Mo Willems, best known for his Pigeon  and Knuffle Bunny books, has developed a series of early readers featuring the most endearing duo I've seen since the days of Frog and Toad.  Gerald is a bespectacled elephant, and his best buddy is Piggie.  And yes, they both walk on their "hind" legs and talk.  Titles include I Love My New Toy, There is a Bird on Your Head, Today I Will Fly, and I Will Surprise My Friend, among others. 

What sets these books apart from other early readers is their spot-on, contemporary humor.  The spreads are uncluttered, which makes it easier for kids to predict unfamiliar words -- they're not distracted by extraneous information.  The two animals act just like my nephews, which is an improvement over the very proper and old-fashioned manners of Frog and Toad and the famous George and Martha (which I'll admit I never comprehended, and have no idea why they are so popular).  In short, I think modern kids will relate very well to Gerald and Piggie, find them funny, and enjoy learning to read thanks to these snicker-inducing tales.