Mo Willems, the beloved children's author and illustrator behind Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and the Elephant & Piggie series, has created a world of humor, heart, and creative expression that resonates with kids and adults alike. But beyond reading his books aloud, many parents and educators wonder about engaging follow-up activities—especially ones inspired by recurring themes or activities implied by Mo Willems’ engaging, interactive style.
What Does “Can I Play Too?” Mean in the Context of Mo Willems’ Work?
The phrase "Can I Play Too?" is actually the title of one of Mo Willems’ popular early readers featuring Elephant and Piggie. In that story, Elephant welcomes his new friend Snake to play catch, but the game gets tricky when Snake can’t throw like his friends. The story teaches inclusion, creativity, and adaptability—all hallmark themes in Willems’ work.
Mo Willems-Inspired Activities Kids Will Love
Beyond simply reading the stories, you can extend the fun with hands-on activities designed to mirror the playful spirit of Mo Willems’ books. These aren’t just busy work—they build reading comprehension, social-emotional skills, and artistic confidence.
1. Pigeon Puppet Theater
Kids adore the Pigeon—he’s persistent, dramatic, and hilariously relatable. Have children create their own Pigeon puppets using paper bags or popsicle sticks, then reenact scenes from Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Encourage them to invent new scenarios: “What if Pigeon wanted to go to the moon?” or “What if he became a chef?” This combines literacy with imaginative play.
2. Elephant & Piggie Friendship Journals
Willems’ duo models healthy friendship beautifully. Ask kids to keep a “Friendship Journal” where they write or draw moments when they shared, compromised, or celebrated a friend—just like Gerald and Piggie do. For younger learners, simple sentence starters like “My friend made me laugh when…” work wonders.
3. Can You Invent a New Game?
Inspired by Can I Play Too?, challenge kids to design their own game with three simple rules. Maybe they throw a ball, hop on one foot, and sing a song—all at once! This mirrors the story’s clever twist and gets kids moving while thinking creatively.
Why Mo Willems Activities Work So Well
Mo Willems’ genius lies in simplicity paired with emotional depth. His line-drawn characters look easy to replicate, which invites children to try drawing themselves. The repetitive dialogue builds early reading fluency. And the themes—friendship, patience, wanting to be included—are universal. Activities rooted in his books naturally support language development, empathy, and motor skills without feeling like traditional “learning.”
Where to Find Ready-Made Mo Willems Resources
You don’t have to create everything from scratch. The official Mo Willems website (mowillems.com) offers downloadable activity pages, video read-alongs featuring Willem donning giant character hats, and even “Lunch Doodles”—special episodes where he draws live and encourages kids to join in. Many teachers also share free printables on platforms like Pinterest or Teachers Pay Teachers.
Tips for Parents and Educators
When using Mo Willems activities at home or in the classroom, keep these strategies in mind:
- Let kids lead: If they want to draw the Pigeon flying a rocket ship, go with it. Creativity thrives without rigid rules.
- Use repetition wisely: Read the same book multiple times—the joke lands differently each time, and kids begin “reading” along, building confidence.
- Connect to real life: Ask, “Have you ever felt like the snake who couldn’t throw the ball?” to spark meaningful conversations about inclusion.
Mo Willems once said, “If you can’t draw well, draw sincerely.” That philosophy makes his universe perfectly suited for playful, open-ended activities where the goal isn’t perfection—it’s participation, laughter, and connection. So yes, you absolutely can play too—and the more, the merrier.
