Watch Wednesday: “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”

I thought about following the Wordless Wednesday blog tradition, but I just can’t resist adding commentary when I post a photo. So I’m going to do Watch Wednesdays instead. We’ll see how it goes.

Thought I’d start with a winner–an Oscar winner! The film below took Best Animated Short Film at the Academy Awards this past Sunday.

“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” is the brainchild of ex-Pixar designer and illustrator William Joyce (you may have seen his New Yorker covers). Joyce partnered with Moonbot Studios to create both the standalone short film and a delightful interactive book-app for kids (available in the iTunes store).

I know it’s long for a blog clip at 15 minutes, but it’s worth a watch. I promise. So go grab a coffee or a shot of whiskey, or whatever wets your whistle, and settle in.

Joyce’s next project will be Rise of the Guardians, a feature-length animated film featuring Santa Claus, Jack Frost, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. Joyce contributed to the screenplay and is executive producer on the film, which is based on his forthcoming Guardians of Childhood book series.

Watch for it in November 2012.