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Elephant & Piggie #23
I Will Take a Nap!
Gerald is cautious, Rosie is not. Rosie smiles all the time. Gerald never smiles. Gerald worries, so Rosie doesn't worry. In I'm Going to Take a Nap!, Gerald is tired and grumpy. Will Rosie be in his dream? Will she stop Gerald from dreaming?
64 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2015
28 people are currently reading
2268 people want to read
About the author
Mo Willems
225 books4,096 followers#1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems is best known for his Caldecott Honor winning picture books Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale.
In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.
The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."
Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.
Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.
The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."
Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.
Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.
He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
December 9, 2015
"I am tired. And cranky. I will take a nap!"
These Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems are SO POPULAR right now, and with good reason. They are so fun to read.
Gerald is a spectacle-wearing elephant who is a bit of an old fuddy-duddy. His best friend, Piggie, is a light-hearted, fun-loving person who is brave. They love each other so much and this shines through in every book. I love their friendship.
In this book, Gerald is feeling tired and cranky, so he decides to take a nap - only to be woken up by a curious Piggie. After yelling at Piggie for waking him up, they decide to take a nap together! Only Piggie has a severe snoring problem. The book has a surprise ending as
A certain 6-year-old is obsessed with Elephant and Piggie books - once she read me 9 of them in a one-hour time period. She makes her voice deep and serious for the elephant and light and girly for Piggie. It's intensely adorable. She always wants to buy these book when they appear at book fair.
If you have a child or know a child 6 or younger and want one heck of a good time, I highly recommend reading Elephant and Piggie books. I would say age 0-6. The funnest thing is when the child is able to read you these books out loud on her/his own. Especially if the book is new to you, then the child will delight in surprising you with Willems clever twists and turns.
Tl;dr - An absolute delight, five stars. I'm leery of books with messages, and children HATE taking naps (usually) so I was afraid this would be rather 'message-y' but I couldn't have been more wrong. The scene where Piggie wants to take a nap with Gerald (who sleeps with a little stuffed bunny) and Piggie produces a little stuffed elephant - who looks just like Gerald! - as her "special buddy" is just TOO adorable and heart-rending. Awwww! The whole book is a gem.
And completely gender-less as far as books go. It's a relief sometimes to find something that doesn't try to skew towards females nor males. Anyone and everyone can enjoy any and every book - but sometimes it's hard to convince children of that. This is a crowd-pleaser for absolutely anyone and you will encounter no arguments like "this is a girl book!" or "This is a boy book!"
These Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems are SO POPULAR right now, and with good reason. They are so fun to read.
Gerald is a spectacle-wearing elephant who is a bit of an old fuddy-duddy. His best friend, Piggie, is a light-hearted, fun-loving person who is brave. They love each other so much and this shines through in every book. I love their friendship.
In this book, Gerald is feeling tired and cranky, so he decides to take a nap - only to be woken up by a curious Piggie. After yelling at Piggie for waking him up, they decide to take a nap together! Only Piggie has a severe snoring problem. The book has a surprise ending as
A certain 6-year-old is obsessed with Elephant and Piggie books - once she read me 9 of them in a one-hour time period. She makes her voice deep and serious for the elephant and light and girly for Piggie. It's intensely adorable. She always wants to buy these book when they appear at book fair.
If you have a child or know a child 6 or younger and want one heck of a good time, I highly recommend reading Elephant and Piggie books. I would say age 0-6. The funnest thing is when the child is able to read you these books out loud on her/his own. Especially if the book is new to you, then the child will delight in surprising you with Willems clever twists and turns.
Tl;dr - An absolute delight, five stars. I'm leery of books with messages, and children HATE taking naps (usually) so I was afraid this would be rather 'message-y' but I couldn't have been more wrong. The scene where Piggie wants to take a nap with Gerald (who sleeps with a little stuffed bunny) and Piggie produces a little stuffed elephant - who looks just like Gerald! - as her "special buddy" is just TOO adorable and heart-rending. Awwww! The whole book is a gem.
And completely gender-less as far as books go. It's a relief sometimes to find something that doesn't try to skew towards females nor males. Anyone and everyone can enjoy any and every book - but sometimes it's hard to convince children of that. This is a crowd-pleaser for absolutely anyone and you will encounter no arguments like "this is a girl book!" or "This is a boy book!"
February 6, 2017
Once again, an adorable short story featuring Piggie, Gerald, and their sleeping buddies. I just love this collection of books!
February 3, 2019
Out of the 25 Elephant and Piggie books, I believe this is the most crazy one....and if I dare to say the most psychedelic one.
Gerald wants to take a nap,
Piggie does not leave him alone and starts snoring next to him,
Gerald cannot sleep with all this noise,
Suddenly Piggie becomes a flying pig with a turnip head. Ha?
What is going on?
You need to read the book to get to the final twist when everything makes sense.
Gerald wants to take a nap,
Piggie does not leave him alone and starts snoring next to him,
Gerald cannot sleep with all this noise,
Suddenly Piggie becomes a flying pig with a turnip head. Ha?
What is going on?
You need to read the book to get to the final twist when everything makes sense.
June 3, 2015
Every time I read a new E & P book, I'm a little afraid. What if this is it? The first one that's not an instant classic. What if Mo has lost his magic and this is the beginning of a downhill slide? Then I breathe a sigh of relief. Then I read it again, and enjoy it and laugh at my own MoWillemsDeclineophobia.
July 19, 2018
Mo Willems brings the lovely idea of naps to his popular Elephant and Piggie series, something that children and adults alike can enjoy. As Gerald prepares to take a nap, Piggie comes along to rouse him. Gerald warns that he is feeling quite cranky and might need this lay down more than he thought. When Piggie pulls up with a blanket and naps beside her best friend, the end result is anything but peaceful. However, Gerald learns a valuable lesson and discovers a nickname for his best friend. Neo loves sleep and napping on occasion too, though he rises before the roosters on most days. While we could all use a little more sleep, once he is out, Neo cannot be woken up. Right, Turniphead?
January 5, 2016
Hilarious, and another very existential one, much like WE ARE IN A BOOK.
June 24, 2025
I have this problem every day! I have found napping to be something I really like to do! This book looks at how we (small children) may view napping; I do remember not wanting to take naps when I was a very small child. Books like this help a young child to understand that there is a reason mom/dad want you to do certain things!
March 22, 2016
This book sums up my life
June 13, 2019
Cute book for elementary age kids....I love his series
June 13, 2015
I have been a fan of Mo Willems for close to ten years. We are big fans of the public library, but Mo Willems is an author whose books are purchased as soon as they are released. My three girls are big fans of the Elephant and Piggie series, and were eagerly waiting for I Will Take A Nap.
As the title suggests, Gerald the persnickety elephant wants to take a nap- but he is interrupted by Piggie. Gerald explains that he needs a nap because he is cranky, and napping helps him feel better. Gerald snaps at Piggie (who was being a little obtuse), and she snips back that now SHE is cranky. Gerald and Piggie try to take a nap together, but Piggie’s snoring disrupts Gerald. Will the cranky elephant ever get his nap?
For those of you who might be unfamiliar with the series, there are some things that you should know. Elephant and Piggie books are easy readers. There is no prose; the characters communicate with each other via voice bubbles. The text is also very simple: “I am tired. And cranky. I will take a nap. I like to nap.” Each of those sentences appears on its own page, with Gerald spreading his blanket on the floor and preparing for his nap. The simple text and the back-and-forth dialogue make the books great for reading out loud and acting out the story with an emerging reader.
It should also be noted that the illustrations are rather Spartan with Elephant and Piggie appearing against a plain white background. Willems scrimps on the background, but this allows him to focus on body language and facial expressions. Much of the comic relief in this story (as well as the others) comes from the faces the characters (usually Gerald) are making. On a more personal note, two of my girls are on the autism spectrum, and the exaggerated facial expressions help them make the connection between what a character is saying and how it relates to their feelings.
I would absolutely recommend I Will Take a Nap. My three girls giggled and laughed throughout the story. There are over twenty books in the series, but they are all absolute gems and nothing feels stale or recycled. The girls were very excited to see Gerald clutching a stuffed Knuffle Bunny, another of Willems’ creations. This is a very funny book that children are sure to love!
As the title suggests, Gerald the persnickety elephant wants to take a nap- but he is interrupted by Piggie. Gerald explains that he needs a nap because he is cranky, and napping helps him feel better. Gerald snaps at Piggie (who was being a little obtuse), and she snips back that now SHE is cranky. Gerald and Piggie try to take a nap together, but Piggie’s snoring disrupts Gerald. Will the cranky elephant ever get his nap?
For those of you who might be unfamiliar with the series, there are some things that you should know. Elephant and Piggie books are easy readers. There is no prose; the characters communicate with each other via voice bubbles. The text is also very simple: “I am tired. And cranky. I will take a nap. I like to nap.” Each of those sentences appears on its own page, with Gerald spreading his blanket on the floor and preparing for his nap. The simple text and the back-and-forth dialogue make the books great for reading out loud and acting out the story with an emerging reader.
It should also be noted that the illustrations are rather Spartan with Elephant and Piggie appearing against a plain white background. Willems scrimps on the background, but this allows him to focus on body language and facial expressions. Much of the comic relief in this story (as well as the others) comes from the faces the characters (usually Gerald) are making. On a more personal note, two of my girls are on the autism spectrum, and the exaggerated facial expressions help them make the connection between what a character is saying and how it relates to their feelings.
I would absolutely recommend I Will Take a Nap. My three girls giggled and laughed throughout the story. There are over twenty books in the series, but they are all absolute gems and nothing feels stale or recycled. The girls were very excited to see Gerald clutching a stuffed Knuffle Bunny, another of Willems’ creations. This is a very funny book that children are sure to love!
April 1, 2017
Made me burst out laughing. Hilarious!
June 2, 2021
Mo Willems is one of my favorite children's authors. I used to read his books to my kids and they loved them. The other day, my ten year old twins went to the library and came home with a stack of books, half of which were Mo Willems books. I asked, "Aren't you too old to read those?" They promptly answered, "Never!" So now I have the whole stack on my desk and am reading through them. Who says you can't learn from your kids? :)
p.s. I love finding pigeon hidden in the books, but this one has a special treat, there's a favorite character of ours from a different Mo Willems book (besides pigeon) hidden in this one! See if you can spot it!
p.s. I love finding pigeon hidden in the books, but this one has a special treat, there's a favorite character of ours from a different Mo Willems book (besides pigeon) hidden in this one! See if you can spot it!
February 11, 2020
this is a funny book for kids
please start reading all the Elephant and piggie
books.
please start reading all the Elephant and piggie
books.
September 17, 2024
As always... hilarious 😂
November 6, 2015
The whole family will read all these Goodreads Children's Illustrated book nominees for 2015 and rate all of them.
I keep thinking that this long flood of books from Willems has got to end. . . do something else, Mo! It's tired, it's over. . . and I go out of my way not to read them now. . . but then there is this contest, so I am committed to reading him again. . . and yet, we (and does it sound like I am saying this grudgingly?) find we all still like Willems, as it turns out. It's not hilarious, but it's pretty funny, as an exhausted and cranky elephant keeps getting interrupted in his attempts to nap by piggie. . . you know, it's for little kids, and it works for that audience in particular, of course
This could be read in conjunction with. . . well, lots of books meant to be read to kids to get them to go to sleep. Pretty recently, there's Adam Mansbach's Go the F*** to Sleep, and also this year, and also nominated Goodnight Already by Jory John and Benji Davies, which we generally thought was better.
Dave 3 stars
Tara 3.5 stars
Harry (10) 2.5 stars (a little burned out than the rest of us on Willems)
Henry (9) 4 (still diggin' it)
Lyra (8) 3.5
If you don't know his stuff, read him. I'll (somewhat grudgingly) admit that if you pick up 4 or 5 of his books they will all make you (or at least little kids) smile.
I keep thinking that this long flood of books from Willems has got to end. . . do something else, Mo! It's tired, it's over. . . and I go out of my way not to read them now. . . but then there is this contest, so I am committed to reading him again. . . and yet, we (and does it sound like I am saying this grudgingly?) find we all still like Willems, as it turns out. It's not hilarious, but it's pretty funny, as an exhausted and cranky elephant keeps getting interrupted in his attempts to nap by piggie. . . you know, it's for little kids, and it works for that audience in particular, of course
This could be read in conjunction with. . . well, lots of books meant to be read to kids to get them to go to sleep. Pretty recently, there's Adam Mansbach's Go the F*** to Sleep, and also this year, and also nominated Goodnight Already by Jory John and Benji Davies, which we generally thought was better.
Dave 3 stars
Tara 3.5 stars
Harry (10) 2.5 stars (a little burned out than the rest of us on Willems)
Henry (9) 4 (still diggin' it)
Lyra (8) 3.5
If you don't know his stuff, read him. I'll (somewhat grudgingly) admit that if you pick up 4 or 5 of his books they will all make you (or at least little kids) smile.
November 24, 2015
Wow. For once an author actually addressed what a child truly can identify with. We all know that grumpy feeling where we need a nap, but no child will likely ever say that they do. I'm hoping that in reading this book the child can be put more in touch with their emotions and be able to truly understand why they do what they do, and just when they really DO need a nap.
Or if all else fails, the story is somewhat funny and enjoyable to read so it can win on that point. Parents - does this book work on your children?
Or if all else fails, the story is somewhat funny and enjoyable to read so it can win on that point. Parents - does this book work on your children?
January 2, 2016
This one is silly (as usual), and slightly genius. The hallucinations are priceless. Not quite 5 stars because I am not clear young readers will have any idea what is going on!
August 18, 2017
Loved how this book includes a fun little dream twist!
September 29, 2018
I love Elephant and Piggie. I feel like this frequently- I need a nap! And I love the snoring!!!
January 26, 2019
Brilliant!
October 20, 2021
What’s not to love about these Elephant & Piggie books? This made my girls laugh out loud. It left such an impression on them, that I’ve been called a “floating turnip head” several times today.
January 28, 2022
Oh yes, we do get cranky when we're tired. Little kids, and parents, and turnip-heads, need this reminder. And just look at what Piggie carries as her lovey!
October 15, 2022
What a delightful book! Funny, too. Highly recommended! (Now: please excuse me while I go take a nap!!)
March 20, 2024
I would like a nap.
January 22, 2016
Gerald is cranky and the only way to fix it is to nap. As he starts to dream, Piggie loudly wakes him up, wondering what he is doing. Piggie thinks she is cranky too and they decide to nap together. Piggie snores so loud Gerald cannot sleep, which makes him even more cranky. Things take a twist when Piggie wakes up from her nap. The banter between Gerald and Piggie is sure to keep kids laughing.
Citation:
Smith, J. (2015, June 1). [Review of the book I Will Take a Nap! by Mo Willems]. Booklist. 111(19). Retrieved from NoveList Plus.
A great book for beginning readers and a nice introduction for those not acquainted with the Gerald and Piggie books. Gerald is cranky and tired and lays down to nap. Piggie comes in and loudly awakens him, asking what he is doing and why. Eventually they both sleep, but Piggie snores so much Gerald freaks out. Their special toys start talking as Gerald soon realizes the whole thing was a dream.
Citation:
Nolan, A. (2015, July 1). [Review of the book I Will Take a Nap! by Mo Willems]. School Library Journal. 61(7). Retrieved from NoveList Plus.
My Review
Gerald is tired and cranky, so he decides to take a nap. He starts dreaming about Piggie, who (in the dream), decides she will take a nap with him. Just as they both drift off to sleep, Piggie starts snoring loudly, jolting Gerald awake. He tries and tries to go back to sleep, but Piggie keeps snoring so loudly she jumps at her own noises. Piggie gets up after her nap feeling very rested and asks Gerald about his nap. He is upset, of course, having not slept at all, and starts seeing Piggie flying and with a turnip head. He finally realizes it was all a dream.
Citation:
Smith, J. (2015, June 1). [Review of the book I Will Take a Nap! by Mo Willems]. Booklist. 111(19). Retrieved from NoveList Plus.
A great book for beginning readers and a nice introduction for those not acquainted with the Gerald and Piggie books. Gerald is cranky and tired and lays down to nap. Piggie comes in and loudly awakens him, asking what he is doing and why. Eventually they both sleep, but Piggie snores so much Gerald freaks out. Their special toys start talking as Gerald soon realizes the whole thing was a dream.
Citation:
Nolan, A. (2015, July 1). [Review of the book I Will Take a Nap! by Mo Willems]. School Library Journal. 61(7). Retrieved from NoveList Plus.
My Review
Gerald is tired and cranky, so he decides to take a nap. He starts dreaming about Piggie, who (in the dream), decides she will take a nap with him. Just as they both drift off to sleep, Piggie starts snoring loudly, jolting Gerald awake. He tries and tries to go back to sleep, but Piggie keeps snoring so loudly she jumps at her own noises. Piggie gets up after her nap feeling very rested and asks Gerald about his nap. He is upset, of course, having not slept at all, and starts seeing Piggie flying and with a turnip head. He finally realizes it was all a dream.
January 1, 2016
I read this title yesterday when I was cleaning up the pile of picture books that had migrated from the shelf to the children's section table at the store. At that moment of a hot afternoon I very much wanted to take a nap, but being at work it was out of the question. Reading a book about napping would have to serve as a substitute. I'm glad I did as it perked me back up in no time. It's fun and funny and the pictures are adorable. Mo Willems is a genius.
I don't think this paean to mid-day rests would have worked when I was young -- naps were for wussies -- and while like Elephant I get crabby when tired, I couldn't see it though I know everyone around me could. Now that I'm in my 50s, I think naps are one of life's great luxuries and if I feel the need for one and I have the time, sleep I do. I'm sure everyone around me is happier when I nap.
Anyway, whether you are a toddler who needs convincing that a nap is a good idea, or an adult who yearns to be in a position to take all the naps you refused when you were a toddler, there is much enjoyment in this charming book. A great gift for parents and the children that run their lives, empty-nesters that finally get to indulge in a good snooze on weekends, or virtually anyone you know think might benefit from taking a nap.
I don't think this paean to mid-day rests would have worked when I was young -- naps were for wussies -- and while like Elephant I get crabby when tired, I couldn't see it though I know everyone around me could. Now that I'm in my 50s, I think naps are one of life's great luxuries and if I feel the need for one and I have the time, sleep I do. I'm sure everyone around me is happier when I nap.
Anyway, whether you are a toddler who needs convincing that a nap is a good idea, or an adult who yearns to be in a position to take all the naps you refused when you were a toddler, there is much enjoyment in this charming book. A great gift for parents and the children that run their lives, empty-nesters that finally get to indulge in a good snooze on weekends, or virtually anyone you know think might benefit from taking a nap.
June 10, 2015
This is a gift to my granddaughters (6 and almost 4) for their end of school celebration. I'm not sure they want to talk much about naps, but they really loved reading about the exasperation of Elephant and Piggie taking one, or trying to. Mo Willems grabs them every time with the antics of these two friends. And one of the first things to do is to look for pigeon. How wonderful to have a small tradition for young kids to do and to celebrate that Mo, once again, hasn't forgotten. Another fun book!
July 8, 2015
Like most Elephant and Piggie books this offering contains a wonderful cornucopia of emotions, played out for the reader's delight.
August 1, 2016
So adorable! Love his toy, of course. His dreams made me laugh. Overall fun.
(Not sure why I haven't written a review on this, yet, since I know I read it last year and read it in storytime, too. I believe it was in Movement storytime.... Maybe it was preschool. Thought I was keeping up on that, but considering 2015, not surprising.)
8/1/16 Read in Movement storytime. And they enjoyed it. I just didn't realize I picked a longer book when I had longer songs, too! Oops. Oh well. They liked it and it was fun snoring.
(Not sure why I haven't written a review on this, yet, since I know I read it last year and read it in storytime, too. I believe it was in Movement storytime.... Maybe it was preschool. Thought I was keeping up on that, but considering 2015, not surprising.)
8/1/16 Read in Movement storytime. And they enjoyed it. I just didn't realize I picked a longer book when I had longer songs, too! Oops. Oh well. They liked it and it was fun snoring.
August 25, 2016
Gerald-norsu on väsynyt ja kärttyinen. Onneksi Gerald tietää, että paras apu tähän on ottaa nokkaunet. Kesken makoisten unien saapuu paikalle Geraldin paras ystävä Piggie, joka ei vielä tiedä, että uni on paras lääke väsyneeseen ja kärttyiseen oloon.
Tätä kuvakirjaa ei voi muuta kuin suositella. Ilmeikkäät kuvat, yllätyksellinen juoni ja varmat naurut sekä ripaus psykedeliaa - tästä ei voi olla pitämättä. Napakymppi.
Tätä kuvakirjaa ei voi muuta kuin suositella. Ilmeikkäät kuvat, yllätyksellinen juoni ja varmat naurut sekä ripaus psykedeliaa - tästä ei voi olla pitämättä. Napakymppi.
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