Module 1: We Are in a Book

Book Cover Image

Book Summary

Gerald and Piggie are at it again. Gerald is nervous when Piggie discovers that they are being watched. As usual, Piggie is able to convince Gerald that there is no need to be scared. Then the two have fun when they realize that by being in the book, they have control over the readers.

Written and illustrated by Mo Willems.

APA Reference of Book

Willems, M. (2010). We are in a book! New York, NY: Hyperion.

Impressions

I enjoyed this book and the simple, yet funny concept that it shared. The illustrations conveyed a variety of emotions, including those on the flyleaf. The simple illustrations allow kids to quickly move through the pages without fear of missing little details, which is great because they will want to read as fast as they can to find out what happens next. Elephant and Piggie encourage kids to look at someone from a new perspective: What would it feel like to be inside a book and realize that you are being watched? The use of simple words in silly ways will have both adults and kids laughing. I was happy to agree when my children wanted to Gerald’s last page request.  

Professional Review

In their latest pairing, Elephant and Piggie are finally ready to get meta. Realizing that their trademark blank background is, in fact, a page, the duo has a blast convincing the reader to say funny things out loud--until Piggie mentions that the book will soon end. Cue Elephant's existential crisis: "WHEN WILL THE BOOK END!?!" From there on, it's a cute--but never too heady--play on the physical object that the reader is holding, including a bit where Piggie appears to flip the pages forward to get a sense of how much time they have left. Willems' satisfying (if self-serving) solution? Read it again!

Kraus, D. (2010, September 15). We are in a book! Booklist, 107(2), 71.

Library Uses

This book can be used to talk with young students about the features of a fiction book. It can also be used to discuss the climax and conclusion of a story. It would be interesting to pair up students and ask them to write from a perspective that they may not have considered before. For instance, what would it be like if the fish in the aquarium think when they are being looked at by people outside the glass?