Mo Willems is reaching out to a new audience with his next book, People magazine reports.
Union Square and Co. will publish the children’s book author/illustrator’s Words and Pictures: Writing About Stories, Stories About Writing—intended for adult readers—next year. The press calls the book “a personal, philosophical, and pragmatic look at the art of writing for children.”
Willems made his publishing breakthrough in 2003 with the Caldecott Honor book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, which introduced young readers to the tantrum-throwing bird who would reappear in more than 10 other books, including Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!, The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!, and It’s My Bird-Day!. His other series include Knuffle Bunny, Elephant & Piggie, and Cat the Cat.
In Words and Pictures, Union Square says, “Willems delivers an in-depth study of his writing process, explores his philosophy on writing for children, and dissects one of his picture books—cover to cover—to give readers a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process.”
Willems announced the book on Instagram, writing, “This experiment has been many years in the making. In addition to personal stories and examinations of the mechanics and craft of picture book making, the book breaks down one of my picture books page by page, image by image. All in service of helping you find ways to speak in your voice.”
Words and Pictures is scheduled for publication on March 30, 2027.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
