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Elephant & Piggie #25
The Thank You Book
Goodreads Choice Award
Winner for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2016)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 The Thank You Book!, Piggie wants to thank EVERYONE. But Gerald is worried Piggie will forget someone . . . someone important.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In The Thank You Book!, Piggie wants to thank EVERYONE. But Gerald is worried Piggie will forget someone . . . someone important.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
62 people are currently reading
6879 people want to read
About the author
Mo Willems
202 books4,128 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 740 reviews
June 17, 2020
This was the final published Elephant & Piggie book, and even had I not known that, it would have been pretty obvious by the end. While this is not a series with an actual overarching plot, it's clear that Willems was trying to give a sense of finality to this one.
The plot here involves Piggie deciding to thank everyone in her life. This brings back ever single character that has appeared in even one page of the previous 24 books.... and I do mean EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER.
On one hand, I give this points because it is a sense of closure to a series that doesn't really have a way to be properly closed. I mean, there is no real plot. Piggie and Gerald are friends, that's about it. So this is fairly clever.
That said, one of the things I liked about the series is how... well, how subtle these books have been. They teach kids lessons, but never at the cost of the comedy. It's one thing to tell a child to share, it's another for them to learn it and laugh the entire time. Which brings me to my biggest issue; it's clear that Willems is trying to get an emotion out of you at the end. It's not really bad, but it feels so... unsubtle that it doesn't really fit what came before.
Yes, I realize I may be putting more analysis than really needed into a picture book, I accept that. It just feels off. Not a bad book in the series, just not one of the best. 3/5 stars
The plot here involves Piggie deciding to thank everyone in her life. This brings back ever single character that has appeared in even one page of the previous 24 books.... and I do mean EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER.
On one hand, I give this points because it is a sense of closure to a series that doesn't really have a way to be properly closed. I mean, there is no real plot. Piggie and Gerald are friends, that's about it. So this is fairly clever.
That said, one of the things I liked about the series is how... well, how subtle these books have been. They teach kids lessons, but never at the cost of the comedy. It's one thing to tell a child to share, it's another for them to learn it and laugh the entire time. Which brings me to my biggest issue; it's clear that Willems is trying to get an emotion out of you at the end. It's not really bad, but it feels so... unsubtle that it doesn't really fit what came before.
Yes, I realize I may be putting more analysis than really needed into a picture book, I accept that. It just feels off. Not a bad book in the series, just not one of the best. 3/5 stars
February 10, 2017
They say, “All good things must come to an end.”
I harrumph and ask, “Why?”
Through the years, I've collected each new book as they are published. Now I've finally added the last and final book to this loving series, and it feels...overwhelming. I'm sadden that it's come to an end. Though, my sons and I will be re-reading this for years to come. ♥♥♥
I harrumph and ask, “Why?”
Through the years, I've collected each new book as they are published. Now I've finally added the last and final book to this loving series, and it feels...overwhelming. I'm sadden that it's come to an end. Though, my sons and I will be re-reading this for years to come. ♥♥♥
April 30, 2016
I would give this one a 10 if I could! I have read every one in this series and not one disappointment. The way that Mo Willems ended this series is brilliant, as expected. Definitely bittersweet as I have loved this series as have my students. But an amazing end to an incredible series.
May 4, 2016
Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig say good-bye to all their friends in the final installment. Not really a story, but a sweet ending for this fantastic series.
I'm not crying, YOU're crying.
I'm not crying, YOU're crying.
January 22, 2019
We LOVE this book and I cannot believe that it is the last book of the series.
Thank you Piggie.
Thank you Gerald.
Thank you Mo.
Thank you Piggie.
Thank you Gerald.
Thank you Mo.
August 23, 2016
You might need a tissue for the end to this incredible series.
November 7, 2016
Each year I and my family read and rate all the Goodreads picture book nominees. This one is nominated for 2016. I make a few comments and then add their separate ratings and a comment. There's 15 and this is the eighth being rated. My rating might be somewhat influenced by the family, naturally. This rating bumped up a notch just for them.
I am by this point, book #25 of Elephant and Piggie, Willemed out and ready to move on with my life. 2 stars, maybe 2 1/2 if I am generous. This is a reader rating grab since the main important person that gets thanked is you, dear reader. Biggie becomes a thankarama, a thanking machine. But who does he forget? The most important person, elephant asks??!! Two little surprises along the way. Meant for really young kids, to be fair.
Tara (my wife): 2 1/2 stars. Eh.
Harry (11): 3 1/2 stars. It was funny!
Hank (10): 4. A lot of thank yous. Lyra (9): 3 1/2 stars.
I am by this point, book #25 of Elephant and Piggie, Willemed out and ready to move on with my life. 2 stars, maybe 2 1/2 if I am generous. This is a reader rating grab since the main important person that gets thanked is you, dear reader. Biggie becomes a thankarama, a thanking machine. But who does he forget? The most important person, elephant asks??!! Two little surprises along the way. Meant for really young kids, to be fair.
Tara (my wife): 2 1/2 stars. Eh.
Harry (11): 3 1/2 stars. It was funny!
Hank (10): 4. A lot of thank yous. Lyra (9): 3 1/2 stars.
July 16, 2018
In this Elephant and Piggie book, it’s a mix of manners and worry that drives the story. While Piggie feels it is important to thank all her friends for who they are and what they’ve done for her, Gerald is somewhat apprehensive. He likes the idea of thankfulness, but worries that in Piggie’s rush, she might forget someone important. Doing so could negate all the wonderful ‘thank you’ messages that are being broadcast, which has Gerald tied in knots. Neo knows all about saying THANKS, as well as his other manners, but he is aware that missing one person or a single occasion can pose a problem. We love reading this series and it is a joy to see Neo tackle these books with excitement and ease.
September 14, 2016
Ages: 4-8 Grade Level 1-3
The first sentence of The Thank You Book by Mo Willems is from Piggie who says, "I have a lot to be thankful for...I had better get thanking!" And thus begins the story of Piggie thanking all of his friends. At the same time Gerald the Elephant worries over Piggie forgetting someone. The more folks Piggie thanks the more convinced Gerald is that Piggie will forget someone. I loved the little twist at the end, and the message Piggie and Elephant share with young readers. While younger readers will appreciate the illustrations, as they age they will giggle over Elephant's worries, reflect on their own thankfulness and get caught up with Elephant. Aside from the message one of the things I like are the simple sentences that allow young readers to learn, mimic and then read the pages within.
I obtained a copy of this book at BEA 2016 This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The first sentence of The Thank You Book by Mo Willems is from Piggie who says, "I have a lot to be thankful for...I had better get thanking!" And thus begins the story of Piggie thanking all of his friends. At the same time Gerald the Elephant worries over Piggie forgetting someone. The more folks Piggie thanks the more convinced Gerald is that Piggie will forget someone. I loved the little twist at the end, and the message Piggie and Elephant share with young readers. While younger readers will appreciate the illustrations, as they age they will giggle over Elephant's worries, reflect on their own thankfulness and get caught up with Elephant. Aside from the message one of the things I like are the simple sentences that allow young readers to learn, mimic and then read the pages within.
I obtained a copy of this book at BEA 2016 This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
May 12, 2016
Never before has anyone managed so exuberantly to thank so many different people in one book! Piggie decides to thank everyone she knows. Gerald the elephant is worried she will forget someone very important. Of course we assume the obvious is Gerald's concern. We should know better by now to make the obvious assumption about a Mo Willems' book!
Funny and touching.
Funny and touching.
May 31, 2016
In a delightful twist, Gerald turns to Piggie and reminds her that they need to thank their readers. “We could not be ‘us’ without you,” says Gerald. Piggie joins in, adding, “You are the best!” Talk about a moment that melts my heart, each and every time I read it. Willems honors the hard work that young readers do in bringing stories to life, and he does so with joy, humor and heart.
As a teacher and a librarian, I want to thank every child who's shared their reading lives with me, every parent who's entrusted their child to me, every author who's shared a bit of themselves with us through their words. Thank YOU, Mo Willems, for bringing so much joy to all of us, helping us create so many teachable moments, so many wonderful conversations.
read my full review at Great Kid Books
As a teacher and a librarian, I want to thank every child who's shared their reading lives with me, every parent who's entrusted their child to me, every author who's shared a bit of themselves with us through their words. Thank YOU, Mo Willems, for bringing so much joy to all of us, helping us create so many teachable moments, so many wonderful conversations.
read my full review at Great Kid Books
November 26, 2016
In a book designed to make a child understand the important of saying 'thank you' to those around them, I hate to say I was bored. Piggie and Elephant have shown in previous books their close friendship, and in this one...I felt that effort fell a little flat. Elephant has a goal in mind that seems fairly obvious and is seemingly ignored by his friend as he acknowledges everyone except the obvious. The ending is somewhat cute and redeeming, but I feel like this wasn't the best effort by the author.
Still, it teaches a valuable lesson, one worth repeating, so I wouldn't avoid this book in the least. The humorous aspect helps to bring the lesson home, and so I give it three stars.
Still, it teaches a valuable lesson, one worth repeating, so I wouldn't avoid this book in the least. The humorous aspect helps to bring the lesson home, and so I give it three stars.
December 9, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEsFs...
Cartea este de o drăgălășenie diabetică și foarte educativă. Reușește să-i învețe pe micii cititori că este frumos să mulțumești și să recunoști celor apropiați cât de importanți sunt pentru tine și că ceea ce fac ei este minunat.
O carte haioasă, scurtă și simpatică pentru cei mici!
Cartea este de o drăgălășenie diabetică și foarte educativă. Reușește să-i învețe pe micii cititori că este frumos să mulțumești și să recunoști celor apropiați cât de importanți sunt pentru tine și că ceea ce fac ei este minunat.
O carte haioasă, scurtă și simpatică pentru cei mici!
May 9, 2016
I worry about being stoned, but the book had no real story. I have loved the Elephant and Piggie books over the years, this one seemed to be simply a way for the author to say "hey this is my last book in this series, so thanks for buying a lot".
October 9, 2022
خیلی کیف کردم از خوندن این مجموعه :)
با تشکر از فیلی و فیگی
نویسنده
مترجم
پرتقال
با تشکر از فیلی و فیگی
نویسنده
مترجم
پرتقال
March 28, 2017
Oh, how much I love this series <3
Its getting better & better ^_^
Its getting better & better ^_^
June 8, 2016
My mother taught me that writing thank you notes was very important, and I have tried to teach my children the same thing. This adorable Elephant and Piggies book will help young children begin to understand the importance of writing Thank You notes.most readers will figure out who Gerald is referring to before Piggies does, but that takes nothing away from the story. There is a Thank you card in the back of the book that kids can pull out and give to someone - - maybe the person who made a gift of the book?
June 28, 2016
NO! I DON'T WANT IT TO END! I will miss new adventures with Elephant and Piggie. I have never been so excited to read an easy reader title before. They always make me laugh. Willems gives them a great send-off in this adorable story, as Piggie works her way through the cast of characters who have played with the BFFs in each of their books. Gerald worries that Piggie will forget someone.
Is it weird to get choked up over a book that has less than 100 words in it?
I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING!
Is it weird to get choked up over a book that has less than 100 words in it?
I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING!
May 6, 2016
It really was the perfect book to wrap up this amazing series, even if I get a little melancholy every time I read it.
My favorite page had the official guest star, read it to know what I'm talking about!
My favorite page had the official guest star, read it to know what I'm talking about!
May 2, 2016
A brilliant ending to a wonderful series! So sad to see the end of the Piggie and Elephant series. But I'm looking forward to what Mo Willems is up to next....I know it will be awesome!
May 7, 2021
El mejor que le he leído a mi peque...
June 7, 2017
When I saw that Mo Willems was ending the Elephant and Piggie series, I was pretty inconsolable for a while. I cried when I saw the title, cried when it came in the mail, and cried the entire time I was reading it with my youngest daughter. (It felt strangely appropriate that the book arrived the very week that she was graduating from kindergarten, a milestone which marks the end of our afternoons alone together.) I have loved reading these books with all my girls and I adore the illustrations and how much personality Mo Willems can put into such simple drawings. With their simple language and darling stories, these books have helped my kids learn how to read. They are silly and sweet and this book is a perfect conclusion to the series (if it really HAS to end). In this book, it is perfectly clear how much affection Mo Willems has for Piggie and Gerald, and for all the other characters that have found their ways into these books. And when an author loves his characters, the readers love them too. It makes such a difference! If you have read most or all of the Elephant and Piggie series like we have, then this book is Mo Willems' gift to you. It is just perfect.
July 4, 2016
Gerald the Elephant and Piggie pay tribute to all their friends, and readers, in the last installment of their beloved series. Fans will love celebrating the end of an era with Pig and Elephant's best book yet. THE THANK YOU BOOK is the perfect way to say good bye to these two cherished characters. Fans will love seeing a cameo of each of Willem's characters in this book, as well as a special message just for readers.
The Thank you Book it's a great way to remind readers of all ages the importance of saying, THANK YOU, and being grateful. I loved this book so much, I gave copies away as teacher gifts! This book is perfect for gift giving.
My daughter's thoughts on the book:
I thought the was sweet, funny and it's a good book for someone special. It's cute, and teaches children to be thankful for all the people in their life. It's also a good book to read for Thanksgiving.
Read our FULL REVIEW here www.mundiekids.blogspot.com
The Thank you Book it's a great way to remind readers of all ages the importance of saying, THANK YOU, and being grateful. I loved this book so much, I gave copies away as teacher gifts! This book is perfect for gift giving.
My daughter's thoughts on the book:
I thought the was sweet, funny and it's a good book for someone special. It's cute, and teaches children to be thankful for all the people in their life. It's also a good book to read for Thanksgiving.
Read our FULL REVIEW here www.mundiekids.blogspot.com
June 5, 2016
Piggie is thinking about all the people who have enriched her life, so she decides to thank them all. While Gerald likes the idea, he worries she will forget someone important. Will she miss anyone?
This is the final (sob!) Elephant and Piggie book from the talented Mo Willems, and it works well as a series finale. Viewing it as another in the series, it will seem a little weird, but knowing this is the final one makes it very special. There are some fun cameos, including one from Pigeon. And the lesson about thankfulness is good but presented in a fun way. In other words, it’s another great book in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is the final (sob!) Elephant and Piggie book from the talented Mo Willems, and it works well as a series finale. Viewing it as another in the series, it will seem a little weird, but knowing this is the final one makes it very special. There are some fun cameos, including one from Pigeon. And the lesson about thankfulness is good but presented in a fun way. In other words, it’s another great book in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
June 28, 2016
My daughter and I (she is currently 6) found these books at the library about 2 years ago and we both fell in love with them instantly. They are humorous in a way that is enjoyable for both kids and adults with a willingness to be a little bit silly.
This series has actually been instrumental in helping my daughter learn to read as we read them so much together that she started to memorize them and now recognizes many of the words that she has memorized by sight in other books.
I am very sad that there will be no more books released for these characters but I think that these characters will be ones that remain an iconic part of my kid's childhood. I can't stress enough how wonderful these books are.
*sniffles* I'm not crying...
This series has actually been instrumental in helping my daughter learn to read as we read them so much together that she started to memorize them and now recognizes many of the words that she has memorized by sight in other books.
I am very sad that there will be no more books released for these characters but I think that these characters will be ones that remain an iconic part of my kid's childhood. I can't stress enough how wonderful these books are.
*sniffles* I'm not crying...
May 6, 2016
OMG. The end. Of Gerald & Piggie...
I can't. My students can't. Their parents can't (or can?)... and well...
as a librarian to children...Thank you Mo Willems. Because of you, children read. They laugh. They gasp. They comprehend. They have fluency. They use intonation in their reading. They are readers. Because you called them so...
I can't. My students can't. Their parents can't (or can?)... and well...
as a librarian to children...Thank you Mo Willems. Because of you, children read. They laugh. They gasp. They comprehend. They have fluency. They use intonation in their reading. They are readers. Because you called them so...
May 20, 2016
Noo, it can't be over! While it wasn't as silly as the previous installments, it was fun to see all the other characters pop in again, especially the Pigeon, which will probably lead to kids wanting to reread all the other books once more to meet the flies, the ice cream cart penguin, etc.
And I was ridiculously excited to be able to hang on to one of the Thank You picture frames...
And I was ridiculously excited to be able to hang on to one of the Thank You picture frames...
May 4, 2016
Dear Elephant & Piggie,
Thank you for inspiring so many readers to smile, laugh, and read your books again and again and again!
Sincerely,
A Reader
Thank you for inspiring so many readers to smile, laugh, and read your books again and again and again!
Sincerely,
A Reader
May 12, 2016
This series has transformed many a little reader. It has given the gift of expression, confidence, laughter and fun. And it ends with gratitude. LOVE Elephant and Piggie!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 740 reviews