My Friend is Sad (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
By Mo Willems
The Story
A caring elephant feels sad, so his cheerful pig friend tries to cheer him up by dressing up—until they realize that just being together is what makes them both truly happy again.
Why It's Special
If your child loves playful disguises, friendship tales, and heartwarming resolutions, My Friend is Sad is a delight.
- Big idea: Gerald the elephant is feeling down, and Piggie goes through a series of amusing costumes to cheer him up.
- Vibes: Lighthearted and charming, this story offers a sweet exploration of friendship and empathy.
Notice the expressions on Gerald's face as Piggie tries different costumes—each change tells a unique part of the story.
Perfect For Kids Who...
- enjoy funny animal stories
- appreciate stories about friendship
- like to imitate different characters
- love seeing creative problem-solving
Ask Your Little Reader
Chat about the story with these engaging questions.
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Piggie chose a cowboy, clown, and robot to cheer up Gerald?
- Feelings & empathy: How did Gerald feel when he saw Piggie in each costume?
- Real-life connection: Can you think of a time when you were sad and a friend made you feel better?
- Imagination: If you could dress up like Piggie to cheer up Gerald, what costume would you choose? Let your child draw their favorite costume from the book.