Book Review-

Bibliography:

Willems, M. (2008). THE PIGEON WANTS A PUPPY. Hyperion Books for Children.

Plot Summary:

This latest book in Mo Willem’s Pigeon series is as funny as ever. This time the pigeon wants a puppy really, really bad! He’ll take really good care of it, after all don’t you want him to be happy?!? 

Critical Analysis:

This book in the pigeon series includes all the typical funny antics that make up the pigeon’s personality. The text is simply written, and the storyline is not complex. The pigeon wants a puppy, and his persuasive comments are as hilarious as they are true. Willem’s book sounds hysterically familiar for anyone who has spent much time around a five-year-old. Willems puts into words what most younger kids feel daily when they are told what they can and can’t do. The story clearly conveys the pigeon’s wants, needs, and desires. 

Willem’s illustrations, or pictures as he labels them are simple and easy for children to look at and figure out what’s happening. They are all very minimalistic with no background details. Willems adds in some comic book aspects as well, such as hearts around the speech bubble to convey his message of love for puppies! 

Review Excerpts:

Horn Books- The heart wants what it wants, especially when that heart belongs to Willems's impetuous Pigeon. In his sixth book, the Pigeon tries to convince anyone within earshot that he should have a puppy. Listeners will know it's a bad idea from the get-go, whether they're already familiar with the bird's comic shtick or encountering the character for the first time. As in the previous books, the simple speech-balloon text and minimalist design put the action squarely in the foreground, demanding attention for the book's star-who scarcely needs any help in that department. 

Kirkus- The charming, exasperating pigeon returns, and this time he REALLY knows what he wants-or at least he thinks he does. Following his now-familiar routine, the pigeon throws a tantrum and slyly attempts to manipulate the reader's (listener's) emotions: "You don't want me to be happy, do you?...You just don't understand." Be careful what you wish for might well be the moral of this tale, since the reality of a puppy turns out to be hilariously larger and more frightening than the pigeon's or readers' expectations. Even though the pigeon may get more than he bargained for, his many fans with find they get exactly what they've come to expect: lots of giggles. 

Connections:

-Gather other Pigeon books written by Mo Willems to compare the pigeon’s persuasive arguments about different subjects:  

Willems, Mo. The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! ISBN 078681988X
Willems, Mo. The Pigeon Needs a Bath! ISBN 1432190874
Willems, Mo. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! ISBN 078681988X

-Gather other books by Mo Willems to compare their illustrations:

Willems, Mo. An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! ISBN 1484799674
Willems, Mo. Guess What!? ISBN 1368070930
Willems, Mo. Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals ISBN 1484767462                
                                                                                                                           

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