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Elephant & Piggie #12
Can I Play Too?
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 Can I Play Too? Gerald and Piggie meet a new snake friend who wants to join in a game of catch. But don't you need arms to catch?
64 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 2010
39 people are currently reading
1735 people want to read
About the author
Mo Willems
225 books4,093 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 606 reviews
August 22, 2017
So there comes a Snake!
(Did I mention that I am not very fond of snakes?)
With the addition of a new friend to easy-going drawing and illustrations, Mo Willems pulls out another rabbit out of the hat.
A self-confessed fan of the series.
(Did I mention that I am not very fond of snakes?)
With the addition of a new friend to easy-going drawing and illustrations, Mo Willems pulls out another rabbit out of the hat.
A self-confessed fan of the series.
May 10, 2018
I am now reading these books without my five-year-old. They are hilarious, and this one is no exception. There is always a message of fairness and fun, and how to turn an otherwise negative or awkward situation into a positive experience and hopeful opportunity. Seriously. I don't care how old you are. You will enjoy these books.
July 19, 2018
In another wonderful Elephant and Piggie book, the young reader learn about the art of creative inclusion. While Gerald and Piggie are playing together so well, their new friend, Snake, comes along and wants to join in. The problem? The game is catch and... well, snakes do not have arms. This does not deter the new friend, who wants nothing more than to join in on the action. However, friendship ought not hurt and being pummelled with balls does not seem like a great friendship initiation. Luckily, Piggie has a solution that will suit everyone. Neo loves group games and is eager to play with others. Yes, there will be obstacles, but as he has shown me this week, a little determination can slay any dragon placed before you!
June 2, 2012
From the mouth of my 5-year-old...
This is about an Elephant and a Piggie who are gonna play ball. It's really funny because it goes "Bonk, bonk, bonk, when they try to play ball with the snake." Then the Piggie gets an idea and it's really cool because they all play together.
Her thoughts: It was really cool. The pictures were pretty with blue and pink and green. I like it because it has a "Y" and "T" and "L"!
My thoughts: My daughter giggled and giggled when we read this together this morning which I LOVED! She really liked Elephant and Piggie. It was interesting because for some reason the easy words and simple layout of it all made her decide to repeat each bit that I read as we went along and suddenly SHE READ ONE ON HER OWN! Now I completely get that she probably just guessed at it and got lucky, but seriously it was SO cool! She was SO PROUD that she "READ" it! :)
These books are so fun and I highly recommend them for little ones like my 5-year-old! The can always use more Mo!
This is about an Elephant and a Piggie who are gonna play ball. It's really funny because it goes "Bonk, bonk, bonk, when they try to play ball with the snake." Then the Piggie gets an idea and it's really cool because they all play together.
Her thoughts: It was really cool. The pictures were pretty with blue and pink and green. I like it because it has a "Y" and "T" and "L"!
My thoughts: My daughter giggled and giggled when we read this together this morning which I LOVED! She really liked Elephant and Piggie. It was interesting because for some reason the easy words and simple layout of it all made her decide to repeat each bit that I read as we went along and suddenly SHE READ ONE ON HER OWN! Now I completely get that she probably just guessed at it and got lucky, but seriously it was SO cool! She was SO PROUD that she "READ" it! :)
These books are so fun and I highly recommend them for little ones like my 5-year-old! The can always use more Mo!
July 31, 2017
Cute, but I thought this could have gone in a different direction.
September 14, 2021
That was funny and creative.
July 7, 2010
If you are ever looking for a picture book or easy reader sure to pull a child in and get them adoring books, pull any of Mo Willems books off the shelf. His Elephant and Piggie series is so simple, yet profound and funny. This latest book in the series is one of the best in the bunch. Here we see Elephant, the careful and more serious character, and Piggie, who is loud and enthusiastic. The two of them are best friends, which alone has led to some great books. Add Snake who wants to join them in playing ball. Of course, that’s a problem because Snake can’t really catch since he doesn’t have arms. But that doesn’t mean he can’t try and it certainly doesn’t mean that Piggie can’t figure out a solution that will have them all playing together.
Willems is the master of brevity, capturing entire scenes in a few words and his simple illustrations. His book are perfection for early readers but also make great read alouds thanks to his skill in writing. His characters are beautifully drawn, offering so much in so few words and images. It is magic on a page.
In this book, Willem’s natural humor comes pouring forth into a vaudeville-like scene that will have children laughing aloud, guffawing even. It is a special easy reader that will have my teenage son crowding us on the couch to be able to see. But then, all he needed to hear was that it was a Mo Willems book and it was funny.
Guaranteed success between two covers, this book is laugh-out-loud funny, wry and as always with Willems, big hearted. Appropriate for ages 3-6 and the occasional thirteen-year-old.
Willems is the master of brevity, capturing entire scenes in a few words and his simple illustrations. His book are perfection for early readers but also make great read alouds thanks to his skill in writing. His characters are beautifully drawn, offering so much in so few words and images. It is magic on a page.
In this book, Willem’s natural humor comes pouring forth into a vaudeville-like scene that will have children laughing aloud, guffawing even. It is a special easy reader that will have my teenage son crowding us on the couch to be able to see. But then, all he needed to hear was that it was a Mo Willems book and it was funny.
Guaranteed success between two covers, this book is laugh-out-loud funny, wry and as always with Willems, big hearted. Appropriate for ages 3-6 and the occasional thirteen-year-old.
February 16, 2022
For some reason, this was even funnier in Spanish than in English, although we have definitely laughed over the English version.
Esta fue una maravillosa historia de amistad e inclusión. Me encantaron las ilustraciones y me encantó cómo Cerdita descubrió una manera de incluir a la serpiente en su juego de captura.
Esta fue una maravillosa historia de amistad e inclusión. Me encantaron las ilustraciones y me encantó cómo Cerdita descubrió una manera de incluir a la serpiente en su juego de captura.
December 7, 2017
Adorable introduction to the concept of disability, and overcoming legit challenges (snake cannot play catch in the traditional way) with some creative thinking.
Elephant and Piggie are great friends.
Elephant and Piggie are great friends.
January 21, 2018
Awww...cuteness. I can always rely on Mo Willems producing some spot on super fun kids books! I mean this one is a bit silly for my adult sensibilities but young kids will certainly crack up with this one! XD (I know as I just watched a read aloud with young kid laughing and laughing) Also, yay they are friends who solved the problem for their friend!
September 22, 2010
The first documented use of the spiral, power-saving fluorescent light bulb being used to connote an idea. Delightful as always.
January 8, 2022
Literally made me laugh out loud. Love these.
November 15, 2017
Jak zwykle, perypetie sympatycznych bohaterów - świnki z głową pełną pomysłów i poczciwego słonia - przedstawione w formie krótkiej historyjki śledzi się z wielkim zainteresowaniem, a ilustracje ogląda się z przyjemnością.
Najnowsza odsłona przygód pary przyjaciół Świnki Malinki i Słonia Leona może wydawać się nieco brutalna, no bo jakże to można rzucać, a co gorsza trafiać piłką w kolegę, który nijak tej piłki złapać nie może! A nie może jej złapać, bo... jest wężem ;) Bardzo szybko jednak główni bohaterowie dochodzą do wniosku, że taki stan rzeczy jest absolutnie nieakceptowalny, uruchamiają ogromne pokłady empatii i wspólnymi siłami dochodzą do satysfakcjonującego wszystkich rozwiązania. Szybka burza mózgów sprawia, że cała trójka może świetnie się bawić. Jakie to rozwiązanie? Sprawdźcie sami.
Ala oraz jej Rodzice dziękują Wydawnictwu "Babaryba" za egzemplarz testowy książeczki i polecają jej lekturę, jak i wcześniejszych części serii Mo Willemsa.
Najnowsza odsłona przygód pary przyjaciół Świnki Malinki i Słonia Leona może wydawać się nieco brutalna, no bo jakże to można rzucać, a co gorsza trafiać piłką w kolegę, który nijak tej piłki złapać nie może! A nie może jej złapać, bo... jest wężem ;) Bardzo szybko jednak główni bohaterowie dochodzą do wniosku, że taki stan rzeczy jest absolutnie nieakceptowalny, uruchamiają ogromne pokłady empatii i wspólnymi siłami dochodzą do satysfakcjonującego wszystkich rozwiązania. Szybka burza mózgów sprawia, że cała trójka może świetnie się bawić. Jakie to rozwiązanie? Sprawdźcie sami.
Ala oraz jej Rodzice dziękują Wydawnictwu "Babaryba" za egzemplarz testowy książeczki i polecają jej lekturę, jak i wcześniejszych części serii Mo Willemsa.
March 8, 2025
hurting your new friend? horrid. throwing her cause she doesn’t have hands? ableist. i can’t believe believe the things we’re teaching kids these days
May 5, 2019
Funny interaction between Elephant, Piggie & new friend, Snake.
June 29, 2013
A book all my children enjoyed. Even the twin 2 yr olds were riveted by this story and the characters. They couldn't wait to see what would happen. I loved the new snake character, at first we thought him a worm, he was so small and cute. A level 1 reading book at best, but a wonderfully typical Willems that any family would be sure to love.
October 29, 2018
It's fucking awesome
I love elephant and piggie
I love elephant and piggie
December 12, 2018
A story of inclusion. What better way to teach your children how to play with others that may have physical differences. Willems can do no wrong with this series in my opinion. A big 5 stars.
September 14, 2019
عنوان ترجمه فارسی: من هم بازی؟
(داستان های فیلی و فیگی-10)
(داستان های فیلی و فیگی-10)
January 8, 2020
When I worked at the bookstore, a mom came to the kid's section one day. Her child had encountered a amputee at the pool and had freaked out; the mom was looking for a book to help explain and normalize the situation. This would have been a good book to recommend.
December 31, 2020
My favorite books to read with my son!
March 28, 2021
Love reading Piggie & Elephant with Kindergarten!
August 15, 2021
Gerald and Piggie are playing catch when a new friend, Snake, wants to join in. How can they include someone with no arms?
Delightful and a positive message with a dash of humor as Mo Willems does so well, all combine in this fun-filled story of finding new ways to be inclusive.
Delightful and a positive message with a dash of humor as Mo Willems does so well, all combine in this fun-filled story of finding new ways to be inclusive.
October 23, 2021
Such a clever story! I love that my 7 yo reluctant reader grandchild LOVES these characters!
December 15, 2022
Elephant and Piggie books are literary masterpieces. This one is by far my favorite of the bunch.
October 27, 2023
I do not have arms!?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2020
In this wonderful book, Elephant and Piggie are playing a game of catch when their new friend Snake decides that he would like to play. Confused by his lack of arms, Elephant and Piggie decide to give it a try. Failure and failure, Snake does not seem to catch the ball and is beginning to give up. However, Gerald and Piggie come up with a clever plan to include all three of them in the game of catch.
Elephant and Piggie books are a wonderful asset to any kindergarten to second-grade classroom. These stories are great for early readers and create a fun and engaging opportunity for children who are just starting out as readers. I enjoy using this book to help teach my students about growth mindset and inclusion. Although the three of them could have given up and stopped playing, they didn't and worked to figure out a solution to the problem. This story also is wonderful to teach students about emotions and feelings. Students who struggle with emotions and empathy can benefit from Elephant and Piggie stories because of the social-emotional lessons created within the story.
Elephant and Piggie books are a wonderful asset to any kindergarten to second-grade classroom. These stories are great for early readers and create a fun and engaging opportunity for children who are just starting out as readers. I enjoy using this book to help teach my students about growth mindset and inclusion. Although the three of them could have given up and stopped playing, they didn't and worked to figure out a solution to the problem. This story also is wonderful to teach students about emotions and feelings. Students who struggle with emotions and empathy can benefit from Elephant and Piggie stories because of the social-emotional lessons created within the story.
April 13, 2020
Can I Play Too? (Elephant & Piggie, #12) by Mo Willems is a great picture book that includes typography. What kind of adventure will Elephant and Piggie get into this time?
Can I Play Too? is a great book to introduce typography to students. Typography is the style or appearance of words within the book. Typography includes weight which is how thin or thick the font is, size is how big or small the font is, and slant which is how the font leans. Typography can suggest movement, draw attention, convey emotions, and much more. Can I Play Too? for example shows typography in a sense of connection. The pink bubble shows that the pig is speaking, the greyish blue is connected to the elephant, and the green is for the snake. (Stefani, F. 2014)
This book is a cute, fun, and great selection for explaining typography to students. It can be found throughout the book and is a great book to reach over for.
Can I Play Too? is a great book to introduce typography to students. Typography is the style or appearance of words within the book. Typography includes weight which is how thin or thick the font is, size is how big or small the font is, and slant which is how the font leans. Typography can suggest movement, draw attention, convey emotions, and much more. Can I Play Too? for example shows typography in a sense of connection. The pink bubble shows that the pig is speaking, the greyish blue is connected to the elephant, and the green is for the snake. (Stefani, F. 2014)
This book is a cute, fun, and great selection for explaining typography to students. It can be found throughout the book and is a great book to reach over for.
February 19, 2020
My favorite part was when they played catch with the snake and so they threw the snake to each other.
July 20, 2023
Can’t go wrong with Piggie and Gerald!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 606 reviews