About This Book
Reach for this book when your child experiences intense distress or a sense of personal rejection at the simple mention of a goodbye. Whether it is a playdate ending or a parent leaving for work, young children often struggle to separate the act of 'going' from the idea of 'leaving forever.' This story uses Mo Willems' signature humor to de-escalate the panic of separation anxiety through the lovable, over-the-top reactions of Gerald the Elephant. In this story, Piggie simply announces she is 'going,' which sends Gerald into a spiral of existential dread. He imagines a future of loneliness, unaware that Piggie is merely going to lunch. It is an ideal pick for children aged 4 to 8 who are learning to navigate big emotions and social cues. Parents will find it a perfect tool for normalizing the 'big feelings' that come with transitions, teaching children that a goodbye is often just a temporary pause before the next shared adventure.
