Should I Share My Ice Cream?

Should I Share My Ice Cream?

Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

The illustration on the cover of this book was enough to make me chuckle and alert me to the serious moral dilemma this book addresses. On a hot day Gerald buys ice cream from a street vendor. He’s excited to eat it but suddenly remembers his best friend, Piggie, likes ice cream too. He wonders, “Should I share my ice cream with her?”

The next several pages encompass Gerald’s inner struggle to decide whether he should share his ice cream with his friend.  Then the thought crosses his mind, “Where is Piggie?” Gerald begins to worry that Piggie is off somewhere, alone and sad. He decides he must find her so that he can share his ice cream and cheer her up. The illustrations hint at the twist that will come at the end of the story, but it’s still entertaining to see the story change course.

I thoroughly appreciated this story because, even as an adult, this is a moral dilemma that I must grapple with: do I put the needs of someone I love ahead of my own, or don’t I? Should I Share My Ice Cream handles the question in a light-hearted way but still leads readers to believe that putting others first is important. And, of course, as always, Mo Willems’ illustrations convey worlds of meaning with a few simple strokes. You and your child will experience Gerald’s dilemma right along with him!

Visit Mo Willems