LS 5603 Literature for Children and Young Adults-Picture Book: Elephants Cannot Dance

Bibliography

Willems, Mo.  2009.  ELEPHANTS CANNOT DANCE.  New York:  Hyperion Books for Children. 

ISBN 9781423114109

Plot Summary

In this funny tale, Elephant and Pig are totally different characters.  Elephant is cautious and Pig just does things without thinking.  One day Pig tries to teach her friend Elephant how to dance.  Elephant insists that elephants cannot dance but Pig refuses to believe that elephants don't dance.  Elephant gives in after Pig's persistent ways but he doesn't do well.  Elephant gets frustrated with every move and quits.  From all the wrong movements, Elephant made his own unique dance without evening knowing it.  Two squirrels see him dancing and they want to learn his way of dancing and so Pig follows and wants to dance her friends' way as well.  But Pig becomes frustrated with the dance moves.

Critical Analysis

This narration is very common to any child because often times children are faced with doing things that they don't want to do but because their friends do it they must give in and try it.  It also shows how two totally different people can be friends-opposites attract.  While children read this book they will realize it's okay to be different at something.  When you think you can't do something, try it because it might just be right, too!

The illustration is very simple with soft colors promoting closeness with the reader.  The background lacks detail so it makes it easier for the reader to focus on Elephant and Pig.  The pictures are filled with great expression, emotion, and action. 

Reviews Excerpts/Awards

Cybil Award (2009)    

The Bulletin(starred review):  "Theses books will easily take their place alongside Seuss and Eastman as classics in the beginning-reader genre."

School Library Journal Review:  "These masterful mini-dramas will delight and amuse easy-reader and picture-book audiences, alike."

Connections

-Discuss things that they have felt overwhelmed about and make a list, such as Elephant.

-Have students reenact the story such Reader's Theatre to help promote fluency.

-Have each child get up and move their own favorite way.

-Share other Elephant and Pig books by Mo Willems:  My Friend is Sad, Today I Will Fly, I Will Surprise My Friend, Pigs Make Me Sneeze, I Am Invited  To a Party, There Is A Bird On Your Head, I Love My New Toy, Are You Ready To Play Outside, Watch Me Throw The Ball, I Am Going.