightforward.

(other books pictured above, in addition to Mo: flora the flamingo, katy no pocket, lately lily, the color kittens, put me in the zoo, i am a bunny, and cloud shelf, cherry garland tutorial)

After hearing Mo speak, however, I am completely smitten with his books and the thought process that goes behind their creation, and I just have to share.  Firstly, he was such an enchanting speaker.  He is hilarious with such a wonderful and insightful viewpoint on childhood.  He says that his books are meant to be simple; there isn't a single extra word on a page or superfluous line in a drawing.  He says he creates his images in such a way that if you took away one line, it would become just an abstraction.  He draws in such a way that the children reading these books can re-create them on their own.  Vivi can draw the pigeon, and continue these stories on her own if she wishes, and it's meant to inspire creation in the tiny people who read these books.

He also talked about how books can sometimes be a child's only friend.  They whisper to them, and the reader is in control of how long it takes to read and internalize a story, whereas television and other forms of consumption tell the consumer how to take in the information, and in what way to enjoy it.  He says he only offers 49% of the story and the readers fill in the rest.  I just love that!

He also talked about how very important doodling and drawing is for children (and adults, too!).  When you draw a character or a figure, you give them expression, and that gives you empathy, which is a powerful thing.  You have to feel for your character as you create them.  He said they keep a roll of butcher paper at their kitchen table, and roll out a fresh piece at every meal, and everyone participates in doodling and drawing as they eat together.  Isn't that the best?  Chip has already requested we add this to our family supper routine, and I love it.

I can't even begin to capture all the little pearls of wisdom he threw out, but I hope that if you have a chance to hear him, you will go.  It was so worth it, and I'm so inspired.  I have been thinking about much of what he said ever since last week!  If you are in Atlanta, the exhibition at the High is just precious.  They even hung the artwork lower, so it's at the eye level of children, and they are doing a live production of the adorable Knuffle Bunny.