We Are in a Book!

Photo credit Pigeon Presents

We Are in a Book!

Written and illustrated by Mo Willems

How would you feel if you suddenly realized you were in a book being read by someone? That is exactly what happens to Gerald and Piggie in this hilarious picture book. Not only do we get to see their reactions to being in a book, we get to be a part of the book and interact with Elephant and Piggie, who love to be read again and again.

Mo Willems does a wonderful job of pulling us into the story with only dialogue bubbles from Elephant and Piggie. Through the dialogue, we can tell that Gerald and Piggie have very different reactions to being in a book. Piggie decides that he can make the reader say a word, which he chooses “banana” and sends both Gerald and Piggie into hysterical laughter. Gerald, questions Piggie until he realizes that the book can end which sends him into a fit. “The book is going too fast! I have more to give!” The calmness of Piggie and his idea to ask the reader, “Will you please read us again?” balances out Gerald, which makes them the perfect pair.

The illustrations add so much detail to the story by enhancing the characters’ expressions and emotions that we as readers feel as though the characters are real and believable and relatable. We can see the shock and surprise with Gerald’s ears shooting up. This action gives us no doubt about how Gerald is feeling. Piggie on the other hand stays calm and we can tell from his facial features such as the squinted eyes and pointy ears, when he is thinking of a good plan. The illustrations have so much detail that we can read how the characters are feeling just by looking at them, which helps children associate facial expressions to informal communication.

The composition of the characters’ actions and expressions with the dialogue bubble of text flows seamlessly throughout the story. My favorite page is when Elephant and Piggie fall into a uncontrollable fit of giggles and they are surrounded by the, text “Hee”s and “Ha”s, which fits so well. The sizing of the text also changes depending on what is being expressed, such as when Gerald is upset that the book ENDS, the text is shockingly large to display his surprise and fear. The way the text and illustrations flow together make this a really fun and engaging read that flows seamlessly and creates a unique reading experience that kids are sure to enjoy!

Elephant and Piggie are such engaging, hilarious characters that are totally brought to life by Mo Willems’ illustrations. I think the characters are hugely entertaining. This book really challenged my thinking about what I would do and how I would feel if I realized my life was suddenly taking place in a book and people were reading it. It leaves so much for the reader to connect to and build upon while also just being a very fun read aloud experience.

I highly recommend We Are in a Book! to anyone and everyone! Kids (and adults) of all ages can enjoy this lighthearted reaction to Elephant and Piggie being trapped in a book! If you’ve ever wanted to be trapped in a book, I would highly suggest that it be alongside Elephant and Piggie, because with them, you know it’s never going to be boring.

Willems, M. (2010). We Are In a Book!. New York, NY: Hyperion.