Horn Book Review
(Preschool, Primary) 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. The Pigeon's direct address ("Oh...I get it. You don't want me to be happy, do you?") encourages the audience to participate in the story; his wrong-headed assumptions ("I promise I'll water it once a month") spur kids to play the grownup. When the Pigeon comes beak to muzzle with an actual dog, however, it's time to reassess his dreams...sort of. Willems's feisty friend is as emotive as ever, and his many fans will enjoy his latest outburst.From HORN BOOK, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
The charming, exasperating pigeon returns, and this time he REALLY knows what he wants--or at least he thinks he does. As in his previous outings, he addresses the reader--"I'm fine. Thanks for asking"--and communicates a wide range of emotions through minimal words and a few deft pen strokes that brilliantly bring to life his one-of-a-kind personality. 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. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
