If you and your child have turned the last page of an Elephant and Piggie book and are craving for something similar, you’ve come to the right place. Elephant and Piggie, a delightful series by Mo Willems, captures young readers’ hearts with its unique blend of humor, expressive characters, and simple but engaging narratives.
But now that you’ve laughed with Piggie and empathized with Elephant, where should you turn to next? There’s a vast world of children’s literature waiting to be discovered. This post aims to guide you on your journey, offering recommendations that echo the elements you loved in the Elephant and Piggie series.
Let’s embark on this literary adventure together.
Overview of the Themes in Elephant and Piggie Books
The Elephant and Piggie series has several key themes that resonate with young readers and make the books so appealing. These themes form the backbone of our recommended next reads.
Friendship
Elephant and Piggie are best friends, and their bond is the heart of the series. Their friendship teaches children about empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. Just like Elephant and Piggie, the characters in our recommended books also share powerful friendships that shape their adventures and help them grow.
Emotion Expression
Elephant and Piggie are not shy about expressing their emotions, which range from joy and surprise to sadness and frustration. This openness in expressing feelings helps children understand and handle their own emotions. The books we recommend also feature characters who experience and express a range of emotions.
Humor
A good laugh can make reading even more enjoyable. The Elephant and Piggie series is full of humor, both in the situations that the characters find themselves in and in the witty dialogue. We’ve made sure to include books that will keep your child giggling.
Simple yet Engaging Storytelling
The simplicity of the narratives in Elephant and Piggie books makes them accessible to early readers. But even with their simplicity, the stories are engaging and compelling. In choosing our recommendations, we looked for books that combine these same qualities.
Important Factors to Consider for Next Reads
Choosing the right book for your child can depend on a few key factors. Here’s what to consider when looking for the perfect next read after the Elephant and Piggie series.
Age and Reading Level of the Child
Just as the Elephant and Piggie books are designed for early readers, it’s important to select books that align with your child’s reading level. This ensures that the books are challenging enough to help their reading skills progress, but not so difficult as to be frustrating.
Themes and Style that the Child Might Enjoy
If your child enjoyed the humor, friendship, and emotional expression in the Elephant and Piggie books, they might enjoy other books with similar themes. However, it’s also a great opportunity to introduce new themes and styles that could expand their reading horizons.
The Educational Value of the Book
Books can be a great tool for teaching children about different subjects and life lessons. Look for books that can educate your child, whether it’s about animals, emotions, relationships, or various cultures and their traditions.
The Illustrations and Their Role in Storytelling
Elephant and Piggie books are loved for their expressive and fun illustrations. Considering the role of illustrations in your next book choice is important, especially for children who are visual learners. A well-illustrated book can help to bring the story to life, making reading a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
Books that Emphasize Friendship
Friendship is one of the most enduring themes in children’s literature. It teaches children about camaraderie, loyalty, and empathy. Here are some books that beautifully encapsulate the essence of friendship.
Frog and Toad Series by Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad, two very different characters, share a wonderful friendship that navigates through various seasons and situations. Their endearing stories underscore the power of friendship and its ability to thrive despite differences.
The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
This is a heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between a tiny snail and a humpback whale. The snail’s longing for adventure leads to an extraordinary journey that reinforces the power of friends helping each other.
Duck and Goose Series by Tad Hills
The Duck and Goose series showcases the ups and downs of friendship. Despite their occasional disagreements, Duck and Goose always find a way to reconcile, teaching readers about conflict resolution and the value of friendship.
Books that Encourage Expression of Emotions
Understanding and expressing emotions are crucial skills for children. These selected books can help children recognize and express their feelings effectively.
The Feelings Book by Todd Parr
Todd Parr’s vibrant illustrations and simple text beautifully depict a wide range of emotions. From feeling brave to feeling lonely, this book encourages children to understand and embrace their feelings.
When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
This Caldecott Honor book tells the story of Sophie, a little girl who experiences intense anger. It offers a respectful and compassionate view of anger, showing children that it’s okay to experience strong emotions and providing them with strategies to cope.
The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! by Mo Willems
In this book from the acclaimed Pigeon series, the Pigeon experiences various emotions, from contentment to frustration. This simple yet engaging narrative gives children a relatable character to understand emotions better.
Books that Include Humor
Injecting a dose of humor can make reading a fun-filled activity for children. Here are some humorous books that promise giggles and belly laughs, just like the Elephant and Piggie series.
The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
This innovative book proves that words alone can bring on the giggles. With no pictures, the book leverages funny sounds, silly words, and playful language to create a hilarious reading experience that kids will love.
Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey
Created by the author of Captain Underpants, the Dog Man series follows the adventures of a crime-fighting canine. The series is packed with humor and funny illustrations that will keep children entertained.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
In this humorous tale, every crayon in the box has something to say. Tired of being overworked and underappreciated, they each write a letter expressing their grievances. The unique premise and clever execution make for a thoroughly entertaining read.
Simple yet Engaging Storytelling Books
The power of a simple story, when executed well, can captivate young minds. Here are some books that excel in crafting simple yet engaging narratives, much like the Elephant and Piggie series.
Pete the Cat series by James Dean
The Pete the Cat series, with its groovy protagonist, has simple storylines that kids can easily follow. Despite the simplicity, the stories are filled with fun, music, and subtle life lessons that engage and entertain young readers.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Another classic from Mo Willems, this book presents a simple, humorous scenario where the Pigeon desperately wants to drive the bus but isn’t allowed to. The straightforward storytelling style and humorous premise make it a favorite among kids.
Little Bear series by Else Holmelund Minarik
The Little Bear series, with its charmingly simple stories about a young bear’s adventures, perfectly captures the essence of childhood. Each story is an engaging tale that strikes a balance between simplicity and depth, making it a perfect next read after Elephant and Piggie.
The Role of Illustrations in Storytelling
Illustrations can enrich the reading experience, making the story more immersive and engaging. Here are some books that excel in the art of storytelling through their beautiful and expressive illustrations.
Quest series by Aaron Becker
The Quest series is a collection of wordless picture books. The enchanting illustrations tell a captivating story of a young girl and boy’s adventures, allowing children to explore the narrative through their own interpretation of the art.
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
This timeless classic takes children on an imaginative journey with Max to the land of Wild Things. The evocative illustrations complement the narrative, enriching the reading experience.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This book tells a simple story of a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly. Eric Carle’s distinctive collage-style illustrations add depth to the story, making it visually appealing for young readers.
Additional Recommendations
Here are 10 more books that your child might enjoy after reading the Elephant and Piggie series. Each recommendation includes a brief synopsis and the reason for its selection.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This timeless book depicts a child’s enjoyment of a snow-filled day. Its simple narrative and beautiful collage-style artwork can evoke a sense of wonder and joy in young readers.
Press Here by Hervé Tullet
An interactive book that invites children to press, shake, and tilt the pages to make the dots multiply, change direction, and grow in size. It’s selected for its playful and innovative approach to engage readers.
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Set in Paris, this book follows the adventures of a brave little girl named Madeline. The story’s blend of humor, adventure, and charm make it a delightful read.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
This book offers a fresh take on the classic Three Little Pigs story, told from the wolf’s perspective. It’s chosen for its clever storytelling and humor.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
This circular tale of a mouse requesting more and more items after being given a cookie encourages prediction skills and introduces children to cause and effect.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold creates his own world with his purple crayon in this imaginative book. The simple storyline and the power of creativity make this book a fitting choice.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
A mouse outwits a creature known as the Gruffalo in this charming story. The book’s rhyming text and humorous plot make it a fun and engaging read.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
This empowering book about a quiet girl who loves to invent things encourages children to pursue their passions and not fear failure.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This poignant story of a tree that gives everything to a boy she loves encourages empathy and offers lessons on giving and receiving.
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
This touching tale of a bat who gets separated from her mother and ends up in a bird’s nest highlights the importance of understanding and accepting differences.
Conclusion
The journey of reading does not stop with Elephant and Piggie. There’s a vast universe of books waiting to be explored and enjoyed. We hope this post has guided you towards some potential next reads that can continue to inspire a love for reading in your child.
Recap of the Post and Its Purpose
In this post, we’ve explored books that align with the themes, style, and age appropriateness of the Elephant and Piggie series. These recommended reads can offer continued enjoyment and learning for children who are looking for their next favorite book.
Encouragement to Explore These Books
We encourage you to dive into these books with your young readers. Each one offers a unique story and lessons that can be both entertaining and educational. Whether it’s exploring friendship with Frog and Toad or expressing emotions with The Feelings Book, there’s a world of reading joy awaiting your child.
Closing Thoughts on the Joys of Discovering New Books after Elephant and Piggie
The transition from a beloved book series like Elephant and Piggie to new books can be an exciting journey of discovery. By introducing children to different authors, themes, and styles, you can continue to foster a lifelong love for reading.
Happy reading!
