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Elephant & Piggie #11
I Am Going!
Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In I Am Going!, Piggie ruins a perfectly good day by telling Gerald she is going. If Piggie goes, who will Gerald skip with, play Ping-Pong with, and wear silly hats with?
Willems's Geisel Award winning duo continues to delight readers with their silly shenanigans. Packed full of humor and heart, the Elephant & Piggie Books are vetted by an early-learning specialist and early learners themselves, so they'll be right on target for new readers.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In I Am Going!, Piggie ruins a perfectly good day by telling Gerald she is going. If Piggie goes, who will Gerald skip with, play Ping-Pong with, and wear silly hats with?
Willems's Geisel Award winning duo continues to delight readers with their silly shenanigans. Packed full of humor and heart, the Elephant & Piggie Books are vetted by an early-learning specialist and early learners themselves, so they'll be right on target for new readers.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2010
18 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
Mo Willems
225 books4,094 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
October 20, 2019
A Neo re-read he thought you might enjoy:
Another great Elephant and Piggie book that had Neo laughing at the antics of these two. When Piggie announces that she is leaving, Gerald has a hard time accepting this. He pleads with her to stay, as he will have no one else to play alongside him. He barters, hoping that Piggie might be able to wait a day, a month, or even a year. Gerald cannot stomach time without Piggie and begins to self-destruct, crying and unable to fathom how he will survive. Wheg Piggie points something out, the entire discussion turns and Gerald find a new way to survive. Neo enjoys this series and, while we are on holidays, we will be able to tap into the wonders of this series while also introducing it to grandparents and cousins.
Another great Elephant and Piggie book that had Neo laughing at the antics of these two. When Piggie announces that she is leaving, Gerald has a hard time accepting this. He pleads with her to stay, as he will have no one else to play alongside him. He barters, hoping that Piggie might be able to wait a day, a month, or even a year. Gerald cannot stomach time without Piggie and begins to self-destruct, crying and unable to fathom how he will survive. Wheg Piggie points something out, the entire discussion turns and Gerald find a new way to survive. Neo enjoys this series and, while we are on holidays, we will be able to tap into the wonders of this series while also introducing it to grandparents and cousins.
March 23, 2019
Gerald is going through separation anxiety. He does not want to let Piggie go. This is an absolutely normal part of childhood development. So, I am sure if you have a child up to 3 years old, you will understand what I mean. Sometimes even older children can go through the symptoms.
Here the symptoms are described with a tender way and the results may make you smile, but they will never make you laugh at poor little elephant who loves Piggie so much.
Here the symptoms are described with a tender way and the results may make you smile, but they will never make you laugh at poor little elephant who loves Piggie so much.
November 16, 2016
Oh YES I AM GOING.
DID YOU HEAR THAT.
Mo, oh classic Mo. When will I grow up if you continue writing such enticing reads!
DID YOU HEAR THAT.
Mo, oh classic Mo. When will I grow up if you continue writing such enticing reads!
May 19, 2014
I bought this book for my oldest son in particular. It's good, as all the Elephant and Piggie books are. But it resonates with our family in particular because my oldest child, from about ages 2-6, could not leave a friend's house or have a friend leave our house without extreme amounts of drama. He was always convinced that he would never see that friend again. The histrionics were variously embarrassing or hilarious, and could go on for up to an hour. He still needs to know, practically to the minute, when he will see a friend again before he will say goodbye, and just last week was convinced that one of his friends had moved in the night without telling us since he hadn't seen him in a few days. So seeing Gerald's near-hysteria when Piggie announces that she is going was both delightful and almost too close to home, and we have used this book as a sort of instructional manual for my son. It is one of his favorites, and I think secretly comforting to him, as it is proof that sometimes friends leave, but not for long.
May 30, 2016
Am going... to STUDY! wanna go with me?
April 15, 2023
فیله مثه منه. کولیبازی و فلان :)))))
September 11, 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!
October 12, 2017
This book reminds me of my friends and I.
July 18, 2025
In which Gerald is just a super chill guy and definitely doesn’t overreact to Piggie going (to have lunch).
February 7, 2010
I love Mo Willems. I really, really do.
And you know what? I love Elephant and Piggie. These books work on so many levels. First and foremost, they work well in their job, which is "easy reader". They ARE easy to read... but not too easy. And while the illustrations do illustrate the plot (and very funnily, I might add), they don't give away the plot. Children have to actually read the words to know what the book says instead of guessing from the context of the pictures. And best of all, the books are SO funny and SO over the top that even the most reluctant reader has to ham it up when reading, they can't help it! So when reading, kids are avoiding that terrible, horrible drone-of-boredom so many of them cultivate.
These books also function well as read alouds because they're so funny. Try reading Dick and Jane aloud. You can't do it. (If you're going to buy reprints of Dick and Jane, do so, but don't read them to your kid. They don't work for that.)
And, really, they're funny for grown-ups too. Don't tell my nieces, but I buy these books for ME, even if I store them on THEIR bookcase!
So, this particular book, I am Going!. Everybody reading the title knows that Piggie is not really going away for good. Gerald will still have somebody to skip and play pingpong in a funny hat with. But Gerald reacts in an incredibly melodramatic fashion (we all saw THAT coming too) until he finds out: Piggie is GOING to have LUNCH. (Punchline: They eat together. "Just like yesterday!")
Best part? Has to be Gerald's forlorn pleas that Piggie should go "next month" or "next year", said while holding a Piggie-themed calendar.
And you know what? I love Elephant and Piggie. These books work on so many levels. First and foremost, they work well in their job, which is "easy reader". They ARE easy to read... but not too easy. And while the illustrations do illustrate the plot (and very funnily, I might add), they don't give away the plot. Children have to actually read the words to know what the book says instead of guessing from the context of the pictures. And best of all, the books are SO funny and SO over the top that even the most reluctant reader has to ham it up when reading, they can't help it! So when reading, kids are avoiding that terrible, horrible drone-of-boredom so many of them cultivate.
These books also function well as read alouds because they're so funny. Try reading Dick and Jane aloud. You can't do it. (If you're going to buy reprints of Dick and Jane, do so, but don't read them to your kid. They don't work for that.)
And, really, they're funny for grown-ups too. Don't tell my nieces, but I buy these books for ME, even if I store them on THEIR bookcase!
So, this particular book, I am Going!. Everybody reading the title knows that Piggie is not really going away for good. Gerald will still have somebody to skip and play pingpong in a funny hat with. But Gerald reacts in an incredibly melodramatic fashion (we all saw THAT coming too) until he finds out: Piggie is GOING to have LUNCH. (Punchline: They eat together. "Just like yesterday!")
Best part? Has to be Gerald's forlorn pleas that Piggie should go "next month" or "next year", said while holding a Piggie-themed calendar.
January 25, 2015
Caused several belly laughs. Gerald, the elephant, is the more needy and worried of the two friends. Piggy is rather matter-of-fact and sensible. When Piggie announces "I am going," Gerald launches into a full worry, trying to get piggie to stay. At one point, the whole page is Gerald asking, "Why, why, why, why, why..." Logan laughed and said, "Even *I'm* not that whiney!" This series is always a winner.
UPDATE: we checked this out again as Logan didn't remember reading it. I'm driving us home from the library and from the back seat, he begins to read it aloud to me! I was acting all calm and cool, but inside I was jumping up and down and cheering! He loves these books and Willems is a master at repeating words and building on them without it seeming at all forced or awkward. And they're funny, which is so motivating. And the amazing array of expressions on Piggie's and Gerald's faces make it easy for new readers to read with expression. I knew Logan was getting close to breaking the code and it was such a celebration when he did. We went out for an ice cream sundae.
UPDATE: we checked this out again as Logan didn't remember reading it. I'm driving us home from the library and from the back seat, he begins to read it aloud to me! I was acting all calm and cool, but inside I was jumping up and down and cheering! He loves these books and Willems is a master at repeating words and building on them without it seeming at all forced or awkward. And they're funny, which is so motivating. And the amazing array of expressions on Piggie's and Gerald's faces make it easy for new readers to read with expression. I knew Logan was getting close to breaking the code and it was such a celebration when he did. We went out for an ice cream sundae.
September 6, 2011
We just discovered the Elephant & Piggie series at the library and have checked out every one they have. They are a bit easy for my 7-year-old to read on his own, but he loves that they are easy enough that he can sit and read them to his younger brother without any adult help. The 5-yr-old thinks they are hilarious and has memorized several books. The two youngest act out the story lines during their play time.
My older boys (both 11) will read these on their own. Even I think they're hilarious. The illustrations are trademark Mo Willems and I am constantly amazed that he can create so much emotion with just a few lines. When Gerald the elephant is worried or scared, he LOOKS worried or scared. And of course, the Pigeon always makes an appearance on the back inside cover of every book, which my boys hunt for.
Great for beginning readers but also great for a fun story time read. Highly recommended.
My older boys (both 11) will read these on their own. Even I think they're hilarious. The illustrations are trademark Mo Willems and I am constantly amazed that he can create so much emotion with just a few lines. When Gerald the elephant is worried or scared, he LOOKS worried or scared. And of course, the Pigeon always makes an appearance on the back inside cover of every book, which my boys hunt for.
Great for beginning readers but also great for a fun story time read. Highly recommended.
May 1, 2010
This was hilarious - I loved the interaction between the two characters and how one was level-headed and the other was just completely over-dramatic and paranoid. This series always makes me laugh and I enjoy looking for the sneaky little pigeon that Mo puts in all his books. I'd totally recommend this book.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...
February 21, 2015
A true psychodramatic masterpiece of angst and longing. At moments, one has the feeling that Willems has captured our fundamental emotional conditions at their essence--while still deftly gesturing toward the finitude of individual experience and the gravity of simple misunderstanding.
June 3, 2012
Cute but not the cutest ..!
May 31, 2015
Funny and predictable (in a good way).
January 23, 2016
Not my favorite Elephant and Piggie. But still fun.
Read
May 23, 2017“I am going”’ is a short story for kids written by Mo Willems. I read this book and recorded myself for the third language challenge in english. It was really childish book but I actually enjoyed reading it :). It is funny how the elephant is acting dramatic and worried but on the other hand the piggy is really calm and chill. Piggy was calm because he was leaving for lunch but the elephant thought piggy was leaving permanently which intimidated him. This was a nice short book that represented friendship and misunderstanding between friends. Even though this book was created towards kids; I think it can entertain all ages.
November 27, 2017
Now it is Gerald's turn to over react to Piggie leaving. Love these two characters and how much kids love reading their books.
January 29, 2019
I love Gerald and Piggie. A solid entrant in the series, not my favourite in the series, but it's still Gerald and Piggie!
September 10, 2019
عنوان ترجمه فارسی: نرو دیگه!
(داستان های فیلی و فیگی-9)
(داستان های فیلی و فیگی-9)
Read
March 21, 2023Read this at my library job while erasing some kid's scribbles from every other page
Gerald, my guy...you can't hold onto people forever u gotta let Piggie go
Gerald, my guy...you can't hold onto people forever u gotta let Piggie go
Read
May 29, 2023I did not ask to be read for filth for my insecure attachment issues. Mo Willems you are entirely too good at your job. 😒❤️
October 30, 2022
Julianna read this book to me tonight for 2nd time with just a little help. She gives it 5 stars.
August 8, 2025
Mo Willems never disappoints. I just read this with my 18 year old son who is starting college soon. I read the part for Gerald the elephant and he read Piggy. I really love this book and it was especially fun and special to read it with my son.
July 13, 2019
My niece is reading these books, to me, to keep up with her reading over the summer. She thought Gerald was very dramatic. LOL We both think the book is cute. I then read the story to her after she's done.
July 2, 2015
Category/Genre: Easy Reader
Age Level: K-3rd Grade
Reading Level: 0.7 (grade)/Emergent Reader
This Elephant and Piggie book is a fun romp between the two friends, as Piggie declares he is going, much to Elephant’s dismay. In the end, of course, all is well as the duo share a picnic lunch—afterall, Piggie was simply going…to lunch! Emergent readers will enjoy the cartoon pictures which support the silly tone of the book, the big print, high frequency words and ultimately all the fuss over nothing more than lunchtime.
2 characteristics that make this book a quality Easy Reader:
-“ Readers at this stage have developed an understanding of the alphabet, phonological awareness, and early phonics. They have command of a significant number of high-frequency words.
Emergent readers are developing a much better grasp of comprehension strategies and word-attack skills. They can recognize different types of text, particularly fiction and nonfiction, and recognize that reading has a variety of purposes.
Books at this stage have:
Increasingly more lines of print per page”
(https://www.readinga-z.com/learninga-...)
This book varies in its lines of print on each page, in an attempt to keep the reader moving along successfully, with the occasional challenge of more to read. All text is delivered via speech bubbles. This structure remains familiar to the early reader even when presenting the challenge of more text.
-The list cited above also includes “more complex sentence structure.”
While this book does not reveal much complex sentence structure word-wise, it presents a variety of text that needs to be read with expression and inflection in order to grasp the character’s emotion. Close attention can also be paid to the use of endmarks, as well, in an effort to help young readers understand their meaning and importance.
*This book seems to strike a middle ground for those readers on the curve between Early Emergent and Emergent levels.
“I Am Going!” is an appropriate Easy Reader for the emergent set because it blends sight words and repetitive text with some longer sentences and bigger ideas. The pictures help the reader understand the varied tone required to fully realize the conversation between the two at-odds friends. A healthy mix of familiar practice and technical mastery is elicited from the reader, as are some higher order thinking skills about the storyline and emotions of the characters. The satisfying and giggle-inducing ending are perfect for the younger crowd, who most likely consider lunchtime at least as important, if not more, than schoolwork!
Find published review at: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
Age Level: K-3rd Grade
Reading Level: 0.7 (grade)/Emergent Reader
This Elephant and Piggie book is a fun romp between the two friends, as Piggie declares he is going, much to Elephant’s dismay. In the end, of course, all is well as the duo share a picnic lunch—afterall, Piggie was simply going…to lunch! Emergent readers will enjoy the cartoon pictures which support the silly tone of the book, the big print, high frequency words and ultimately all the fuss over nothing more than lunchtime.
2 characteristics that make this book a quality Easy Reader:
-“ Readers at this stage have developed an understanding of the alphabet, phonological awareness, and early phonics. They have command of a significant number of high-frequency words.
Emergent readers are developing a much better grasp of comprehension strategies and word-attack skills. They can recognize different types of text, particularly fiction and nonfiction, and recognize that reading has a variety of purposes.
Books at this stage have:
Increasingly more lines of print per page”
(https://www.readinga-z.com/learninga-...)
This book varies in its lines of print on each page, in an attempt to keep the reader moving along successfully, with the occasional challenge of more to read. All text is delivered via speech bubbles. This structure remains familiar to the early reader even when presenting the challenge of more text.
-The list cited above also includes “more complex sentence structure.”
While this book does not reveal much complex sentence structure word-wise, it presents a variety of text that needs to be read with expression and inflection in order to grasp the character’s emotion. Close attention can also be paid to the use of endmarks, as well, in an effort to help young readers understand their meaning and importance.
*This book seems to strike a middle ground for those readers on the curve between Early Emergent and Emergent levels.
“I Am Going!” is an appropriate Easy Reader for the emergent set because it blends sight words and repetitive text with some longer sentences and bigger ideas. The pictures help the reader understand the varied tone required to fully realize the conversation between the two at-odds friends. A healthy mix of familiar practice and technical mastery is elicited from the reader, as are some higher order thinking skills about the storyline and emotions of the characters. The satisfying and giggle-inducing ending are perfect for the younger crowd, who most likely consider lunchtime at least as important, if not more, than schoolwork!
Find published review at: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
June 17, 2019
The simple text with accompanying, expressive illustrations make this a great choice for any early reader.
September 28, 2018
This book reminds me a bit of Willems' "Leonardo." And since I love that book, that is not a bad thing. Very fun to see Gerald try to stop Piggie. Great illustrations and humor within. My favorite part is Piggie popping out of Gerald's arms.
6/15/15 Read in Movement Storytime. The kids and adults really enjoyed it. Especially that Piggie was going for lunch. They kind of missed the humor in the end, but that's OK.
4/13/16 Used in L is for... theme (because Piggie is leaving). They enjoyed it. And loved that she was going to lunch.
5/16/16 Used in movement storytime because I was going to do a song that mentioned Ping Pong balls. Thought it would be good to give them a reference to it beforehand.
2/22/17 I needed an E&P for preschool ST since it had been a while. I picked this for the G theme. They loved it. Of course!
9/24/18 This got picked for a family bedtime book one of our nights. Both kids come to love E&P more and more. Even SS is laughing more at pictures and responses. And he loves playing with the E&P toys on Sundays.
6/15/15 Read in Movement Storytime. The kids and adults really enjoyed it. Especially that Piggie was going for lunch. They kind of missed the humor in the end, but that's OK.
4/13/16 Used in L is for... theme (because Piggie is leaving). They enjoyed it. And loved that she was going to lunch.
5/16/16 Used in movement storytime because I was going to do a song that mentioned Ping Pong balls. Thought it would be good to give them a reference to it beforehand.
2/22/17 I needed an E&P for preschool ST since it had been a while. I picked this for the G theme. They loved it. Of course!
9/24/18 This got picked for a family bedtime book one of our nights. Both kids come to love E&P more and more. Even SS is laughing more at pictures and responses. And he loves playing with the E&P toys on Sundays.
November 29, 2016
In this picturebook, Mo Willems captures the creativity of young minds. The characters and illustrations are cartoon-like, making it possible for students to extend the book with their own drawings and interpretations of characters. Within this series of books, friendship is highlighted through comical and realistic dialogue between the two characters Elephant and Piggie. The text is large, flexible, and presented in multiple perspectives that activates student understanding of the possibility of writing techniques and interpretations. The illustrations and text are developmentally appropriate for younger grades, but the content is enjoyed even at the uppermost elementary grades. The content proves motivating to the students; creating a positive reading disposition within students. In this specific Elephant and Piggie book, the moral idea that friends are continually there for each other is expressed. Students are able to gain social skills and understanding in an abstract format that may be applied within their own experiences within the educational and home settings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews