Should I Share My Ice Cream?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. 2011. Should I Share my Ice Cream? New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 1423143437

PLOT SUMMARY

In this delightful story, Willems brings back two known characters, Elephant and Piggie.  Elephant struggles with a big decision regarding his treasured ice cream cone.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Award winning author and illustrator, Mo Willems, has created yet another charming book for young readers.  The characters, Elephant and Piggie have personalities that are quite likeable.  If children are familiar with the other books featuring these two characters, the personalities will become even more obvious.  As an easy reader book, the text is simple, but conveys a meaningful message of the importance of sharing.  

The vocabulary is simple and appropriate for beginning readers.  This is not to say that the book will not appeal to children of all ages.  All children will be able to relate to the story.  Willems is able to quickly create a significant, concise plot that is quickly resolved.  Willems uses thought bubbles throughout the story because there is not much dialogue between characters.  The majority of the story focuses on Elephant’s thought process and it feels like he is speaking to the reader.

As an expert illustrator, Willems’s illustrations develop the story even further.  In addition to using thought bubbles to convey meaning, Willems has shaped the thought bubbles into easily recognized shapes.  There is a lot of white space around the illustrations which allows the reader to focus on the pictures.  The cartoon-like characters are endearing.  Willems also uses strong lines to express movement, emotion, and thought processes.  The illustrations in this story do not stray from the style in Willems’s other books.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book:  “A familiar problem, a satisfying resolution, and Willems's friendly illustrations and book design are just what new readers crave.”


School Library Journal:  “Willems's simple text allows beginning readers independent success, although the text and illustrations also work well as a read-aloud…Another winner.”

CONNECTIONS

Other picture books covering the theme of sharing:

Reiss, Mike. The Boy Who Wouldn’t Share.  ISBN 0060591323

Stein, Mathilde. Mine!  ISBN 1590785061