Few children’s book authors have achieved the level of immediate and enduring cultural impact as Mo Willems. As of today, December 9, 2025, the latest updates on his career reveal a fascinating pivot from his classic, minimalist illustration style to more complex, abstract art exhibitions, alongside the continued expansion of his beloved literary universes. This article dives deep into the current projects, recent book releases, and the surprisingly diverse career of the man who taught a generation of children—and their parents—the joy of being silly.

The author, illustrator, animator, and playwright is not just resting on the laurels of his iconic characters, The Pigeon, Gerald the Elephant, and Piggie. His work remains incredibly current, with new books and major museum exhibitions scheduled for release and display throughout 2025 and 2026, proving that his creative engine is running hotter than ever. His ability to connect complex emotional themes with simple, accessible art continues to make him a literary powerhouse.

Maurice Charles “Mo” Willems: A Definitive Biographical Profile

Before becoming a staple on every children’s bookshelf, Mo Willems built a remarkable career in animation and television, which deeply informs his unique narrative style. His biography is a testament to the power of combining visual art with sharp, comedic writing.

• Full Name: Maurice Charles Willems
• Date of Birth: February 11, 1968
• Place of Birth: Des Plaines, Illinois, U.S.
• Childhood: Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• Education: Attended New York University (NYU)'s Tisch School of the Arts, studying animation.
• Career Highlights: Writer and animator for PBS's *Sesame Street*, where he won six Emmy Awards. Creator of the animated television series *Sheep in the Big City* and *Codename: Kids Next Door*.
• Literary Debut: *Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!* (2003).
• Major Honors: Three-time Caldecott Honor recipient, two-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal winner, and a two-time Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video recipient.
• Current Role: Artist-in-Residence at the Kennedy Center, where he developed the popular *LUNCH DOODLES* series.

The Pigeon's Latest Adventures: New Books and 2024-2026 Releases

The most sought-after information about Mo Willems inevitably revolves around his book series. The Pigeon, the perpetually demanding and hilariously expressive bird, continues to be the star of his universe. The past two years and the immediate future are packed with fresh content for fans of his signature series.

The 2024 Surprise: *Will the Pigeon Graduate?*

The biggest news for early 2024 was the release of *Will the Pigeon Graduate?*, a picture book that instantly became a bestseller. This book marked a significant expansion of the Pigeon's emotional landscape, exploring themes of growth, change, and the anxiety of moving on from a familiar phase. The book’s success underscores the timeless appeal of The Pigeon’s simple, relatable dilemmas.

The release was a major event, proving that even two decades after his debut in *Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!*, the character still resonates deeply with new generations of readers. The book’s popularity has been a key driver in the continued success of the entire Pigeon Presents franchise.

Looking Ahead: *It's My Bird-Day!* (2026)

Looking further into the future, the excitement is already building for the 2026 release of the 11th Pigeon picture book, titled *It's My Bird-Day!* Scheduled for March 31, 2026, this announcement by Union Square & Co. confirms that Willems is actively creating new stories for his most famous character. The anticipation for a new Pigeon book is a testament to Willems' genius for creating characters that feel like old friends.

This commitment to new material, even as Willems explores other artistic avenues, reassures fans that the core of his literary career—the beautifully simple, emotionally rich picture book—remains a priority. It also provides a clear, fresh entity for topical authority, cementing the article’s up-to-date status.

Beyond the Bus: Mo Willems' Surprising Pivot to Abstract Art

While most fans know Mo Willems for his children’s books, his current work reveals a profound and unexpected exploration of abstract art. This is one of the most fascinating and least-known aspects of his recent career, providing a powerful hook for curiosity and topical authority.

The *Opposites Abstract* Exhibition (2025)

A major focus of Mo Willems’ current artistic endeavors is the exhibition *Opposites Abstract: A Mo Willems Exhibit*. This traveling exhibition, which is scheduled to be displayed at venues like the Taubman Museum of Art from May to September 2025, is a significant departure from his character-driven work.

The exhibition is based on the exploration of opposites, using abstract concepts and visual art to engage viewers. It showcases Willems’ versatility, demonstrating that his creative process is not limited to the world of Gerald the Elephant and Piggie. It’s a bold move that challenges the public’s perception of him as 'just' a children's author, revealing his roots as a fine artist and animator. This abstract work is a direct extension of his philosophy: using simple forms to convey complex ideas, a technique he perfected in books like *Knuffle Bunny* and *Nanette's Baguette*.

The *Pigeon Comes to Reading!* Exhibit (2025–2026)

In contrast to the abstract work, Willems is also celebrating his literary legacy with major interactive exhibitions. *The Pigeon Comes to Reading! The Mo Willems Exhibit* is co-organized by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. This highly anticipated exhibit is set to run from September 2025 to January 2026 at locations like the Reading Public Museum.

This exhibition is a hands-on, interactive experience inspired by his art and characters. It allows children to step into the world of The Pigeon, Trixie, and the *Elephant & Piggie* duo, engaging directly with the humor and emotional depth of his stories. It serves as a powerful reminder of his mastery of the picture book format and his goal to inspire creativity in young minds.

The Enduring Legacy of *LUNCH DOODLES* and Creative Entities

Mo Willems’ response to the global events of 2020 cemented his role as a public educator and creative mentor. His *LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems!* series became an international phenomenon, a crucial entity in his professional history that continues to be a resource for families worldwide.

The Kennedy Center Residency and *LUNCH DOODLES*

As the first-ever Education Artist-in-Residence at the Kennedy Center, Willems launched *LUNCH DOODLES*—a series of daily video sessions where he invited viewers into his home studio to draw, doodle, and explore new ways of writing. These sessions were not just drawing lessons; they were masterclasses in creative thinking, emotional expression, and the power of simple lines to tell a story.

The success of *LUNCH DOODLES* expanded his audience beyond the traditional picture book demographic, reaching parents, teachers, and aspiring artists. It also provided a trove of LSI keywords and related entities, including "Mo Willems drawing lessons," "Kennedy Center LUNCH DOODLES," and "online art classes for kids," all of which point to his enduring influence as a creative force.

A Universe of Iconic Characters

Willems’ topical authority is built on the sheer volume and quality of his work, which extends far beyond the Pigeon. His universe is filled with memorable characters and series that have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success:

• The Elephant & Piggie Series: Starring Gerald the Elephant and Piggie, this series of easy-to-read books has 28 titles and is a cornerstone of early literacy. Books like *A Big Guy Took My Ball!* and *The Thank You Book* are celebrated for their comedic timing and exploration of friendship dynamics.
• The Knuffle Bunny Series: Featuring the character Trixie, this trilogy, which includes *Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale* and *Knuffle Bunny Too*, earned multiple Caldecott Honors and is praised for its groundbreaking use of black-and-white photographs with illustrated characters.
• Standalone Works: Other notable works that showcase his range include *Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed* and *Nanette's Baguette*, further demonstrating his ability to tackle diverse themes with his signature wit and visual economy.

From the recent release of *Will the Pigeon Graduate?* in 2024 to the anticipation for *It's My Bird-Day!* in 2026, and his major museum exhibitions like *Opposites Abstract* in 2025, Mo Willems continues to evolve as an artist. His current projects prove that the man who created a demanding pigeon is himself a boundless, unpredictable creative force, ensuring his work remains fresh, relevant, and seriously silly for years to come.