There is a Bird on Your Head! - An Elephant and Piggie Book

There is a Bird on Your Head! 

~ An Elephant and Piggie Book ~

Willems, Mo. There Is a Bird on Your Head. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. ISBN 9781423106869

Summary:

Elephant Gerald and Piggie are quietly enjoying one another’s company. Then suddenly they are interrupted by an incoming bird that decides to settle on Gerald’s head. Startled, Gerald ponders for a moment what has just happened and quickly decides to alert his pal, Piggie. Gerald and Piggie go back and forth in an animated conversation where Gerald inquires as to what is happening on top of his head. Piggie is amused by this situation and happily answers his pal Elephant’s questions. Through their humorous conversation, Gerald comes to learn that there’s a lot more happening upon his head. He is home to a resident nest that includes two “love birds” and three happy hatchlings. Gerald, of course, would prefer that the birds move somewhere else, so Piggie suggests that he ask them to leave. Gerald considers Piggie’s suggestion and politely asks the birds to go somewhere else. Not bothered by the request, the birds quickly find another comfortable place to settle… on top of Piggie’s head!

Analysis:

Mo Willems has done it once again – created captivating characters and a story that is engaging for young readers. From the beginning, readers are amused by the antics of Elephant Gerald and Piggie. In approximately 250 words with most being early sight words, Willems has the ability to tell the comical tale from the moment the bird lands on Gerald’s head, through the building of a nest, the hatching of three chicks, and a final move to Piggie’s head. The written words of the story are all in the form of speech bubbles. The success of Willems' story is also rooted in his simple line drawn illustrations.

Willems' simple, clean illustrations help the reader vividly imagine and create the story as they read and engage with the pictures. He uses a simple bold black-line drawing with muted fill in colors on a white background. The simplicity of these illustrations helps the reader focus on the actions and facial expressions of each character, which lends to building meaning and better comprehension of the story.

As a family favorite, our children beg for “more Mo” books. These are treasures for young readers that can be enjoyed again and again. My seven year old often comments that There is a Bird on Your Head! gets funnier each time she reads it. Engaging characters, a comical story, and simple illustrations make this a favorite and help young readers learn to enjoy reading!

Awards and Review Excerpts:

- 2008 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

- 2010 Charlotte Award Winner (New York)

- Los Angeles Times Favorite Children’s Book of 2007

From The New York Times Book Review: “In the world of children’s books, the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the ‘00s is the writer-illustrator Mo Willems.”

From The Horn Book: “The minimalism of both the text and the uncluttered pictures focuses readers' attention and moves the stories forward. Party on, Elephant & Piggie!”

From The School Library Journal on the Elephant and Piggie Series: “The conversation between the friends flows smoothly and allows beginning readers to practice expression as they read. These appealing titles will tickle the funny bones of children and are sure to become favorites.”

Connections:

Conduct an author study of Mo Willems and gather many of his titles, such as 

  ~ Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! ISBN 9780786819881

        ~ We are in a Book! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) ISBN 9781423133087

-            ~ Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale ISBN 9780786818709

Connect with Mo Willems through his website and blog at www.mowillems.com

View this “Author’s Revealed” clip of Mo Willems discussing the importance of finding the emotional truth in his writing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpuU9EYrEs0

Take a look at this Elephant and Piggie Party Kit full of activity ideas - http://www.pigeonpresents.com/teachersguides/eandp_eventkit_10.pdf

Use this title as an introduction to habitats and discuss whether or not Elephant’s head makes a good place to call home and why.

Use this title as a way to encourage manners and to communicate feelings/ emotions. The book shows that using polite language often helps to effectively communicate our needs and wants.

The characters’ emotions are typically portrayed in their body and facial language.

Study Mo Willems’ illustration techniques and create your own drawing using his style of line and color showing you and a friend doing something you enjoy. 

* Cover image borrowed from http://www.pigeonpresents.com

Happy for "Mo" reading! 

~ Mandy :)