Synopses & Reviews
He really, really, REALLY wants one. He'll take really good care of it! What's the matter — don't you want him to be happy?
The latest book in the best-selling Pigeon series is the funniest one yet.
Review
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.--Horn Book
Review
The incorrigible bird returns in his fourth full-length romp. This time, Pigeon voices another common childhood dream: he wants a puppy. And he wants it NOW. He even promises to take care of it: "I'll water it once a month." He argues his case so forcefully that a puppy appears, but it's more than he expects: "The teeth! The hair! That wet nose!...I mentioned the teeth, right?" So he sets his sights on a different pet. Kids will love this perfectly paced picture book, which offers both the expected (breaking the fourth wall, Pigeon's classic temper tantrum) and a new twist (Pigeon actually gets what he wants? Impossible!). Willems's hilariously expressive illustrations and engaging text are cinematic in their interplay. Maybe kids won't appreciate the genius behind it the way adults will, but that won't stop them from asking for this book again and again.--SLJ
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.--Kirkus
About the Author
Mo Willems is a three-time Caldecott Honor-winning Dinosaur (for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Knuffle Bunny, and Knuffle Bunny Too). He also won two Geisel Medals for There Is a Bird on Your Head! and Are You Ready to Play Outside?, and a Geisel Honor for We Are in a Book! His books are perennial New York Times bestsellers, including Knuffle Bunny Free and Hooray for Amanda & Her Alligator! Before he turned to making picture books, Mo was a writer and animator on Sesame Street, where he won six Emmys. Mo lives happily ever after with his family in Massachusetts.