Head-to-head
Today I Will Fly! vs I Will Surprise My Friend!
Both are from the same beloved series for ages 5-8, but early books are perfect for new readers while later books challenge developing readers with more complex humor and emotion.
Today I Will Fly!
by Mo Willems
The perfect first friendship story — and one of the best read-aloud picture books ever made.
I Will Surprise My Friend!
by Mo Willems
A funny, warm exploration of what happens when two friends' plans go hilariously wrong.
Score comparison
| Score | Today I Will Fly! | I Will Surprise My Friend! | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid Score | 70 | 70 | Tied |
| Parent Score | 63 | 61 | Tied |
| Teacher Score | 72 | 71 | Tied |
✓ Today I Will Fly! — perfect for
- •Pre-readers ready for their first 'real' book
- •Children who love being read to (performable voices)
- •Reluctant readers ages 5-7 who resist longer formats
- •Classroom read-aloud and guided reading
- •Siblings reading together (older child reads to younger)
✓ I Will Surprise My Friend! — perfect for
- •Pre-readers ready for their first 'real' book
- •Children who love physical comedy and silly scenarios
- •Kids who worry a lot (normalizes catastrophic thinking)
- •Classroom read-aloud and guided reading
- •Siblings reading together
Our take
There's no universal winner here — the right pick depends on who's reading. Both books score the same with kids — pick on vibe.
Still not sure? Take the 2-minute SPARK quiz — we'll pick the one that fits your specific kid's reading personality.
Take the SPARK quiz →
