Can I Play Too? – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Can I Play Too?

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2010

93%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A snake with no arms wants to play catch—cue the most wholesome problem-solving session in early reader history.

Can I Play Too?

book

2010

93%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A snake with no arms wants to play catch—cue the most wholesome problem-solving session in early reader history.

4.9

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Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is Mo Willems doing what he does best: taking a simple social-emotional concept and making it genuinely entertaining. The inclusion message never feels heavy-handed because it's wrapped in a real problem that kids understand—how do you include someone who's different?

The Elephant & Piggie books have staying power because they're actually funny, the format is perfect for kids transitioning to chapter books, and the lessons stick without being preachy. This one specifically gets used in classrooms for teaching growth mindset and inclusion, which tells you something.

At 4.9 stars on Amazon and consistently positive parent reviews, this is a safe bet. It's not groundbreaking literature, but it's exactly what you want in an early reader: engaging, meaningful, and something your kid will actually want to read again.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4-7, especially kids learning to read independently or working on empathy and inclusion concepts. The simple vocabulary and repetitive structure work beautifully for emerging readers, while the humor and heart keep slightly older kids engaged.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models problem-solving, inclusion, and friendship beautifully. Gerald and Piggie welcome a snake who wants to play catch despite the obvious challenge (no arms). Instead of excluding their new friend, they work together to find creative solutions. The emotional tone is warm, cooperative, and genuinely kind without being saccharine.

Imaginative

Mo Willems' signature simple illustrations and speech-bubble format invite kids to imagine themselves in the story. The problem-solving aspect—how does a snake play catch?—sparks creative thinking. While not wildly inventive in concept, the execution is clever and the format encourages dramatic reading and role-play.

Safe

100

Zero concerns. This is an early reader book with simple dialogue, cartoon animals, and a gentle friendship story. No violence, scary content, or anything remotely problematic. The search results highlight its use in teaching SEL skills and growth mindset in preschool settings.

Enriching

Exceptional for teaching inclusion, problem-solving, and growth mindset. The story demonstrates that differences don't have to be barriers—you just need creativity and willingness to adapt. Perfect for discussing disability inclusion, making new friends, and perseverance. Web results confirm educators use it specifically for SEL instruction.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Teaches inclusion and accommodation in the most natural, non-preachy way possible—just friends figuring out how to play together
Mo Willems' speech-bubble format makes this perfect for emerging readers and hilarious for dramatic read-alouds
Models growth mindset: they try multiple solutions, some fail, but they keep going until everyone can play
Simple vocabulary but genuinely funny—adults won't hate reading this 47 times
Part of the Elephant & Piggie series, so if your kid loves it, there are 24 more books waiting

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What to Watch For

The solutions they try (like throwing the snake) are cartoonishly silly—probably worth a quick 'don't throw your friends' reminder for literal-minded kids
Some kids might be disappointed the ending solution is simple rather than elaborate—it's about the journey, not the destination

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if a friend couldn't play the same way you do? How could you change the game?"
"Have you ever felt left out like Snake? What happened?"
"Gerald and Piggie tried ideas that didn't work. Why did they keep trying instead of giving up?"
"Can you think of other games Snake could play with Gerald and Piggie?"

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