LSSL 5360 Book Review #2- I Really Like Slop by Mo Williems

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, Mo. (2015) I Really Like Slop. New York, NY. Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN: 9781484722626

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

I Really Like Slop is a hilarious children’s book featuring two characters, a piggie and an

elephant. Piggie makes a bowl of slop, and Gerald, the elephant, can’t ignore how

YUCKY this slop is- green ugly color, mushy texture, and even flies drawn to the foul

smell of Piggie’s bowl of slop. Yet, these two unlikely friends have a sweet and unique

friendship, and Gerald can’t help but try the slop, just once, because he likes his friend

Piggie so much.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I Really Like Slop is very clearly a book about friendship and the sacrifices we make for the people we love- even if it means regretfully trying a taste of slop! For young readers, this book tells a tale of many meanings- friendship, as mentioned, but also of trying new things and being friends with people who are different from us. In a world where young kids are often asked to try things they may be unsure of, I think this book is a positive influence for them as they can reflect on Gerald and his selfless attitude towards his dear friend Piggie. They will likely connect to Gerald as a picky eater, but admire his courageous spirit. Mo Willems’ illustrations absolutely MAKE this book what it is- the words are few and far between, and you can nearly catch the entire tale simply by looking at the pictures and ignoring the text. This aspect makes it a great read for young minds still learning to read, as the pictures are stimulating enough to help you comprehend the story.

 4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“Willems exploits his audience’s familiarity with the beloved characters to deliver a humorous update of Green Eggs and Ham, combining it with a message about not just friendship and trying new things, but cross-cultural understanding.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Drawn with deceptively simple lines and embedded in stories that find depth in utterly commonplace childhood experiences, they are the rare imaginary creatures that have seemed indelible from their first appearances.” –The NY Times

“Young readers will respond lovingly and laughingly to Willems’ much-loved characters because they are so like children themselves. His cartoon illustrations are simple but humorous and full of facial expressions vivid enough to make readers believe that they, too, can smell Piggie’s slop.” –J.B. Petty, Booklist Review

5. CONNECTIONS

There are 25 books in the “Elephant & Piggie” series- all of which are appropriate for engaging the same lessons of friendship, cultural differences, humor, and of course, intriguing illustrations. A few notable books from the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems:

Willems, M. (2007). Today I will fly! New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

(ranked #2 on Time Magazine’s Top 10 Children’s Books of the Year in 2007)

Willems, M. (2009). Elephants cannot dance! New York: Hyperion Books for Children. (ranked #5 on Time Magazine’s Top 10 Children’s Books of the Year in 2009).