About This Book
Reach for this book when your child seems confused by pretend play, takes jokes too literally, or gets anxious when friends act 'out of character.' Mo Willems uses his signature humor to demystify the abstract concept of imagination for kids who find social cues or roleplay a bit daunting. In this story, Piggie is hopping around claiming to be a frog, which sends the literal-minded Gerald into a minor existential crisis. Through their dialogue, the book explains that 'pretending' is a choice and a skill rather than a trick or a lie. It is a fantastic tool for normalizing social anxiety and teaching children how to join in on the fun without fear. Ideal for ages 4 to 8, this book serves as both a hilarious read-aloud and a gentle social-emotional primer. It validates the cautious child's perspective while showing them the bridge to creative play.
