By: Mo Willems,
on 1/24/2013
The San Francisco Chronicle has a nice piece about the upcoming SF Sketchfest and it's history, which includes many pals performing over the next few weeks and my first kids-sketch show, Don't Let the Comedians Do Storytime! The Irish Magazine, Inis, has an illustrated interview with me about my characters (I'll be visiting Ireland again later this fall). Also, check out this great
By: Mo Willems,
on 12/19/2012
Scientific American, a magazine I really like, has posted their list of favorite picture books of the year, and GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE DINOSAURS is one of their picks. Any claims to scientific merit in the book is dubious, but as I say, I really like the magazine... The Scripps Howard News' end of year list includes both GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE DINOSAURS and THE DUCKLING GETS A COOKIE!?.
By: Liz Goulet Dubois,
on 12/18/2012
Well, hello, little blog- so good to see you. I’ve been away for while, mostly getting a kid through an extended hospital stay (she’s good now!), and scrambling to catch up on everything else. But hey! Here’s some stuff that showed up recently!
One of my new FRED items, Mr. Tea (a tea infuser shaped like a little guy), was on the Today Show today. Here’s the mighty Al Roker mocking it now!
Watch the whole segment HERE, whereby you can see Al declare, and I quote, “Oh, that’s disturbing. That’s just not right.” HA! He’s right, you know.
More good stuff:
The December 2012 ELLE Magazine: After you’re done checking out Jennifer Lawrence, perfecting your rosy cheeks and dramatic eyes, check out my Pizza Peddlar on the Gift Guide pages! And now you know how sexy women REALLY think.
Changing themes, here’s the December 2012 Issue of Family Circle (not to be confused with Family Circus, Little Billy). They have Mr. Tea featured in their 50 Presents Under $50 Gift Guide.
Ooh, la la! Qu’est ce que c’est? It’s one of my older-but-wiser items, the Chopstick Kids, featured in the Canadian style magazine, Signature. This is the Fall 2012 issue. Très bien!
By: Mo Willems,
on 12/5/2012
Thanks to the editors at School Library Journal for including GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE DINOSAURS on their excellent best of the year list. Lots of pals with lots of great books are represented there. Of Goldilocks, they say: "This recasting of the traditional tale features a trio of hungry-for-human villains, a comically clueless heroine, giant bowls of ready-to-eat pudding (an essential
By: Debbie Ridpath Ohi,
on 12/2/2012
Today's print issue of The New York Times Sunday Book Review has their list of Notable Children's Books Of 2012. There are six YA books, eleven middle grade books, and eight picture books….and I'M BORED (written by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by me) is included!! I'm about to head out this morning to hunt down a copy of The New York Times in Toronto but first, I wanted to write this post:
It's been a truly extraordinary year for me.
Not only did my very first children's book come out in bookstores, but Simon & Schuster also gave me contracts for two more books - one of which I'm also writing. I am grateful to so many people who have encouraged and supported me in the past as well as during the I'M BORED creation process, but today I'd like to mention one person in particular: Justin Chanda.
In 2010, Justin saw my portfolio in the SCBWI Summer Conference Showcase and decided that I'd be the perfect illustrator for Michael Ian Black's newest picture book. Later on (after it was too late for him to change his mind), I asked Justin more about why he picked me; you can read some of his answers in the I'M BORED Scrapbook.
Justin had never heard of me when he first approached me at the conference. He didn't know anything about my "author platform" or the fact that I had been focusing on writing up to that point ... it was all about my art. From Justin, when I asked him:
There was a sense of whimsy and definite style. I loved the assorted cast of characters, but I loved your point of view just as much. I remember there was an illustration of a robot who had lost his arm and one of a little girl looking at these tiny monsters. In both instances I got a clear sense of character, a sense of humor, and a sense of style.
Over the years, I've had a wide range of rejection letters from a wide range of children's book publishers…from the bare form letter for my early efforts up to much more personalized "we like her writing but the story's not quite there" or "we love her mss but it doesn't quite fit our list right now". I've been appreciative of all feedback and I can tell by the quality of the rejections that I've been getting much closer…. but they're still rejections. :-)
Justin Chanda was the first children's book editor to believe in me enough to offer me a contract, and I will always be grateful to him and Simon & Schuster Children's. I'M BORED has opened up other opportunities at S&S, with two more picture book contracts. Justin says he'd also be happy to take a look at anything else I've done, including my middle grade and young adult writing (YAY), so I've been working hard on some new projects.
THANK YOU, JUSTIN AND S&S CHILDREN'S, FOR TAKING A CHANCE ON ME.
I'm going to be writing a series of short gratitude posts over the coming months, thanking some of the people in my life as well as those involved with the creation of I'M BORED, but for now... I'm going out to get a print version of The New York Times Sunday Review so I can get ink on my fingers and spend way too much time marvelling at the extraordinary fact that my name is included.
Photo below was taken by my husband Jeff, when The New York Times reviewed I'M BORED back in September. Below the photo, I've posted the comic I created after reading the review.
By: Debbie Ridpath Ohi,
on 9/12/2012
It's been an exciting and whirlwind week since I'M BORED launched on bookstore shelves last week!
Thanks so much for those of you who have been helping me promote the book online and offline. I've compiled a list of interviews, guest posts and other places online where you can find related posts, and most of these still are or were holding random draws for copies of the book.
*NEW* I am also going to be sending hand-drawn doodles to each of the book giveaway winners for I'M BORED. This applies to any blog who is doing an I'M BORED giveaway in the near fuure.
TODAY:
Wed. Sept. 12, 2012 (online): Interview by Christina Farley on Chocolate For Inspiration.
I'll also be giving a talk tonight at the monthly CANSCAIP meeting about my I'M BORED experience, the benefit of conferences like Packaging Your Imagination and SCBWI, as well as how to get the most out of these kinds of events.
RECENTLY:
Today's Parent and Parenting magazines featured I'M BORED (Today's Parent photo at the top right of this post courtesy Adele Maclean)
I was Featured Artist on PaperTigers.org
July 27, 2012 (online): Toasted Cheese interview with me about I'm Bored - by Erin Bellavia
August 20, 2012 (online): For Young Readers: Most Anticipated Books Of Fall 2012 (49th Shelf)
August 27, 2012 (online): At The Desk: Debbie Ridpath Ohi on Open Book Toronto
Tue. Sept. 4, 2012 (online): I'm Bored Releases Today! - by Christina Farley
Tue. September 4, 2012: A MiG Writer Book Birthday Series: Happy Book Birthday To I'M BORED, by Christina Farley - A Fun Potato Recipe from Carmella Van Vleet - A Boring School Challenge, by Kate Fall - I'm Bored Potato Celebration, by Andrea Mack
Wed. Sept. 5, 2012 (online) - Miss Marple's Musings. Interviewer: Joanna Marple.
Wed. Sept. 5, 2012 (online) - I'M BORED contest announcement by Andrea Mack.
Fri. Sept. 7, 2012 (online) - Perfect Picture Book Friday, with Beth Stilborn.
Fri. Sept. 7, 2012 (online) - I'M BORED review by Greg Leitich Smith. "With expressive illustrations and a hilarious point-counterpoint, a little girl demonstrates that children are less boring than potatoes. And there are waterfowl, too. Really."
October issue of TODAY'S PARENT (print): I'M BORED feature mention
Sun. Sept. 9, 2012 (online) - New Voice & Giveaway: Debbie Ridpath Ohi on Cynsations. Interviewer: Lena Coakley.
Above: selection of photos from my I'M BORED In The Wild gallery of readers with the book.
Mon. Sept. 10, 2012 (online) - The Other Side Of The Story - podcast interview by Matt Mylusch
Mon. Sept. 10, 2012 (online) - It's Worth The Wait: My guest post on Beth Stillborn's blog, By Word Of Beth, about the waiting process between the offer and when the book finally appears on the shelves.
Tue. Sept. 11, 2012 (online): I'M BORED Trifecta with Mr. Schu and Colby Sharp:
-- My guest post on Nerdy Book Club: In The End, It's The Story That Matters (A defence of so-called celebrity books)
-- Mr. Schu's post about the I'M BORED book music video, his interview with Zoe (w/ help from Zoe's Dad)
-- Colby Sharp shares his 4th grader's favorite moments from I'M BORED on Sharpreads
----------
You can find these and other press links on my Debbie's Interviews, Appearances, Guest Blog Posts and Other Cool Press Page.
By: Mo Willems,
on 6/18/2012
Cameraman Bob Lyons has posted some of his old animation camera work, including my first promo for Nickelodeon in 1995. This piece served as the title open and close for kid-produced shorts that ran on the network as interstitials and led to Nick being interested in my series idea, The Off-Beats. Also, thanks to you THE DUCKLING GETS A COOKIE?! spends week 10 on the NYTimes Bestseller
A to Z Challenge Day 21: U . 5 STARS Un Livre is French for Press This, the name of today’s book for review. Here is what the publisher say, on their web page, about Press This: Press the yellow dot on the cover of this book, follow the instructions within, and embark upon a [...]
By: Mo Willems,
on 3/27/2012
The folks at Entertainment Weekly .Com have debut the promotional film for the Pigeon's next adventure, THE DUCKLING GETS A COOKE?! Starring Pigeon newscaster Rock Dove, the short film involves yelling, cookie eating, puppets, and illuminates nothing about the book. What's not to love. Also, check out their fun interview with me. Check it out HERE! I hope you enjoy both.
By: Mo Willems,
on 3/12/2012
And thanks to the Savannah, GA newspaper for this very flattering piece about Elephant and Piggie. Although, I take issue with the idea that no one else is making entertaining early readers. Cynthia Rylant, Grace Lin, the Toon Books, Kate DiCamillo, anyone? And this year will see pals Kevin Henkes, Laurie Keller, and more jump into the pool. As a businessman I'm scared, but as a reader I'm
By: Mo Willems,
on 3/5/2012
Here's a round up of some fun press over the past few days with some heady topics and interpretations of my books. I've always said that it is the reader who creates meaning in a book; the author merely creates the canvas. The following three bits certainly prove the point. First off, Slate (which turns out not to be a roofing journal) offers up it's existential critique of Elephant &
By: Kathy Weller,
on 2/28/2012
By: Mo Willems,
on 2/16/2012
The fine folks at Publisher's Weekly have given my upcoming THE DUCKLING GETS A COOKIE!? its second starred review. They say: "Willems packs his punchy dialogue, punctuation, and cartoon visuals with meaning." Thanks, PW! Meanwhile: Over at Scholastic Parent & Child, they list their 100 favorite children's books ever. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is bestowed "Best Read-Aloud
By: [email protected],
on 2/9/2012
I just wanted to put it here so I can always remember. Countdown has been nominated for some state book awards and so finds itself in very good company in Tennessee, Illinois and Texas. Such sweet news. I'm honored. Thank you, lovely librarians! I went thrifting today during my writing break and bought a pair of very nice headphones for four dollars. When I got home, I plugged them into my
By: Jarrett J. Krosoczka,
on 1/30/2012
By: Mo Willems,
on 12/16/2011
Tomorrow Knuffle Bunny: a Cautionary Musical will begin its final run at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, where the show opened in May of 2010. After @ 18 months of travel, the show comes home from Dec. 17 - January 8. There have now been 3 casts for this show and it's amazing and interesting to see how different the show becomes as each set of actors brings their own sense to the show.
By: Mo Willems,
on 12/15/2011
My agent gets quite a odd rights requests come across her desk, but this one was the cheesiest: A library in, you guessed it, Wisconsin recently had a book party/cheese cutting party featuring Elephant & Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, & Trixie. No. Really. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. You cheddar believe it was Awesome! And thanks to Newsday for naming HOORAY
By: Mo Willems,
on 12/1/2011
I'm happy to announce that the fine folks at YottoY have added a few stuffed friends to their line-up of lovies based on my characters. First off, from HOORAY FOR AMANDA & HER ALLIGATOR! there are two new best friends, Alligator and Panda. Like the Elephant and Piggie stuffies, they come attached with a simple loop that can be opened or closed. Alligator and Panda's publicity shot. Here
By: Mo Willems,
on 11/14/2011
It was a great thrill to be asked to draw this fall's Children's Book Section cover for the NYTimes. They really wanted something 'seasonal', so this is what I came up with: The final piece, as seen in your Sunday paper. The scene takes place before Knuffle Bunny Free. You'll note some of my characters sneaking into the scene and (if your Dutch) the carrot for Schimmel. The scene features
By: Jarrett J. Krosoczka,
on 11/3/2011
I'm honored to have been featured in a special book-themed issue of RISD's alumni magazine along with Brian Selznick and David Wiesner. You can read the article below! You can also flip through the entire issue to read about RISD alum doing great work on the printed page. (Just a head's up, not all of the subject matter in the other articles is kid-friendly.)
By: Mo Willems,
on 10/20/2011
The AV Club, whose interviews are always insightful, has posted a feature about their favorite children's television, film, and books that deal with mortality and CITY DOG, COUNTRY FROG made their list. More than one parent on this last tour told me that the book had been helpful to their family during a difficult time and for that I'm grateful.
By: Mo Willems,
on 10/6/2011
In a nice review from the fine folks at Booklist comes the following flattering commentary: "Swift changes in text and image size provide much of the humor, though nothing is funnier than Elephant’s rationalizing: “Sharing a flavor Piggie does not like would be wrong.” Is it even possible to get tired of these books?" Hopefully, the answer is "no". Thanks, Booklist! Over at PW,
By: Mo Willems,
on 9/28/2011
I hope you'll be able to join Sam Ostroff and myself this Saturday Oct. 1 at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA for the installation of The Red Elephant. To whet your appetite, I thought I'd show some process pictures. Working on the trunk. She's big. For scale, with the 3 ft long prototype We've also made a small number of foot long elephants Ready to be
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By: Christina Wald,
on 9/5/2011
 |
| Miffy and the Cincinnati Enquirer Article. When I opened the section to read the article, she immediately plopped on the paper and refused to move and nipped at me when I tried to coax her. |
By: Mo Willems,
on 8/12/2011
Lots of news and bits this week. Let's start with some dinner doodles and chalkboard wall drawings from a few recent guests. Old pals David Wain and Ken Marino stopped by Knuffle Manor for some R and R while putting finishing touches on an upcoming film they wrote (David is directing). I've known (and in David's case worked with) these guys since 1987 and had dropped by the set when on tour
Well, hello, little blog- so good to see you. I’ve been away for while, mostly getting a kid through an extended hospital stay (she’s good now!), and scrambling to catch up on everything else. But hey! Here’s some stuff that showed up recently!
One of my new FRED items, Mr. Tea (a tea infuser shaped like a little guy), was on the Today Show today. Here’s the mighty Al Roker mocking it now!
Watch the whole segment HERE, whereby you can see Al declare, and I quote, “Oh, that’s disturbing. That’s just not right.” HA! He’s right, you know.
More good stuff:
The December 2012 ELLE Magazine: After you’re done checking out Jennifer Lawrence, perfecting your rosy cheeks and dramatic eyes, check out my Pizza Peddlar on the Gift Guide pages! And now you know how sexy women REALLY think.
Changing themes, here’s the December 2012 Issue of Family Circle (not to be confused with Family Circus, Little Billy). They have Mr. Tea featured in their 50 Presents Under $50 Gift Guide.
Ooh, la la! Qu’est ce que c’est? It’s one of my older-but-wiser items, the Chopstick Kids, featured in the Canadian style magazine, Signature. This is the Fall 2012 issue. Très bien!