BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Willems, M. (2010). We are in a book! (M. Willems, Illus.). Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 978-1423133087

PLOT SUMMARY 

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In We Are in a Book! Gerald and Piggie discover the joy of being read. But what will happen when the book ends? 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS 

Mo Willems gives us another Elephant & Piggie book that are all time favorites with children. The use of simple repetitive vocabulary makes it easy for children to chime in and begin to recognize some of the dialogue between Elephant and Piggie. Willems also creates an interactive book with the reader by having Elephant and Piggie talk to the reader and where the reader keeps the story going.  

Willems is known for his simply drawn characters. The reader can focus on the storyline and vocabulary of the book because the speech bubbles make up most of what is on the page. Willems is highly creative in how he draws the two characters. Piggie seems to “run” up to the reader and then back to his friend. The font in the speech bubbles lets us know if the characters are yelling or telling a secret.  

Because of how Elephant and Piggie interact and what they say to each other, we can discern what kind of characters they are; Piggie being the more outspoken, brave character and Elephant being the more reserved and apprehensive one.  

REVIEW EXCERPTS 

Kirkus Review (March, 2019) 

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. 

Storypath (March 30, 2011) 

This first reader/picture book is guaranteed to make a child (and adult) laugh. 

CONNECTIONS 

  • Students who are avid readers and love a delightful story typically do not want the story to end. This book explains that you can read it again.  
  • Read The Monster at the End of This Book to make text-to-text connections.  
  • Stone, Jon. THE MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK. ISBN 978-0307010858