Children's Book Reviews

Let's Roar!

Showing posts with label The Pigeon Has to Go to School!. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Pigeon Has to Go to School!. Show all posts

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Book Review #102

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
ISBN: 978-1368046459 
Reading Level: 3-6 years old & up
 
Main Character: The Pigeon

Plot: The Pigeon is nervous about going to school and tries to convince the reader that he doesn’t need to go. He presents various excuses and displays his apprehension through humorous and exaggerated arguments        


Settings: The story primarily takes place in a variety of settings including the Pigeon's home and the imagined school environment.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Picture Book / Humor / Real-Life Situations/ Back to School/Anxiety

I Gave This Book 4 Roars!  🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? Mo Willems' book is engaging and funny, capturing the anxieties and excitement of starting school. The humor and relatable situation make it enjoyable for both children and adults. I love the illustrations. They are part of the humor. I
t's hard not to laugh at Pigeon! (But seriously, don't let the Pigeon drive the school bus!)

Critical Analysis: Mo Willems' creative illustrations and engaging dialogue provide a relatable and much needed entertaining experience for young readers headed back to school. A great opportunity to talk about the fear of the upcoming school year with kids. 

The Pigeon’s humorous objections and eventual acceptance offer a gentle introduction to the concept of school, helping to ease the dread of children about starting school.

Willems’ ability to personify the Pigeon with a childlike range of emotions and exaggerated reactions makes the book both fun and educational.

Connections: This book connects well with children who are facing starting school or any new experience. 
It can be used as a tool for parents and educators to discuss the feelings and anxieties associated with new situations. Additionally, it ties into broader themes of change and adaptation, making it a useful resource for addressing transitions in a child's life.
Be Safe! 
Happy Learning!

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Book Review #54

The Pigeon Has to Go to School!


Author: Mo Williams
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children, 2019
ISBN: 978-1368046459
Reading Level: 3 to 5 years
Main Characters: Pigeon 

Plot: Pigeon is back and has to go to school. In typical Pigeon fashion, he is concerned that his head will pop off if he learns too much. Besides, Pigeon already knows everything! And "reading can be hard with one big eye."

Settings: Bright colored, 
mostly bare, pages that focus the attention on Pigeon.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Humor, Picture Books. 
 
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Because who doesn't love Pigeon? And his enthusiasm about school buses cracks me up. It is hard not to see a little bit of Pigeon in all of us from time to time. 

Critical Analysis: The book is lighthearted and fun. Kids can related to Pigeon's fears and anxieties about going to school. 

“Yes, the Pigeon has to go to school, and so do readers, and this book will surely 
ease the way."
~~ Kirkus Reviews

Illustrations: Williams uses subtle cues in his illustrations to add to the story. Pigeon becomes smaller in size when he admits that he is scared. These types of additions to the illustrations keep the momentum of the story in line with classical Mo Williams storytelling style. 


Connections: 
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. by Mo Williams


This book is great for all those little lion cubs starting school! 
Have fun and stay safe!