Listen to My Trumpet!
(Elephant & Piggie)

PreS-Gr 2--Gerald and Piggie are back in another easy reader that manages to touch on the complex issues of communication, honesty among friends, and shared experiences. Piggie is in proud possession of a loud, shiny trumpet, which she can't wait to play for Gerald. As he sits and listens, she proceeds to struggle her way through a demonstration, which sounds less like music and more like Gerald's "Aunt Molly with a cold." But as painful as it is for Gerald to listen to Piggie play, he knows that telling her how bad she is will be even more torturous. His anguish is clearly visible--but tell her he must, because that's what friends are for. Willems squeezes so much information and emotion out of the barest of illustrations: Gerald sticking his tongue out in concentration as he maneuvers his bulk onto the tiny stool Piggie has provided for him reminds readers of what a physically odd couple they are; Piggie reverently embracing her trumpet before proceeding to blast the heck out of it speaks to her true motivation for getting it in the first place, as is revealed in the surprisingly sweet ending. This winning pair continues to delight and charm readers with a wisdom that seems hard won by adults, but is second nature to children.--Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA