About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is prone to catastrophizing or jumping to the worst possible conclusion about a small problem. In this hilarious installment of the Elephant and Piggie series, Gerald the Elephant suffers a sneezing fit and immediately panics, convinced he is allergic to his best friend, Piggie. This story speaks directly to the anxiety children feel when they fear a change in their social status or health could separate them from those they love. While the plot is simple and funny, it serves as a gentle mirror for children who struggle with worry and health-related fears. Mo Willems uses repetitive, accessible language that makes it perfect for early readers aged 4 to 8. Parents will appreciate how it models a logical resolution to a big emotional crisis, showing that things are often much simpler and less scary than they first appear in our imagination.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with health anxiety and the fear of losing a friendship. The approach is metaphorical and secular, using the 'allergy' as a stand-in for any obstacle a child fears might end a relationship. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in reality.
