Are you ready to play outside? by Mo Willems

Walker Books, 2009. ISBN 9781406322200.
(Ages 2-7) A delightful addition to the Elephant and Piggie books sees Gerald and Piggie getting ready to play outside, anticipating a wonderful time running, skipping and jumping. When a rain shower threatens their game, Piggie decides that she is 'not a happy pig'. Gerald shelters her from the rain by using his big ear as an umbrella. Two little worms are overjoyed with the rain and when Piggie sees this she decides that it could be fun to cavort in the wet.
A lovely expose of friendship, young readers will empathise with the two friends as their plans for a fun game go awry. This time it is Gerald who is able to help out Piggie, protecting her from the rain and giving the pair a chance to come up with fun things to do.
The humorous illustrations, with their simple line drawings, will bring a smile to the faces of young readers and those listening to the story. The use of Gerald's ear as an umbrella is particularly engaging. Large print, repetition of words and easy vocabulary will be a boon for beginning readers.
Pat Pledger