Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Walker Books, A$9.95RRP
Publication date: 01/08/2009
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9781406322194
For ages: 4 - 7
Type: Picture Book
About: Elephant and Piggie are back in this ball-throwing romp, part of the Elephant and Piggie series in which Piggie gallantly undertakes the task of lightening Elephant up a little.
A modern day Dr Seuss, the dry wit and clever use of simple words make this book another hilarious addition to the bookshelf. When Piggie wants to throw Elephant’s ball, Elephant is not so sure Piggie will know how, especially as his philosophy behind ball-throwing is the utterly Draconian “just have fun.”
To our eye-rolling elephant friend, it’s clear Piggie has no idea how to throw a ball and sure enough, when he throws the ball and it ends up BEHIND him, Elephant delights in his ineptitude.
So what does Piggie do? He whoops it up! He has thrown the ball so far, it has encircled the world! Watching Elephant stew with frustration is just precious, as is the way Piggie deals with it and the lesson it teaches Elephant.
The combination of clever, highly-relatable text and hilarious illustrations are what make Willem's books work so very well – perhaps an obvious statement but a true one. This talented literary force once again shows children deeply embedded moral codes that are as subtle as speck of dust on a ballroom floor. His use of humour, fun and emotion makes his books collector’s items, and will for a long time to come.
