The Pigeon Wants a Puppy

Bibliographic Information: Willems, M. (2008). The Pigeon Wants a Puppy. Illus. Mo Willems. New York City, New York : Hyperion.

Annotation: The pigeon decides he wants and is certainly ready for a puppy. He tries wholeheartedly to convince the reader that he is responsible enough to care for his own animal. Until a real puppy comes along (drool and all) and he quickly changes his mind!

Genre: Picturebook/comedy

Grade level: K-2 (or older!)

Readers who will like this book: Any reader, young or old, finds it pretty difficult to not fall in love with this stubborn little pigeon. Kids get a kick out of the pigeons antics while adults enjoy the pigeons "reasoning".

Personal response: I have always enjoyed Mo Willem's books and love the humor behind the pigeon series. It is a great book that will instantly put a smile on a readers face. I would give this book a 4.

A question you would ask before reading: How many of you have ever really wanted a puppy (or cat, bunny, etc...).

Reading Strategies Connection:
a.) Literary Report Card
b.) This strategy encourages children to reflect on the characters in a book. Students issue grades to a given/chosen character based on teacher selected "subjects". Students are then able to add their own desired subjects to the report card as they see fit.
c.) This particular strategy would be great for children to dissect the pigeons "attitude" throughout the book. The students could grade the pigeon on his patience, manners, knowledge of puppies and caring for them, sincerity, etc... The student would be able to decide if they thought the pigeons reactions were the right ones or if he could have used a little self control at certain moments. I think the children would get a kick out of making the naughty little pigeon their "student".