We Are in a Book!

We Are in a Book! is an early-childhood picture book and also a Geisel Honor award winner, written by Mo Willems. This book stars Piggie and Gerald and captures the hilarity that ensues when they realize they can make the reader say any word they want - because their conversations are part of reading the book! As Piggie and Gerald realize the joy of being read, their laughter cannot be stopped as they "hear" the reader speak the words they say, like "BANANA!" After they calm down, they realize that - oh no - the book ENDS! This was my favorite part in the book because of how the characters reacted to learning this, and also because it encourages readers to reread the book over and over!

I loved this story! I found myself giggling out loud in response to Piggie and Gerald's ongoing laughter about reading the words. The characters' reactions to reading excites readers, and their facial expressions are spot-on for this story and capture readers' attention. I enjoyed how the author used words that are perfect vocabulary for beginning readers, and used great examples of syllables to help young children learn new words. I would like to see this story be animated in a kindergarten or 1st grade classroom by two teachers - one to voice Gerald and one to voice Piggie. This way, the story can come alive and be read like it is supposed to, with emotion and excitement! The class would read along with the teachers and repeat the words from the book in unison.

Willems, Mo. (2010) We are in a book! New York: Disney-Hyperion Books.