Mo Willems I Love My New Toy
Mo Willems is a prolific and beloved children's author and illustrator, known for his charming and relatable stories that capture the hearts of both kids and adults. One of his most popular books is I Love My New Toy, a heartwarming tale about friendship, empathy, and the joy of giving.
The Story
The story follows Elephant and Piggie, two best friends who are playing with Piggie's new toy, a cool and flashy robot. But soon enough, disaster strikes when Elephant accidentally breaks the toy, much to Piggie's dismay. Elephant feels terrible and tries to make things right by giving Piggie a new toy, but it's not quite the same, and both friends end up feeling sad and disconnected.
But then something wonderful happens: Piggie realizes that what she loved most about the toy wasn't its flashiness or novelty, but the fact that it was a gift from her best friend, and that they had played with it together. With this realization, both friends are able to reaffirm their bond and rediscover the joy of sharing and giving.
The Themes
As with many of Mo Willems' books, I Love My New Toy packs a lot of emotional depth and complexity into a deceptively simple and fun story. At its core, the book is about the importance of empathy, communication, and connection in our relationships with others. It teaches kids and adults alike that material possessions are not what truly matter in life, and that the most valuable gifts we can give are our time, attention, and love.
Another important theme in the book is the idea of forgiveness and the power of saying sorry. Elephant's accidental breaking of the toy is a classic example of a mistake that anyone could make, but it's his willingness to take responsibility for his actions and make amends that sets the stage for the eventual reconciliation between him and Piggie. By modeling this behavior, the book encourages kids to own up to their mistakes and work towards making things right.
The Art
One of the hallmarks of Mo Willems' books is his distinctive and expressive illustration style, which brings his characters and stories to life in a way that is both whimsical and relatable. In I Love My New Toy, his use of bold colors, dynamic lines, and exaggerated facial expressions helps convey the emotions and actions of the characters in a way that is easy for kids to understand and empathize with.
Another clever visual element in the book is the use of speech bubbles to indicate the characters' thoughts and feelings. By showing their internal monologues alongside their spoken words, Willems gives readers a deeper insight into their motivations and emotions, and helps reinforce the book's themes of empathy and communication.
The Verdict
Overall, Mo Willems' I Love My New Toy is a delightful and heartwarming book that both kids and adults will enjoy. Its universal themes of friendship, empathy, and the joy of giving make it a great choice for parents looking for books that teach important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. And with its charming illustrations and relatable characters, it's sure to become a beloved favorite for years to come.