Blowing Your Own Horn! Listen to My Trumpet! by Mo Willems

LISTEN... GERALD!

I HAVE A TRUMPET!"

Piggie plunks down a little three-legged stool for her friend Gerald the Elephant. Gerald is not sure what to expect from his exuberant friend. A trumpet? Piggie plays a trumpet? It's news to him.

KL-ACK! GR-ELP! GR-ICK!

"YIKES!" Gerald involuntarily yelps. Piggie can't play the trumpet! This is awful! What in the world can he say to his best friend, eagerly waiting for his reaction?

Piggie redoubles her efforts to impress her consternated friend.

"Blap- BLONK!"

Gerald is speechless. His best friend is waiting for his approval, but how can he give it when her notes are so unspeakably painful? He decides to open by accentuating the positive.

"YOUR TRUMPET IS SHINY!" HE OFFERS.

"AND....?" PIGGY ASKS.

Gerald struggles with his conscience. Finally he decides to tell his friend the truth, however unpleasant.

BUT THAT WAS NOT MUSIC!"

Gerald waits fearfully for his friend's reaction. Will she cry! Get angry? All his fears play across Gerald's face as Piggie just stares at him, a bit baffled.

"I AM TRYING TO SPEAK ELEPHANT." SHE POINTS OUT PATIENTLY.

Oh. That's different.

Mo Willems' latest in his award-winning early reader books, Listen to My Trumpet! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) (Hyperion, 2012), continues this deservedly best-selling series, combining easy vocabulary, irresistible characterizations done in seemingly simple line drawings, surprise endings, and thoughtful insights into the nature of friendship between these unlikely comrades. Elephant and Piggie rock and rule!