Elephants Cannot Dance!

 


1.      Bibliography

Willems, Mo. 2009. Elephants Cannot Dance! Ill. By Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN: 978-1423114109

2.      Plot Summary

Piggie wants to dance with Gerald, but Gerald is convinced that he/all elephants cannot dance. Piggie, being his best friend, encourages him to try anyways and offers to teach him. Through many instructions, Gerald seems to be struggling with all the movements. Through it all, Gerald and Piggie learn a great lesson about trying new things and that dancing can be just for fun.

3.      Critical Analysis

The illustrations and humorous story it both lighthearted and simple, which helps the message behind this story become clear to all readers. The story is carried through dialogue with a lot of repetition and word bubbles to help emerging readers. The pacing of the story is also strong due to the natural best friend dynamic between Piggie and Gerald. The story has two going back-and-forth things which allow students to find humor and connected to it.

The illustrations look so simple at first glance but are so integral to the story as it allows the message to be clear. Willems uses white spaces effectively, which allows for the two characters expressions to be focused on. Every movement in body language or change in dialogue helps the reader understand the story while having a laugh.

While the story is funny, the lesson within is not overshadowed. Willems allows for humor to teach about self-confidence, persistence, and acceptance. Through this story specifically, emerging readers who are battling out their big feelings can relate to Gerald while still enjoying a funny story.  

4.      Review Excerpts

According to Horn Book Magazine, Elephants Cannot Dance! is “easily understood,” offers “instant reading success and lots of laughs.”

5.      Connections

I could see using this book at the very beginning of the school year to start a meaningful conversation with students about how trying new things can sometimes feel scary or uncomfortable, but that it’s important to never be afraid of failing. Gerald’s struggles make it easy for kids to see that mistakes are part of the learning process, and that effort matters more than perfection. After reading, it would be fun to lead the class in a “silly dance” activity, which gives everyone a chance to let go of pressure, be themselves, and celebrate self-expression and creativity. This book also connects nicely with other Mo Willems titles, many of which explore themes of friendship, confidence, and persistence. Pairing them together would help students see how these ideas show up again, reinforcing the message that it’s okay to try, to stumble, and to grow.


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