We are in a Book

Willems, M.  (2010).  We are in a book!.  New York.  Hyperion Books for Children.

This book is from the Notable Books for Children List.

Exposition:  Piggie and Gerald are sitting quietly together.  Piggie says, "Thank you,"  to the person reading the book.

Conflict:  Gerald thinks a monster is looking at them.  Later in the book, Gerald learns that the book will come to an end.  He is worried about the book ending.

Rising Action:  Gerald and Piggie figure out that it is a reader that is looking at them and that they are in a book.  Piggie tells Gerald that he can make the reader say a word if the reader is reading out loud.  Piggie makes the reader say banana and Gerald thinks it's hilarious.  Piggie asks Gerald if he wants a turn at making the reader say a funny word before the book ends.

Climax:  Gerald starts to panic that the book is going to end.  He doesn't want the book to end because he has more to give.  He just wants to be read.

Falling Action:  Piggie has an idea and whispers it in Gerald's ear.

Resolution:  Gerald asks the reader to read them again.

The illustrations in this book are simple, but they don't need much.  Mo Willems has a wonderful ability of showing emotions on his characters.  He is able to develop his characters by showing their reactions and they will always make you laugh.