Mo Willems, a #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator, delivers a personal, philosophical, and pragmatic look at the art of writing for children.

From the creator of The Pigeon, Elephant & Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and other beloved children’s characters comes a collection of essays chronicling Mo Willems’ early life through his award-winning career in children's television, theater, art, and books. 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. Essays include art, photos, and memorabilia from Willems’ sketchbooks and personal archives.

Comprised of over twenty-five essays—some writing about stories, others stories about writing—Willems breaks down approaches to the art of storytelling, offers surprising insights and helpful tactics, and answers his most frequently asked question, “Where do you get your ideas?” From Willems’ foundational years working at Sesame Street to his groundbreaking debut picture book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! to his expansion into exhibits, comedy shows, musicals, and theater, readers go behind the pages and discover how a persistent sketchbook doodle launched a billion “NOs!”