About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the fine line between anticipation and anxiety, or when a simple game has turned into a moment of frozen indecision. While the story is ostensibly about a surprise, it beautifully mirrors the internal monologue of a child who is overthinking a social interaction. It is an ideal tool for discussing how our own worries can sometimes make us miss out on the fun happening right in front of us. Elephant Gerald and Piggie both decide to surprise one another, but their plan goes awry when they end up waiting behind the same rock. As the minutes tick by, their imaginations run wild with concerns about where the other friend could be. Mo Willems uses his signature minimal style to highlight big emotions like worry, impatience, and the relief of reconciliation. It is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary students who are navigating the complexities of cooperative play and the vulnerability of being 'tricked' or surprised.
