Bibliography:
Willems, M. (2015). WAITING IS NOT EASY! First edition. New York, Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Book Group.
ISBN: 9781423199571
Plot Summary:
Waiting is not easy. by Mo Willems, is a story about two friends: Elephant and Piggie. Piggie has a surprise for Gerald (Elephant), which gets him excited, but unfortunately, he will have to wait. Gerald’s short-lived patience soon runs out and insists that Piggie tell him what it is. Piggie says it’s not time yet. After waiting for what seemed like forever, the surprise revealed itself. Gerald is so happy with his gift, he promises Piggie one of his own.
Critical Analysis:
Mo Willems is one of my favorite children’s authors because his books teach valuable lessons to children, and in some cases even adults. Waiting Is Not Easy is a book one can enjoy reading over and over. The Piggie and Gerald duo never disappoint, and this book is no exception. This story teaches about patience, kindness, generosity, and appreciation, which makes it a read-aloud for both readers and non-readers.
It’s never too early to teach children these valuable attributes. The illustrations are unique and very attractive for young children because of their simple shapes and colors. Even though the characters are very simply drawn, both their faces and their gestures are very expressive. The children will love them. I highly recommend this book to any educator who wants to add this to their library..
Review Excerpt(s):
Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor
“Piggie tells Gerald she has a surprise but can't show him until later, and Gerald's popping eyes and elephant-sized groans make his frustration clear. But the starry surprise, shown in photo-collaged spreads unusual for this series, is worth the wait. Though this installment has a simpler plot than some of its predecessors, Gerald's fury should make for tons of read-aloud fun.”- Horn Book
“K-Gr 2 Gerald and Piggie are sharing another adventure in the latest book in the series. The expected large print, spare dialogue, and bubble delivery make it easy to read. Gerald loses patience with Piggie when he is told that a surprise is in store but that he must wait for it. His reactions include producing several loud GROANS and reminding Piggie repeatedly that waiting is NOT easy. Piggie knows that the surprise is worth the wait, but she has to keep Gerald there to see it. The simple words and expressive illustrations, as always, reveal the fact that we often overlook the obvious and that there is beauty all around us. Nothing brings greater joy than sharing that beauty with our friends. VERDICT This original story is about friendship, but it also offers insights into human emotions.”-School Library Journal
Connection:
*Waiting is Not Easy can be incorporated into a writing activity. Students can write about a time they received a gift from someone. They can also write about a time they gave a gift to someone else.
*As an extension activity, students can write about why it is important to be patient as Gerald had to be when he was waiting to receive the gift Piggie promised him.
*Other titles that reflect the genre of this book:
Willems, M. (2014). My new friend is so fun! (First edition.). Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN:9781423179580
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