Hail and Farewell! The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

“I HAVE A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR.

I AM GOING TO THANK EVERYONE WHO IS IMPORTANT TO ME.”

Piggie is in a reflective and gratitudinous mood. Always reserved, Gerald the Elephant offers his counsel on her plan.

“EVERYONE? NO WAY! YOU WILL FORGET SOMEONE.”

But the ever optimistic Piggie plows ahead, She thanks the Squirrels for their ideas. She thanks Snake for playing ball with her. She recognizes Pigeon for persevering and apologizes for his never getting to be in their books.

Pigeon gives the reader a wry look, eyebrows raised.

“THAT’S WHAT YOU THINK!” HE MUTTERS.

Piggie forges on, thanking Mouse and Bird, and Rhino, Hippo and his barky dog, Pelican, Bear, Worm!

Piggie points out that she is a veritable thanking engine!

Gerald crosses his arms and with a self-concious smile, suggests that Piggie has forgotten someone VERY important. Someone who is a major character in Piggie’s life.

Piggie agrees. The next thank you is going to be BIG, REALLY BIG, she says!

“THANK YOU, WHALE!”

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! Gerald can’t believe it. Piggie goes on, ignoring Gerald’ consternation.

Dr. Cat, Ice cream Penguin, Brian Bat...! Piggie’s list of credits rolls on. The Flies! Oh, course. How can she forget the Flies who help her perfect her swill?

Then Piggie stops. She looks sheepish. OOOPSIE! Now she gets Gerald’s drift, she thinks, her cheeks growing red! Gerald is her best friend!

“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! GERALD! YOU ARE THE BEST FRIEND A PIG COULD HAVE!”

But, no! Gerald thanks Piggie sincerely for her praise, but there is someone else, someone without whom none of their stories could exist! In his farewell book in the multiple award-winning Elephant and Piggie beginning reader series, The Thank You Book (An Elephant and Piggie Book), Mo Willems pays tribute to that sine qua non of all authors–The Reader! And a big thank you to you, Mr. Willems, for creating, not just that charming odd couple of friends, ebullient Piggie and the reserved Gerald, but for creating many an emerging reader, with millions of laughs, and introducing them to the joys of reading!