Knuffle Bunny author to speak at library
BY Staff Reports
Sunday, November 11, 2012
11/11/12 at 9:06 AM
Author and illustrator Mo Willems, best-known for his award-winning picture books about the adventures of a character known as Knuffle Bunny, will be the featured artist for the Tulsa Library's annual "Books to Treasure" event.
Willems will talk about his work, answer questions and sign copies of his books at a free event 7 p.m. Friday at Central Library, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue.
"Over the last nine years, the 'Books to Treasure' program has become a Tulsa County tradition. It has placed books in the hands of more than 80,000 children and has resulted in countless new library card sign-ups," said Emily Tichenor, TCCL's youth servicescoordinator.
Willems has written and illustrated more than 50 books for children. In addition, he also has written for several TV series, including "Codename: Kids Next Door," "Lazy Town," "Sheep in the Big City" and "Sesame Street," where his work earned six Emmy Awards
He earned the Caldecott Medal for "Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale" and "Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity." The first book was recently adapted into a musical, and in 2007, Willems earned a Carnegie Medal for the animated short film based on the book.
Willems also received a Caldecott Medal for "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus," the first in another popular series.
"Books to Treasure" is sponsored by the Tulsa Library Trust through a grant from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, with special thanks to the Tulsa World and Holland Hall.
The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation is providing one free copy of Willems' "Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator!" to each second-grader in Tulsa County. Students also have the opportunity to receive a special library card featuring art from the book.
To enhance the author's visit, Tulsa City-County Library children's librarians will visit second-grade classes at all public and private schools in Tulsa County to promote the program. Librarians will speak with students about the importance of reading and having a library card. Librarians have created specific lesson plans using Willems' books focusing on curriculum areas such as reading, math, writing, science and social studies.
For more information on "Books to Treasure," call 918-549-7323, or go to tulsaworld.com/library
Original Print Headline: Library to host Knuffle Bunny author
Associated Images:
Mo Willems is the featured artist for the Tulsa Library's annual "Books to Treasure" event. The author and illustrator will speak at 7 p.m. Friday at Central Library. MARTY UMANS / Courtesy
Author and illustrator Mo Willems' most famous character is Knuffle Bunny. Courtesy
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