Elephants Cannot Dance

Elephants Cannot Dance brings back the beloved Elephant & Piggie series, offering a delightful reprint filled with the hilarious antics of best friends, Gerald the Elephant and Piggie. With echoes of an indomitable friendship to rival Lobel’s timeless Frog and Toad stories, Willems presents a heartwarmingly humorous tale that follows Piggie’s determined mission to teach Gerald how to dance.

The story unfolds as Gerald, convinced that elephants cannot dance based on a book’s assertion, is persuaded by Piggie to give it a shot. The ensuing dance lessons lead to comical mishaps, with Gerald seemingly doing the opposite of Piggie’s instructions. Frustration sets in, and Gerald contemplates quitting, but the question remains: has his unique approach inspired others?

Willems’ signature bold and expressive illustrations once again shine in this book. The consistent use of speech bubbles, cleverly distinguished by contrasting colours for Piggie and Gerald, allows young readers to easily follow the dialogue and actively engage with the story. Willems’ background in comedy injects a playful freshness into the narrative, while his skilful breaking of the fourth wall invites readers to interact with the text in an engaging and interactive way.

With its interactive and humorous nature, this is a perfect choice for emerging readers. The book’s easy-to-read format and charming characters create a reading experience that invites joy and laughter from both children and adults alike.