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Elephant & Piggie #8
Watch Me Throw the Ball!
Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In Watch Me Throw the Ball! , Gerald is determined to teach Piggie that ball-throwing is serious business... but Piggie is just as determined to have serious fun.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In Watch Me Throw the Ball! , Gerald is determined to teach Piggie that ball-throwing is serious business... but Piggie is just as determined to have serious fun.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
22 people are currently reading
1374 people want to read
About the author
Mo Willems
232 books4,117 followers#1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems is best known for his Caldecott Honor winning picture books Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale.
In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.
The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."
Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.
Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.
The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."
Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.
Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
October 13, 2014
although i hate it when mo willems draws these characters because they are uggee, this story is too much fun to criticize. and it teaches a valuable lesson about how delusions must be indulged even if they are unpopular, like questioning the moon landing or being suspicious of twins or thinking that death to smoochie is a great movie. thank you, sir.
July 1, 2018
Another Elephant and Piggie book sure to impress those who love this series. Piggie has acquired a new talent that she wants Gerald to see. While tossing a ball, Piggie is sure that it has sailed out of sight, though Gerald is quick to point out its actual trajectory. While Piggie’s ego gets bigger with each moment, Gerald can only shake his head and hope things stop getting out of hand. With Piggie riding high, Gerald tries his hand at tossing a ball, feeling the same euphoria after a successful toss. Neo has come to love this series and I can see how he has come to acquire this sentiment. The books are wonderful, particularly when we work together, taking on one of the two major reading roles.
March 7, 2018
Elephant and Poggie's stories will remain with me for a long time.
I want to read these books to my kids when they are tiny tiny small.
I want to read these books to my kids when they are tiny tiny small.
February 17, 2022
Hilarity ensues when Piggie attempts to throw Elephant's ball.
The most important thing - everybody has FUN!
The most important thing - everybody has FUN!
December 31, 2023
Needed one more book for my Reading Challenge.
Found it a little hard to believe Piggie did not realize he threw the ball backwards. 3 Stars.
Found it a little hard to believe Piggie did not realize he threw the ball backwards. 3 Stars.
June 11, 2025
Fun series for my beginner reader to practice reading!
January 23, 2017
Piggie is terrible at throwing a ball. But that does not matter in this little story because it is about the fun of throwing a ball no matter how good you are at it. It is the enjoyment of doing something for the pure enjoyment of it.
April 6, 2020
2017: I read my two-year-old three books before naps and bedtime. For the past two days, he has requested this book three times in a row each time.
October 10, 2022
موضوع: چطوری از بازی کردن لذت ببریم، یا حتی چطور از تک تک تجربههای زندگیمون لذت ببریم، فارغ از نتیجه
April 18, 2023
Recommended by one of my second graders for how funny it is. I’d have to agree that it’s very funny, but also has a positive, encouraging vibe to it.
February 17, 2017
Nice reminder that we don't always have to be so serious! :)
September 13, 2017
Wow--Piggie is awesome in this. Her expressions, her attitude, her silliness. And I love the ending, of course.
I think I like this book even more because that's exactly how I am with sports! Well, not thinking that I threw the ball around the world. But trying, it never going where it "should," and me loving it because I had fun. Sports are all about fun for me, not really about the competition. That alone moved the book from 4 stars to 5 stars.
2/3/16 Used in E is for... theme. It's been a while since I've read this one--fabulous! Everyone had a really good laugh from this. And a good lead in to a new elephant craft.
6/27/16 Used in Movement storytime. I had the tiniest group, but they absolutely loved the book. This is such a fun one to perform! Especially Piggie's part.
6/12/17 Movement storytime. I had a lot of skeptical newbies and I won them over with this. Woohoo!
9/13/17 This book was laying around after Toddler Time. So I added it to the display line up for Preschool storytime. With a smaller crowd and Literacy Moment not taking as long, I had plenty of time for a 5th books. And I felt bad that Play Time was going to be the parachute, which only takes about 5 minutes. So, they got a 5th. And it was quite enjoyable to read, and even more to see their reactions.
I think I like this book even more because that's exactly how I am with sports! Well, not thinking that I threw the ball around the world. But trying, it never going where it "should," and me loving it because I had fun. Sports are all about fun for me, not really about the competition. That alone moved the book from 4 stars to 5 stars.
2/3/16 Used in E is for... theme. It's been a while since I've read this one--fabulous! Everyone had a really good laugh from this. And a good lead in to a new elephant craft.
6/27/16 Used in Movement storytime. I had the tiniest group, but they absolutely loved the book. This is such a fun one to perform! Especially Piggie's part.
6/12/17 Movement storytime. I had a lot of skeptical newbies and I won them over with this. Woohoo!
9/13/17 This book was laying around after Toddler Time. So I added it to the display line up for Preschool storytime. With a smaller crowd and Literacy Moment not taking as long, I had plenty of time for a 5th books. And I felt bad that Play Time was going to be the parachute, which only takes about 5 minutes. So, they got a 5th. And it was quite enjoyable to read, and even more to see their reactions.
September 10, 2013
Another wonderful Willems book that kept both my 5 yr old and twin 3 yr olds fascinated. Not enough words to be even a reading level 1 book, Willems still has a way about him to bring the reader into his wonderful world. These books are ones my whole family loves. And a fellow friend on GR recently told me that the pigeon was hidden in each book and we now love to look for him too! Fun for all and a great addition to any children's library!
March 18, 2009
Someone needs to explain to me why Mo Willems is so popular. I don't find these books funny at all. The text is often obnoxious. The illustrations are nothing special.
March 22, 2019
One of my all-time favourite children's books. It is laugh-out-loud funny (as every child I have ever read it to has demonstrated), while also giving a great positive message. Piggie demonstrates that giving things a go and having fun is more important than anything else, which her friend Gerald learns.
The whole series is highly recommended - Mo Willems is a bit of a genius!
The whole series is highly recommended - Mo Willems is a bit of a genius!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2021
This book is great and I love it. Read it all; I dare you!
January 8, 2022
Fun, funny, great to read together.
October 7, 2025
There’s just something timeless about Gerald and Piggie. They’re funny, sweet, and totally relatable — even for adults! Every book feels like catching up with old friends. Mo Willems’ storytelling is brilliant in its simplicity; it encourages questions, emotions, and imagination. These are the books my kids reach for again and again, and honestly, I never mind rereading them.
November 14, 2022
Grade Level: PreK-1st grade.
Genre: Traditional Fantasy
I liked this book. It is a very easy read. This book is good for little kids because it shows that you don’t have to be good at something to have fun.
Genre: Traditional Fantasy
I liked this book. It is a very easy read. This book is good for little kids because it shows that you don’t have to be good at something to have fun.
October 6, 2014
My class of 4 year olds loved this book. We are working on being kind to each other. They were sad when Gerald was not kind to his friend, but loved Pig's playful spirit and good attitude.
November 16, 2014
Just have fun, it's a good message ;)
July 31, 2020
¡Qué cosa más tierna! Creo que yo actuaría igual que "Cerdita" xD.
June 27, 2017
➡
↗🐷↘
⚬ ⚬
she threw the ball behind her self
↗🐷↘
⚬ ⚬
she threw the ball behind her self
June 4, 2016
I love Piggie's enthusiasm. And optimism. And my daughter throws like Piggie.
November 11, 2017
(Reviewed by Grace, age 6, 11/11/17)
In this story, Piggie throws a ball. She thought she threw it so far away that she couldn't see it. But it was behind her, actually. Gerald knows the ball is behind her. When he mentions it to her she says "that's because I threw it all the way around the world. I am Super Pig! Super Pig is Really Neat! Super Pig Cannot Be Beat"
(She is my favorite pig!)
Gerald says "Piggie, you did not throw the ball all the way around the world."
Piggie understands but says that at least she had fun.
The book ends when Piggie skips away and Gerald throws the ball. He is very excited. He says "I Rock!" because he thought he threw the ball so, so far. But it is behind him. He threw it just like Piggie did.
I like this book because it's funny.
Piggie knows more than Gerald. She is better at having a good time. But sometimes Gerald learns from her.
In this story, Piggie throws a ball. She thought she threw it so far away that she couldn't see it. But it was behind her, actually. Gerald knows the ball is behind her. When he mentions it to her she says "that's because I threw it all the way around the world. I am Super Pig! Super Pig is Really Neat! Super Pig Cannot Be Beat"
(She is my favorite pig!)
Gerald says "Piggie, you did not throw the ball all the way around the world."
Piggie understands but says that at least she had fun.
The book ends when Piggie skips away and Gerald throws the ball. He is very excited. He says "I Rock!" because he thought he threw the ball so, so far. But it is behind him. He threw it just like Piggie did.
I like this book because it's funny.
Piggie knows more than Gerald. She is better at having a good time. But sometimes Gerald learns from her.
January 13, 2023
After retiring from middle grade teaching and librarianship, I recently began volunteering at an elementary library and watched the kinder and 1st graders flock to the E WIL section to grab Elephant, Piggie and Pigeon books by Mo Willems. Today was my first opportunity to read this one to a class of 1st graders and I found it just as much fun as the kids did! The simple text and pictures tell the story clearly for non-readers but reading it aloud with two different voices for serious Gerald the Elephant and fun-loving Piggie provided lots of laughs and conversation about feelings and the fact that both animals were right—You do have to practice to become good at throwing a ball, but you can have fun no matter how well or how badly you do it! Can’t wait to read more from this series and share them with other early elementary students and my own preschool grandchildren.
April 14, 2018
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
Woo! Woo! Another great Elephant and Piggie book. This one tackles the simple concept of having fun even if you aren't really good at something. Cute illustrations, great simple dialogue that still teaches a nice lesson. I love these books.
I have been checking a lot of these books out from the library lately, because one of the kids I work with loves reading them together. These are great books to take turns reading, each person picking a different character. A fun, engaging read with simple words and sentence structure. Plus who doesn't love yelling in a Piggie voice.
Great read.
Woo! Woo! Another great Elephant and Piggie book. This one tackles the simple concept of having fun even if you aren't really good at something. Cute illustrations, great simple dialogue that still teaches a nice lesson. I love these books.
I have been checking a lot of these books out from the library lately, because one of the kids I work with loves reading them together. These are great books to take turns reading, each person picking a different character. A fun, engaging read with simple words and sentence structure. Plus who doesn't love yelling in a Piggie voice.
Great read.
June 26, 2020
Piggie throws Gerald's ball.
After Piggie picks up Gerald, she wants to throw it. Gerald proceeds to mansplain the difficulty of ball throwing and the level skill required to throw a ball. Piggie listens with growing impatience because she just wants to throw the ball for funsies and doesn't care about athletic prowess.
When Piggie throws the ball rather poorly, she is wildly happy, and even when Gerald this points out, it doesn't dampen her high spirits. This causes Gerald to reevaluate the way he plays ball, loosen up, and have fun.
This beginning reader tells a funny story using simple vocabulary, sight words, and an easy to follow plot.
After Piggie picks up Gerald, she wants to throw it. Gerald proceeds to mansplain the difficulty of ball throwing and the level skill required to throw a ball. Piggie listens with growing impatience because she just wants to throw the ball for funsies and doesn't care about athletic prowess.
When Piggie throws the ball rather poorly, she is wildly happy, and even when Gerald this points out, it doesn't dampen her high spirits. This causes Gerald to reevaluate the way he plays ball, loosen up, and have fun.
This beginning reader tells a funny story using simple vocabulary, sight words, and an easy to follow plot.
September 24, 2023
Congrats you’ve made it to the 8th installment of the Piggie and Gerald series.
In this book, Piggie wants to throw a ball and share this experience with her best friend Gerald. As Piggie winds up the ball hilariously goes backward. A situation I’ve also experienced in real life teaching younglings to throw.
Gerald somewhat makes fun of Piggie because it’s not a “successful” throw. Gerald is the pessimist here.
Piggie, being the optimist, doesn’t mind because she’s having fun and dances away.
Her reaction inspires Gerald to throw the ball backward as well. And surprise! He has fun as well
In this book, Piggie wants to throw a ball and share this experience with her best friend Gerald. As Piggie winds up the ball hilariously goes backward. A situation I’ve also experienced in real life teaching younglings to throw.
Gerald somewhat makes fun of Piggie because it’s not a “successful” throw. Gerald is the pessimist here.
Piggie, being the optimist, doesn’t mind because she’s having fun and dances away.
Her reaction inspires Gerald to throw the ball backward as well. And surprise! He has fun as well
Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews