Can I Play Too?

This early reader book explores the universal childhood challenge of including friends with different abilities through a simple game of catch. When Gerald the elephant and Piggie encounter a snake who wants to play, they face the practical dilemma of how someone without arms can participate in their ball game. The story unfolds through expressive illustrations and minimal dialogue that perfectly captures young children's literal thinking and genuine desire to be inclusive. Mo Willems masterfully transforms this basic social situation into both an engaging story and a subtle lesson in creative problem-solving.

What makes this book particularly effective is how it validates children's real-world experiences while modeling empathy and persistence. The characters' earnest attempts to modify their game demonstrate that friendship means finding ways to include everyone, even when solutions aren't immediately obvious. Young readers developing social skills will recognize similar scenarios from their own playground interactions and appreciate the characters' eventual creative resolution. This thoughtful approach to inclusion makes the book especially valuable for children learning to navigate friendships and group play.