We Are in a Book!

 

Bibliography
Willems, Mo, 2010. WE ARE IN A BOOK! New York, NY: Hyperion. ISBN 9781423133087

Plot Summary
Best friends Gerald and Piggie discover something surprising. There is somebody staring right at them! They soon figure out a reader is looking right at them, because they are in a book. Gerald and Piggie wonder how a reader would be reading them and discover the word bubbles are being read out loud. They rejoice with joy and are so excited to learn about being in a book. The inquisitive pair are brainstorming ideas in what to make the reader read out loud. Soon after having some giggles, Gerald comes to the realization the book and all the fun will have to end. Feeling panicked and upset for a little bit, Gerald soon becomes comforted by the brilliant idea Piggie has. Telling the reader to read the book again, so their story adventures will never end.

Critical Analysis
In true Mo Willems style, he has captured the hearts of children once more with another catchy Elephant and Piggie book. Willems creates a unique, funny dialogue between Gerald and Piggie that interacts with readers. It is a truly engaging experience he has created, along with a captivating storyline and emerging vocabulary words. It makes readers think of the inevitable, the story must end soon. However, he has given the readers a chance to think, the story doesn't ever have to end! The beauty of reading a book is that it can be reread again and the story can stay fresh in our minds and hearts.

Mo Willems has done it again with the interactive illustrations of Gerald and Piggie. The facial expressions, body movements, soft colors, and dialogue bubbles do their job of keeping readers engaged and eager to keep up with their conversation. Gerald and Piggie's friendly and silly demeanor is perfect for all types of readers. When Gerald and Piggie are enjoying their funny joke of making the reader say "banana", the laughter and pure joy is contagious, readers cannot help but join in on the laughter as well. When Gerald and Piggie are experiencing the mind bending moment of their story coming to end, their facial expressions capture fear, shock, and acceptance very well. Readers can't help but think of what would happen if they had experienced a similar situation. Or maybe how Gerald and Piggie will overcome this problem? The illustrations certainly give a lot to think about, while creating pure happiness of following the fun adventures of Gerald and Piggie.

Review Excerpt(s)
Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Award, 2011.
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "As always, Willems displays his customary control of both body language and pacing even as he challenges his readers to engage with his characters and the physicality of their book."

Connections
- The perfect read for young readers, ready to practice engaging conversations. 
- Great resources to use for lessons on acceptance, diversity, and overcoming problems.
-Similar book recommendations:
Andreae, Giles. GIRAFFES CAN'T DANCE. Ill. by Guy Parker-Rees. ISBN 9780439287197
Willems, Mo. WAITING IS NOT EASY! ISBN 9781423199571

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