The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!

Willems, M. (2008). The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!. Illus. Mo Willems. New York, New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

Brief Annotation: This is about a pigeon and he wants a puppy. He thinks it would be so much fun having a puppy; he describes how he would take care of it. The pigeon would water the puppy once a month, make sure it gets plenty of water and sunshine, etc. However, when the pigeon comes face to face with a puppy, the pigeon suddenly changes his mind because of the characteristics of a dog: the teeth, drool, fur, etc. The pigeon changes his mind, but ends up wanting a walrus at the end.

Genre: Picture Book

Grade Level: K-2

Readers who will like this: Readers who like to be involved in a book. This book engages children by making them be responsible for what the pigeon does. Children who like funny, good humor books will love this book.

Response/Rating (1-4):**** The pigeon series are the best for children because children become part of story. The pigeon has an idealistic idea of what having a puppy would be like; similar to what a child’s perception of what having a puppy would be like. As a result, children can relate and engage in this book.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever wanted a puppy? How did you convince your mom and dad you are old enough to take care of a puppy?