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Friday, March 12, 2010

I Will Surprise My Friend! Written and illustrated by Mo Willems. Hyperion, H B Fenn. $9.99 ages 3 and up


"We could surprise each other!
Yes!
We could surprise each other by the big rock!
YAY!"

The idea comes to them when they are witnesses to a trick that the squirrels play on each other. The big 'BOO!', the fear and the laughter are all the incentive needed for Piggie and Gerald to give it a try themselves. And so the plan is made and set in motion. They are all giggly as they move toward the big rock and the scene of the 'big scare'. When nothing happens, they become concerned about the other, and cannot seem to figure out what has happened.

They look around the rock and neither sees the other. That is when the imagination runs riot and Elephant begins to consider what scary scenario might have befallen his friend. Piggie, on the other hand, considers that Gerald might be hungry for lunch and that reminds her that she is hungry, too. As she determines to go for lunch and Elephant decides to play superhero and rescue his best friend, they set their plans in motion, each scaring the other out of their wits with loud and determined voices.

Whew, now that was a surprise! Perhaps at another time another game might be less stressful. Next time they will try tag.

I have read these books to teachers, student teachers and children from kindergarten to grade eight. The enjoyment is always the same, and the request for another assures that I always have a few in my book bag.

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