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You’re likely no stranger to the charm of Elephant and Piggie, with their relatable antics and valuable life lessons. But with 25 titles to choose from, you might be wondering which ones are the most beloved by early readers and parents. You’re not alone – many are curious about which books in this iconic series have resonated the most with young audiences. From tackling bullying to exploring the importance of friendship, some titles have risen to the top as clear fan favorites. But which ones make the cut?
Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection
If you’re looking for a way to instill a lifelong love of reading in your child, the Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection is an excellent choice. You’ll get 25 hilarious and heartwarming adventures featuring the lovable duo Gerald and Piggie, along with two metal bookends that’ll make your child’s bookshelf stand out. The hardcover books are perfectly designed for early readers, with just the right amount of text and illustrations that’ll keep your child engaged. And the best part? This collection is worth every penny, offering countless hours of joy, laughter, and learning that’ll last for years to come.
Best For: Children aged 2-10 and parents/teachers looking to instill a lifelong love of reading in kids.
Pros:
- Hilarious and heartwarming storytelling with valuable life lessons
- Engaging for both children and adults, making it a great addition to any home or classroom library
- High-quality, sturdy hardcover books and metal bookends that make the collection a cherished possession
Cons:
- The metal bookends may not be sturdy enough to hold the entire set
- No specific mention of any educational certifications or awards
- No digital version of the collection is included
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
You’re looking for a book that’s perfect for early readers who crave humor and gentle lessons. Stop your search right here than An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! This collection of five stories by Mo Willems is a treasure trove of funny and lovable characters that teach valuable lessons in a gentle way. With 309 pages, each story is roughly 57 pages long, making it easy for early readers to follow along. The simple illustrations are not distracting and convey humor and feeling through the characters’ expressions and body language. Suitable for preschool to elementary age range, this book is a great value and makes a wonderful gift for kids who are starting to read, including beginner readers as young as 4-6 years old.
Best For: Early readers who crave humor and gentle lessons, particularly preschool to elementary age range, including beginner readers as young as 4-6 years old.
Pros:
- The book is a great value, making it a wonderful gift for kids.
- The stories are funny, include lovable characters, and teach valuable lessons in a gentle way.
- The simple illustrations are not distracting and convey humor and feeling through the characters’ expressions and body language.
Cons:
- None mentioned in the review.
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie Volume 2! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
The “An Elephant & Piggie Biggie Volume 2!” is a standout choice for families with children of varying ages, particularly those with kids between 3 and 9 years old. You’ll love that it’s a collection of stories, not individual books, which makes it perfect for encouraging reading and making it fun. As a parent, you’ll appreciate how it helps with social skills, facial expressions, and conversation skills, while also aiding reading progression. The hardcover format guarantees it won’t get ripped, and the complete set’s spines form an image of Gerald and Piggie. With its engaging stories, it’s no wonder it’s recommended by parents, SLPs, and even family members, making it a great addition to your family library.
Best For: Families with children of varying ages, particularly those with kids between 3 and 9 years old.
Pros:
- Encourages reading and makes it fun for children
- Helps with social skills, facial expressions, conversation skills, and reading progression
- Durable hardcover format that won’t get ripped and features a unique spine design when collected
Cons:
* (No cons mentioned in the provided text)
Walker Books Elephant & Piggie Series 10 Books Collection Box Set
This 10-book collection box set is a treasure trove for early readers and their families, offering a complete series of Elephant and Piggie adventures in one convenient package. You’ll get to enjoy the entire series with your little ones, and they’ll love the repetition and humor that Mo Willems brings to these stories. As a parent, you’ll appreciate how these books boost your child’s confidence when they finish reading a whole book by themselves. The set is also great for beginners, with simple yet engaging language and beautiful illustrations that make reading a joy. Plus, the box set allows your child to organize and reorganize the books in any order they like, making it a fun and interactive experience.
Best For: Early readers, parents, and grandparents who want to encourage a love of reading in their children or grandchildren.
Pros:
- Boosts confidence in early readers as they finish a whole book by themselves
- Perfect for beginners, with simple yet engaging language and beautiful illustrations
- Allows for interactive and fun experience with the option to organize and reorganize the books in any order
Cons:
– The paperbacks in the set are not as nice as the hardcover versions
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
If you’re looking for a way to turn your little ones into successful readers, An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 is an excellent choice. These books are perfect for beginners, making learning to read a fun and enjoyable experience. With lots of word repetition, they’re great for early reading skills. Your kids will love the funny and cute stories, and you’ll enjoy reading them together, sharing laughs and creating memories. The well-written and illustrated stories are easy to follow, and the characters are lovable. Your 3- to 5-year-olds will be giggling with delight, and even older kids will find them entertaining.
Best For: Beginners, 3- to 5-year-olds, and older kids who want to read together and have fun while learning.
Pros:
- Fun and enjoyable way to learn to read for beginners
- Well-written and illustrated stories that are easy to follow and entertaining for kids
- Great for early reading skills with lots of word repetition and perfect for reading together and creating memories
Cons:
– None mentioned in the reviews.
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
You’ll find that the “An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 5” is an engaging and entertaining collection of stories that will capture your child’s attention. The simple text and repetitive structure make it perfect for early readers, while the charming illustrations bring the friendship between Elephant and Piggie to life. You’ll love how these stories teach valuable lessons in a delightful way, making it a great addition to your child’s bookshelf.
As a parent, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to read and laugh along with your child. The repetitive text and recognizable words help your child learn to read and build confidence. The durability and quality of the book guarantee it will withstand multiple readings and handling. With its valuable lessons and engaging storyline, this book is highly recommended for any child’s bookshelf.
Best For: Early readers, 1st-grade students, and parents looking for an engaging and entertaining collection of stories to read with their child.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline and charming illustrations that capture young readers’ attention and teach valuable lessons in a delightful way.
- Easy to read and laugh-out-loud, making it perfect for bedtime reading or independent exploration.
- Durable and high-quality book that helps children learn to read and recognize words, building their confidence and reading skills.
Cons:
– None mentioned in the reviews.
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 4 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 4 is a treasure trove of fun stories that you’ll love reading with your little ones. This collection of five Elephant and Piggie books is a cost-effective way to get your hands on these charming stories. You’ll appreciate how Mo Willems’ simple yet effective language makes them perfect for early readers. Your kids will be motivated to read and will have a blast doing so, which will help build their confidence in word recognition. The Biggie volumes are a great value, although you might find them a bit large and heavy for young hands to hold. Overall, this is a must-have for kids aged 2-8, and it’s even helpful for those learning English as a foreign language.
Best For: Best For: Children aged 2-8, early readers, and those learning English as a foreign language.
Pros:
- A cost-effective way to get five Elephant and Piggie stories in one volume
- Motivates kids to read and builds their confidence in word recognition
- Simple yet effective language makes it perfect for early readers
Cons:
- The Biggie volumes may be a bit large and heavy for young hands to hold
- Some users may experience damage to the book’s edges during shipment
- No other notable cons mentioned by reviewers
There Is a Bird On Your Head!-An Elephant and Piggie Book
This delightful book is a perfect fit for early readers, as it expertly balances whimsy and learning. You’ll find yourself and your little ones giggling together as you read about Gerald and Piggie’s hilarious adventure. The book’s wholesome entertainment helps with sight reading, making it an excellent choice for early learners. You’ll appreciate how the authors motivate kids to try reading with this engaging story. The expressive pictures and enlarged letters make it easy for young readers to follow along. As a parent, you’ll love reading this book with your kids, and they’ll adore the joyful experience of reading together.
Best For: Early readers, parents, and caregivers looking for a fun and educational reading experience.
Pros:
- Wholesome entertainment that helps with sight reading and motivates kids to try reading
- Engaging story with expressive pictures and enlarged letters that make it easy for young readers to follow along
- A great book to read together, promoting joyful and laughter-filled experiences for kids and adults alike
Cons:
– None mentioned in the reviews.
Can I Play Too?-An Elephant and Piggie Book
If you’re looking for a book series that will engage early readers and help them develop essential skills, the Elephant and Piggie Books are an excellent choice. “Can I Play Too?” is another winner in this series, and you’ll love it just as much as your little ones do. This book teaches early readers to reach out to others, building true friendships throughout small gestures of kindness. It’s not only entertaining, with its cute story and lovable characters, but also packed with educational value, making it perfect for early learners and gestalt language processors. As a parent, you’ll appreciate the moral lessons it conveys, such as thinking outside the box and making the most of what you have.
Best For: Early readers, parents, and educators looking for an engaging and educational book series that teaches essential skills and moral lessons.
Pros:
- Engaging story and lovable characters that entertain early readers
- Packed with educational value, making it perfect for early learners and gestalt language processors
- Conveys moral lessons such as thinking outside the box and making the most of what you have, promoting true friendships and kindness
Cons:
– None mentioned in the reviews.
We Are in a Book!-An Elephant and Piggie Book
You’ll find the Elephant and Piggie Books, particularly “We Are in a Book!”, to be an ideal choice for early readers who crave interactive storytelling and humor. This book, like the rest of the series, is a masterclass in conveying emotion through simple drawings, making it a must-have for kids. You’ll love how the story engages your child with simple sentences and easy-to-read words, making it perfect for learning to read. The interactive aspect of the book, where Elephant and Piggie address the audience directly, will have your kid giggling and wanting more. As a parent, you’ll appreciate the moral lessons and values taught in the story, making it a great choice for reading aloud together.
Best For: Early readers who crave interactive storytelling and humor, particularly kids aged 4-7 years old.
Pros:
- Engaging and interactive storytelling that encourages kids to participate and laugh
- Simple sentences and easy-to-read words make it perfect for learning to read
- Teaches moral lessons and values that are great for kids to learn, making it a great choice for reading aloud together
Cons:
– None mentioned in the reviews
Waiting Is Not Easy!-An Elephant and Piggie Book
Preschoolers through early elementary school students will find a treasure trove of valuable life lessons in the Elephant and Piggie Books, with “Waiting Is Not Easy!” being a standout entry that masterfully conveys the importance of patience. You’ll love how this book teaches your child that good things come to those who wait, and that some things are worth waiting for. The story follows Gerald as he anxiously waits for Piggie’s surprise, showcasing his excitement, dismay, and desperation. The illustrations bring the simple text to life, highlighting facial expressions and body language that help your child understand how the characters are feeling. With its easy-to-read format and valuable lessons, “Waiting Is Not Easy!” is perfect for kids from Pre-K to 1st grade.
Best For: Preschoolers through early elementary school students.
Pros:
- Teaches the importance of patience and waiting, conveying the message that good things come to those who wait.
- Engaging story and illustrations that help children understand how characters are feeling through facial expressions and body language.
- Easy-to-read format suitable for kids from Pre-K to 1st grade.
Cons:
- May be too simple for older elementary school students.
- Limited text on each page may not be challenging enough for more advanced readers.
- Some children may not be able to relate to the concept of waiting for a surprise.
The Elephant and Piggie series shines with “Should I Share My Ice Cream?”, a book perfectly suited for early readers aged 4-8 who are learning to navigate social skills and empathy. You’ll appreciate the high-quality, 57-page hardcover with sturdy pages that make it easy for little hands to hold and manage. The story is cleverly written with short sentences and few words per page, making it an excellent choice for practicing sight reading and building confidence in young readers.
As you read with your child, you’ll enjoy the humor and wit that Mo Willems brings to the story, teaching valuable lessons about sharing and empathy. Gerald’s dilemma will have your child giggling and enthusiastic to find out what happens next. This book is a great way to bond with your child and watch them make progress with their reading skills.
Best For: Early readers aged 4-8 who are learning to navigate social skills and empathy.
Pros:
- High-quality, 57-page hardcover with sturdy pages that make it easy for little hands to hold and manage
- Cleverly written with short sentences and few words per page, making it an excellent choice for practicing sight reading and building confidence in young readers
- Teaches valuable lessons about sharing and empathy while promoting humor and wit
Cons:
– None mentioned in the provided text.
A Big Guy Took My Ball!-An Elephant and Piggie Book
If someone is looking for a book that tackles childhood issues with humor and heart, A Big Guy Took My Ball!-An Elephant and Piggie Book is an excellent choice. You’ll love how Mo Willems’ clever storytelling addresses playground territory, big guys vs. little guys, insecurities, acceptance, and seeing beyond differences to get along. The book’s simple yet expressive illustrations will delight you and your child, making it perfect for joint reading sessions. As you read about Piggie’s ball being taken by a big guy and Gerald’s efforts to retrieve it, you’ll appreciate the lessons on compassion, friendship, and tolerance presented in a comical way.
Best For: Children aged 4-10, parents, and educators looking for a humorous and heartwarming book that tackles childhood issues.
Pros:
- Clever storytelling that addresses common childhood issues with humor and heart
- Simple yet expressive illustrations that delight both children and adults
- Teaches valuable lessons on compassion, friendship, and tolerance in a comical way
Cons:
– None mentioned in the provided text
Are You Ready to Play Outside?-An Elephant and Piggie Book
You’ll find the perfect reading companion for your little ones in the “Are You Ready to Play Outside?-An Elephant and Piggie Book”. This book is part of a beloved series that has won over kids and parents alike. You can’t go wrong with it, as it’s geared towards kids aged four to eight, but younger and slightly older kids will enjoy it too. The hardcover edition is a beautiful book with thick paperback pages, and the illustrations are fun and engaging. The story is short, with few words on each page, making it perfect for young children to learn to read. It’s an excellent addition to your home library, and at a great price too!
Best For: Kids aged four to eight, although younger and slightly older kids will enjoy it too.
Pros:
- Geared towards kids aged four to eight, but enjoyable for younger and slightly older kids as well
- Hardcover edition is a beautiful book with thick paperback pages and fun illustrations
- Short story with few words on each page, making it perfect for young children to learn to read
Cons:
– No cons mentioned in the provided text.
I Am Invited to a Party!-An Elephant and Piggie Book
Children as young as four or five will delight in “I Am Invited to a Party!”, which is particularly suited for early readers who are just learning to navigate social situations. You’ll love how Piggie’s excitement to attend a party leads to a hilarious lesson in party etiquette from her friend Gerald. The story’s simplicity and humor make it easy to follow and understand, while the illustrations add to the fun. As you read this book with your child, you’ll appreciate how Mo Willems‘ storytelling encourages a love for reading and helps develop essential social skills. With its lighthearted tone and engaging storyline, “I Am Invited to a Party!” is a must-read for early readers and parents alike.
Best For: Early readers who are just learning to navigate social situations, particularly children as young as four or five.
Pros:
- Encourages a love for reading and helps develop essential social skills
- Simple and humorous storyline makes it easy to follow and understand
- Engaging illustrations add to the fun and lighthearted tone
Cons:
– None mentioned
Factors to Consider When Choosing Elephant and Piggie Books
When choosing Elephant and Piggie books, you’ll want to ponder a few key factors to guarantee you’re getting the right fit for your young reader. You’ll need to think about the age range and reading level of the book, as well as the illustrations and design that bring the story to life. Additionally, ponder the storyline and humor, as well as any moral lessons that are included, to make the most of your reading experience.
Age Range Matters
Most Elephant and Piggie books fall within the 2-10 age range, but one must consider carefully your child’s individual reading level, interests, and maturity when selecting a title. While the series is geared towards children aged 4-8, younger and older kids can also enjoy the books. You’ll find that some titles, like “Today I Will Fly!” and “Watch Me Throw the Ball!”, are perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners, while others, such as “We Are in a Book!” and “Waiting Is Not Easy!”, may appeal more to early elementary school students. Keep in mind that children’s reading abilities and interests can influence the age range for which a particular Elephant and Piggie book is suitable. Parental discretion and knowledge of your child’s reading level and maturity are essential when selecting a title, ensuring the chosen book is engaging and enjoyable for them.
Reading Level Importance
Two crucial factors to ponder when choosing an Elephant and Piggie book for your child are their reading level and individual reading abilities. You’ll want to deliberate the book’s reading level to guarantee it’s suitable for your child’s current reading skills. Elephant and Piggie books are generally geared towards children in Pre-K to 1st grade, with reading levels classified as easy to early fluent, typically ranging from Guided Reading Level A to D. The series’ simple and repetitive text, large print, and engaging illustrations make them accessible to early readers, building their confidence and reading skills.
When choosing a book, weigh your child’s individual reading abilities. If they’re just starting to learn to read, an Elephant and Piggie book with short sentences and few words per page can be an excellent choice. You can also adjust the reading level based on your child’s abilities, making them suitable for reading aloud or independent reading. Remember, the series is perfect for early reading practice, teaching valuable lessons in sharing, empathy, and friendship while practicing sight reading.
Illustrations and Design
As you browse through the Elephant and Piggie series, you’re immediately struck by the charming illustrations that bring these beloved characters to life. The simple yet expressive illustrations use bold lines, bright colors, and exaggerated facial expressions to convey emotions and tell the story. The design of the books often features speech bubbles, adding a playful and conversational tone to the narrative. You’ll also notice visual humor, such as Piggie’s signature eyebrows, which engage young readers and add to the books’ appeal.
The use of white space and clean layouts makes the books easy to follow and understand, even for early readers. The illustrations work in tandem with the text to create a cohesive and engaging reading experience that encourages children to read and reread the books. The cartoon-style illustrations with thought-bubble dialogue add interactivity to the stories, making them enjoyable for adults and children alike. The beautiful hardcover editions with thick, sturdy paperback pages and simple layouts make the books easy to read and understand, with few words per page and short sentences. Overall, the illustrations and design of the Elephant and Piggie books are perfect for early readers, making them an excellent choice for children aged 4-8.
Storyline and Humor
Humor is a hallmark of the Elephant and Piggie series, making these books a delight to read aloud or independently. You’ll find that the storylines are lighthearted and relatable, with silly situations, misunderstandings, and exaggerated reactions that add to the comedic effect. The humor is gentle and never mean-spirited, making it suitable for young readers.
Mo Willems’ use of simple yet expressive language and illustrations adds to the humor, making the books entertaining for both children and adults. The facial expressions, body language, and interactions between Gerald and Piggie are expertly conveyed through the illustrations, creating humorous moments that kids love. You’ll find slapstick comedy and unexpected moments, like Piggie’s excitement about a party invitation or Gerald’s screaming “Noooooooo!” in “Should I Share My Ice Cream?”. The stories are clever and funny, tackling childhood issues without being preachy, and the humor is universal, making the books enjoyable for readers of all ages.
Moral Lessons Included
You’ll find that the Elephant and Piggie series not only entertains but also imparts valuable moral lessons, making these books a great choice for early readers. These lessons are seamlessly woven into the stories, teaching kids important values like empathy, friendship, and self-control. You’ll appreciate how the series tackles complex emotions like anxiety, anger, and frustration in a way that’s relatable and easy for young children to understand.
As you read through the books with your child, you’ll notice how Elephant and Piggie model positive behaviors like active listening, apologizing, and compromising. These characters also demonstrate how to navigate difficult social situations, such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperating. The moral lessons are conveyed through simple yet effective storytelling, making them accessible to early readers. By reading these books with your child, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to start important conversations about values and character traits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Author’s Writing Style
Mo Willems’ writing style in the Elephant and Piggie series is a key factor to ponder when choosing books for your child. His use of simple, repetitive language makes it easy for early readers to follow along, while his humor, irony, and clever twists keep the stories engaging and entertaining for both children and adults. You’ll notice that Willems’ writing is concise, with most books having fewer than 100 words, perfect for short attention spans. The author’s use of dialogue bubbles and minimal text allows expressive illustrations to take center stage, conveying emotions and tone. Willems’ writing style has been praised for tackling complex emotions and social skills in a relatable and accessible way. His stories often address childhood issues without being preachy, using humor and wit to convey important lessons. When reading aloud with your child, you’ll appreciate the interactive cartoon-style thought-bubble dialogue and the imaginative, engaging storytelling that builds confidence in young readers.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.