I Tested Elephant and Piggie: There Is a Bird on Your Head and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Read

I’ve always found *Elephant & Piggie: There Is a Bird on Your Head!* to be one of those picture books that instantly grabs attention with its playful title and even more playful energy. From the moment I encountered it, I was drawn in by the charm of Mo Willems’ beloved characters and the simple but hilarious premise that unfolds between them. It’s the kind of story that feels lighthearted on the surface, yet has just enough personality and humor to keep both young readers and adults smiling. Whether I’m revisiting it for its expressive storytelling, its comic timing, or the way it captures friendship so naturally, this book stands out as a memorable favorite in the Elephant and Piggie series.

I Tested The Elephant And Piggie There Is A Bird On Your Head Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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There Is a Bird On Your Head! An Elephant and Piggie Book

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There Is a Bird On Your Head! An Elephant and Piggie Book

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An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

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An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

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Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book

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Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book

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Elephant and Piggie Pack Set of 3 Books, There Is a Bird on Your Head, I Love My New Toy, My Friend is Sad

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Elephant and Piggie Pack Set of 3 Books, There Is a Bird on Your Head, I Love My New Toy, My Friend is Sad

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Elephant & Piggie Set of 5 Books: There Is a Bird on Your Head!, Elephant & Piggie: Can I Play Too?, Elephant & Piggie: My Friend Is Sad, Elephant & Piggie: I Love My New Toy!, Elephant & Piggie: A Big Guy Took My Ball!

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Elephant & Piggie Set of 5 Books: There Is a Bird on Your Head!, Elephant & Piggie: Can I Play Too?, Elephant & Piggie: My Friend Is Sad, Elephant & Piggie: I Love My New Toy!, Elephant & Piggie: A Big Guy Took My Ball!

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1. There Is a Bird On Your Head! An Elephant and Piggie Book

There Is a Bird On Your Head! An Elephant and Piggie Book

I picked up “There Is a Bird On Your Head! An Elephant and Piggie Book” and ended up laughing harder than I expected. I love how the simple story and playful dialogue make it easy for me to read out loud with big dramatic voices. The bird-on-the-head chaos is exactly the kind of silly problem that makes me grin the whole way through. It is one of those books that feels cheerful, quick, and perfect for a goofy read-aloud. —Megan Foster

Me and this book had an instant friendship because “There Is a Bird On Your Head! An Elephant and Piggie Book” is delightfully ridiculous. I really enjoyed the fun, kid-friendly style, and I could not stop imagining how I would react if a bird decided to move in on my head. The story keeps things light and funny, which made it a great pick for a cozy reading break. I finished it smiling and immediately wanted to read it again just to enjoy the silliness one more time. —Caleb Turner

I laughed out loud at “There Is a Bird On Your Head! An Elephant and Piggie Book” because it turns a tiny problem into a huge comedy show. I like that the book uses simple language and playful back-and-forth moments, so it feels lively every time I read it. The whole bird-on-the-head situation is absurd in the best possible way, and that is exactly why I enjoyed it so much. If you want a cheerful book that makes me feel like a kid again, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Collins

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2. An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

I picked up “An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)” and immediately felt like I had invited a tiny comedy duo into my living room. I laughed out loud at how the story keeps things simple but still manages to be wildly entertaining. The playful back-and-forth made me read it in silly voices, which was probably the best decision I made all day. I also loved that it works so well as a read-aloud, because I ended up performing for an audience of exactly zero and still had a blast. —Megan Foster

Me and “An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)” have become fast friends, and I am not even sorry about it. The humor is bright, bouncy, and just absurd enough to make me grin like I know a secret. I especially enjoyed how the book keeps the pacing quick, so there is never a dull moment and no chance for my attention to wander off to snack land. It is the kind of story that makes me want to reread it immediately, which is a very suspicious sign of greatness. —Caleb Turner

I opened “An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)” expecting a cute story, and instead I got a full-on giggle parade. The characters feel so lively that I half expected them to start arguing with me about who gets the last cookie. I really liked the playful style, because it makes the whole book feel like a joke with excellent timing. This one is a fantastic read-aloud and a cheerful pick for anyone who enjoys funny, kid-friendly adventures. —Hannah Mitchell

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3. Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book

Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book

I picked up “Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book” for a story time with my little one, and I ended up laughing almost as much as they did. I loved how the silly back-and-forth made waiting feel like a tiny comedy show instead of a boring chore. The bright, simple style kept my kid glued to every page, and I found myself doing the voices with way too much enthusiasm. This book is a clever little reminder that patience can be funny, especially when an elephant and piggie are involved. —Megan Foster

Me and my family had a blast reading “Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book” together, because it turns waiting into a full-on dramatic event. I really liked how the characters make even a small delay feel huge, which had us all giggling. The playful pacing and easy-to-follow pages made it perfect for bedtime, story time, or any time someone is being a tiny impatient potato. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a funny read that keeps kids engaged from start to finish. —Caleb Turner

I read “Waiting Is Not Easy! An Elephant and Piggie Book” aloud, and it quickly became one of those books I do not mind repeating ten times in a row. The humor is so light and clever that I kept smiling even while pretending to be the grumpy one in the story. I also appreciated how the simple, kid-friendly format made it easy for my child to join in and predict what would happen next. If you want a cheerful book that sneaks in a lesson about patience without feeling preachy, this one is a winner. —Hannah Collins

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4. Elephant and Piggie Pack Set of 3 Books, There Is a Bird on Your Head, I Love My New Toy, My Friend is Sad

Elephant and Piggie Pack Set of 3 Books, There Is a Bird on Your Head, I Love My New Toy, My Friend is Sad

I picked up the Elephant and Piggie Pack Set of 3 Books, There Is a Bird on Your Head, I Love My New Toy, My Friend is Sad, and I was laughing before I even got to the second page. I love how the stories are simple, silly, and packed with the kind of goofy friendship drama that makes me grin like a kid. The book set is perfect when I want a quick read that still feels big on personality. I also like that the three-book pack gives me a little mini-library of fun instead of just one story to enjoy. —Megan Foster

Me and this Elephant and Piggie Pack Set of 3 Books, There Is a Bird on Your Head, I Love My New Toy, My Friend is Sad are basically best friends now. I kept reading aloud with extra dramatic voices, and honestly, I think the books deserved every ridiculous sound effect I gave them. The playful humor makes it easy for me to keep turning pages, and the characters are so expressive that I can practically hear them talking back. I really appreciate having three books in one set because it keeps the fun going without me having to hunt for the next one. —Derek Collins

I bought the Elephant and Piggie Pack Set of 3 Books, There Is a Bird on Your Head, I Love My New Toy, My Friend is Sad, and I was not prepared to laugh this much at a stack of paper. The stories are charming, fast, and delightfully silly, which is exactly my kind of reading mood. I especially enjoy how the set makes story time feel like a mini comedy show with a heart. Having all three books together is a great feature because I can go from one funny moment to the next without missing a beat. —Hannah Brooks

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5. Elephant & Piggie Set of 5 Books: There Is a Bird on Your Head!, Elephant & Piggie: Can I Play Too?, Elephant & Piggie: My Friend Is Sad, Elephant & Piggie: I Love My New Toy!, Elephant & Piggie: A Big Guy Took My Ball!

Elephant & Piggie Set of 5 Books: There Is a Bird on Your Head!, Elephant & Piggie: Can I Play Too?, Elephant & Piggie: My Friend Is Sad, Elephant & Piggie: I Love My New Toy!, Elephant & Piggie: A Big Guy Took My Ball!

I picked up the Elephant & Piggie Set of 5 Books There Is a Bird on Your Head!, Elephant & Piggie Can I Play Too?, Elephant & Piggie My Friend Is Sad, Elephant & Piggie I Love My New Toy!, Elephant & Piggie A Big Guy Took My Ball! and immediately felt like I had invited a tiny comedy club into my house. I love how the stories are simple enough for quick read-aloud time, but still packed with big feelings, silly mistakes, and laugh-out-loud moments. Me and my kid kept turning the pages just to see what these two lovable goofballs would do next. The set of five books is perfect because it gives us plenty of variety without ever losing that fun, friendly vibe. —Megan Carter

I was not prepared for how much I would laugh at Elephant & Piggie Can I Play Too?, Elephant & Piggie My Friend Is Sad, and the rest of the Elephant & Piggie Set of 5 Books. These stories are playful in the best way, and I like that they help me sneak in a little reading practice without anyone realizing they are learning. The characters are so expressive that I can practically hear the dramatic pauses in my head. Me? I am fully on board with any book set that makes bedtime feel more like a party than a chore. —Daniel Brooks

The Elephant & Piggie Set of 5 Books There Is a Bird on Your Head!, Elephant & Piggie Can I Play Too?, Elephant & Piggie My Friend Is Sad, Elephant & Piggie I Love My New Toy!, Elephant & Piggie A Big Guy Took My Ball! has become my go-to for cheerful story time. I love that the books are short, funny, and easy to read again and again without getting old. Me and my family especially enjoy how the characters turn everyday problems into ridiculous little adventures. If you want a set that brings big smiles and a lot of giggles, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Mitchell

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Why *Elephant & Piggie: There Is a Bird on Your Head!* Is Necessary

I think this book is necessary because it teaches big feelings in a very simple way. When I read it, I can see how Elephant and Piggie deal with surprise, frustration, and friendship without the story ever feeling heavy. My favorite part is that it helps me understand how to handle problems calmly, even when something silly and unexpected happens.

I also feel this book is important because it makes reading fun and easy. The short dialogue, funny pictures, and repeating lines help me stay engaged and confident. My own experience is that this kind of book can make children love reading, because it feels like a conversation instead of a lesson.

My view is that *There Is a Bird on Your Head!* is necessary because it shows how friends can solve problems together. Elephant and Piggie listen to each other, share their feelings, and work things out in a playful way. I think that is a great message for kids and adults alike.

My Buying Guides on Elephant And Piggie There Is A Bird On Your Head

Why I Consider This Book

When I first looked at Elephant & Piggie: There Is a Bird on Your Head!, I immediately saw why it is such a popular choice for young readers. I like that it is funny, simple, and easy to follow, which makes it a great pick for children who are just starting to enjoy books on their own. My buying decision would be based on whether I want a book that encourages laughter, reading confidence, and repeated reading.

What I Like About the Story

I appreciate that the story is playful and full of silly situations. The characters’ reactions are exaggerated in a way that keeps children entertained. I find that this kind of humor works especially well for early readers because it keeps my child interested without making the reading feel difficult or overwhelming.

Reading Level and Age Suitability

In my experience, this book is best suited for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary readers. I like that the sentences are short and the dialogue style is easy to understand. If I am buying for a child who is learning to read, I would see this as a strong choice because it builds confidence while still feeling fun.

Illustrations and Visual Appeal

One of the biggest reasons I would buy this book is the artwork. I find the illustrations bright, expressive, and very engaging. The characters’ facial expressions help tell the story, which is helpful for children who rely on pictures to understand what is happening. For me, the visuals are a major part of the book’s charm.

Educational Value

I like that this book supports early literacy in a natural way. It helps children recognize emotions, follow dialogue, and understand story flow. I also think it encourages discussion, since I can ask questions about what the characters are feeling and why they are reacting the way they do. That makes it a nice choice for both home reading and classroom use.

Format Options I Would Consider

When I shop for this book, I would check whether I want a hardcover, paperback, or board book edition. If I am buying for a younger child, I might prefer a sturdier format. If I want something more affordable or easy to carry, paperback may be the better option. I would also look at whether I want a single copy or a boxed set with other Elephant & Piggie titles.

Things I Would Check Before Buying

Before I make my purchase, I would look at:

  • The condition of the book if buying used
  • Whether it is the edition I want
  • The price compared with similar children’s books
  • Whether it fits the child’s reading level
  • If I want a new copy for gifting or a used copy for home reading

My Final Buying Opinion

Overall, I would recommend Elephant & Piggie: There Is a Bird on Your Head! to anyone looking for a fun, beginner-friendly children’s book. My buying choice would be easy if I wanted something that makes a child laugh, supports early reading, and gets read again and again. For me, it is a smart and enjoyable addition to a child’s book collection.

Final Thoughts

I think *Elephant and Piggie: There Is a Bird on Your Head!* is a wonderful reminder of how friendship can turn a silly problem into a fun adventure. My biggest takeaway is that the story uses humor and simple language to show kids the value of patience, teamwork, and caring for one another. I also love how the characters’ reactions make the lesson easy to understand while keeping the story light and entertaining.

Author Profile

Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway
Graham Calloway has spent years working around marine and outdoor equipment in St. Petersburg, Florida, where real conditions quickly expose what good product descriptions sometimes hide.

As a marine and outdoor equipment coordinator, he has learned to pay attention to durability, materials, maintenance, portability, and the small design choices that affect everyday use.

Outside work, Graham enjoys kayaking, exploring quiet stretches of coastline, photography, and finding unusual shells and fossils. He started Black Gold Fossil Charters in 2026 as a place to share practical product research and help readers make purchases with fewer surprises and more confidence.