School Library Journal Review
| PreS-Gr 2-Children will delight in this perfect drama for hot weather. Gerald is excited about his "awesome, yummy, sweet, super, great, tasty, nice, cool ice cream" cone. But worry sets in with thoughts of his best friend, Piggie-should he share his treat with her? As Gerald wrestles with the pros and cons, observant readers will notice that the ice cream is melting-fast. By the time he decides in favor of sharing, it has melted into a puddle at his feet, and Gerald realizes that he "blew it." But timing is everything, and Piggie shows up at that moment with a cone of her own-and happily shares it. "Not my plan," thinks Gerald, but he also realizes that this arrangement is fine. Willems's simple text allows beginning readers independent success, although the text and illustrations also work well as a read-aloud. Fans of the series will not want to miss this offering, and adults can use the simple story to discuss sharing, friendship, and making decisions in a timely manner. Another winner.-Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
Booklist Review
| The endless line of moral dilemmas presented by Willems' Elephant & Piggie series continues with this ode to the classic conflict between generosity and greed. Wow, is Elephant ever excited about his ice-cream cone! (He is so excited his very word balloons are in cone shape.) But should he find Piggie and give her some before it all melts? Swift changes in text and image size provide much of the humor, though nothing is funnier than Elephant's rationalizing: Sharing a flavor Piggie does not like would be wrong. Is it even possible to get tired of these books?--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2010 Booklist |
Horn Book Review
| Elephant Gerald weighs the pros and cons of splitting his ice cream with best friend Piggie. By the time Gerald works through his angst, though, the ice cream has melted. Luckily, Piggie knows how to cheer Gerald up. A familiar problem, a satisfying resolution, and Willems's friendly illustrations and book design are just what new readers crave. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
