Willems, Mo. 2008. The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! New York: Hyperion Books. ISBN 1423109600
Plot Summary
That determined pigeon is at it again! In this book, the pigeon has his heart set on a new pet--a puppy! He has an answer to every excuse, and a dreams for what they will do together. Pigeon ends up getting more than he bargained for! But if you think he will learn his lesson, you will likely be surprised!
Critical Analysis
Mo Willems has a distinctly simple, but revealing, way of writing and illustrating. His style of writing is simple enough that beginning readers can easily take part in the reading. Before too many trips through the pages, they will likely have memorized it. Yet the writing has a strong voice. Many young readers would be able to identify his words without the aid of the pictures. On the other hand, the illustrations he creates are simple line drawings with minimal color variations (though the colors are nicely complimentary) and no shading. Yet he manages to use those simple lines to convey the emotions of the characters so distinctly that you can't help but to read the words in a way that matches the characters' faces!
Professional Reviews
From School Library Journal: Willems's hilariously expressive illustrations and engaging text are cinematic in their interplay. Maybe kids won't appreciate the genius behind it the way adults will, but that won't stop them from asking for this book again and again.
From Booklist: Willems skillfully executes the formula that made previous Pigeon titles so popular: minimal artwork that places all the attention on the cajoling little bird, whose words and body language will strike a chord of familiarity with every child.
Connections
Other great books by Mo Willems:
- Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! -- The book that started our obsession with Pigeon!
- Knuffe Bunny: A Cautionary Tale -- a sweet tale of treasured possessions
- We Are in a Book! -- one of my absolute favorite Elephant & Piggie books
Visit Mo Willems website: http://www.mowillems.com/
Learn about how to care for a puppy
- My First Puppy, by Mandy Wood
- Just Me and My Puppy (A Little Critter Book), by Mercer Mayer
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