I Am Going! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

This early reader book delivers another hilarious friendship adventure that perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster of childhood separations. When Piggie announces she's leaving, Gerald's dramatic spiral of worry and imaginative worst-case scenarios will have young readers both laughing and recognizing their own separation anxieties. Willems masterfully uses simple vocabulary, expressive illustrations, and comedic timing to create an accessible story that emerging readers can successfully tackle independently.

The genius lies in how this seemingly simple narrative validates children's feelings about goodbyes while providing gentle reassurance through humor. Gerald's over-the-top reactions and Piggie's matter-of-fact responses create a dynamic that both entertains and comforts, making this particularly valuable for children navigating friendship dynamics or separation anxiety. The emotional payoff when Piggie reveals where she's actually going delivers that signature Elephant & Piggie heart that keeps kids returning to these books again and again.