Have you read this book yet?
My class and I were literally rolling on the carpet laughing this afternoon and I was wiping tears from my eyes. I love ALL the Elephant and Piggie books but this one was seriously funny.
Yes, it’s slapstick and yes it’s kind of ridiculous. But I just love the innocence of Piggie and Elephant and all their funny expressions.
Title: Can I Play Too?
Author: Mo Willems
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion, 2010
Ages: 4-8
Theme: Humour, Friendship
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Opening Lines: Piggie, let’s play catch! Yes! I love playing catch with friends!
Synopsis: Piggie and Elephant decide to play catch together when Snake comes along and asks if he can join in.
Of course, everyone is thinking, well how on earth can Snake manage to play catch? I mean, that just doesn’t make sense. The kids know, Elephant knows and Piggie knows. Elephant is too embarrassed to say anything but Piggie just leaps right in and shouts, “But you don’t have arms!”.
Snake is hilarious when he pretends he has no idea he’s armless and then screams in shock! Afterwards he starts laughing, says he knows, and could he please play anyway. Snake is sure he’ll manage.
Well of course, he doesn’t. And yes, the ball lands repeatedly on his head. BOINK!
I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say, the three new friends find a solution to their problem:)
One small note: When I was reading some of the reviews, a few people viewed this book as Willems’ attempt to address disabilities and inclusion: some felt that Snake was poorly treated.
But I don’t agree. The story is innocent, silly and well worth reading! Snake has fun and the characters work together to find a way to play together. It doesn’t get better than that.
If I was assigning stars, this would definitely be a 5+ star book.
(Watch for a post next week about our Elephant and Piggie writing!)
Resources:
There’s a great teacher’s guide to the Elephant and Piggie books HERE.
You can also find some more activities in one of my earlier posts.
Happy Reading!
Check out all my book reviews for kids!
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Who can resist Mo Willems? Looking forward to seeing your Elephant and Piggie writing!LoriConversations in Literacy
This is quite possibly the funniest book in the world. Thanks for sharing!!
I can't wait to get a copy. Thanks for sharing. I love a good laugh.CindyGranny goes to school
I know! Mo's books are the greatest.
I think so, too!! Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for sharing this Mo Willems book. For some reason I haven't read it. Sounds very funny!
NEED TO READ! And my library is closed for staff ed today! Aaagghh!
Shame that some people miss such awesome humor by over-interpretation.
Can't believe I haven't read it yet… heading to library system site immediately to put a copy on hold!
I haven't read this one yet, but I love the Elephant & Piggie books so I will definitely have to check this one out! My favorite Elephant & Piggie book is “We Are in a Book.” My students and I found that one to be really funny! : )
My kids and I love Mo and his characters. I don't think I've got this one though. Sounds like I need it!❀ TammyForever in First
You can't go wrong with Mo! This is one of my favorite Gerald and Piggie books. My all time favorite is We are in a Book!Jenny
I'll add it to my list. Sounds like a good one!Crystal
My kids love Mo Williams!TaraThe Math Maniac
I found Mo's books about 2 years ago. Don't know how I taught first grade without them. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!Petersons-Pad
Sounds, in a way, like the George & Martha series. So silly!
He has wonderful guides for his books. We'll have to find this one. Thanks.
I totally love Elephant and Piggie. Have you shown your kids the Elephant and Piggie Dance Game.
That Elephant and Piggie are a real riot! And playing catch with a snake! Toooooooo funny. I'll have to look for this one. Thanks!
I haven't read it but now I cannot wait to get my hands on it!
Jenny, that is my families favorite as well. We are known to randomly say \”banana\” and all bust out laughing.
nice