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
Unforgettably introduced in Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Willems's id-with-wings reveals that he's wanted a puppy "forever.... At least since last Tuesday" and swears he's ready to assume the responsibility of pet ownership ("I promise I'll water it once a month"). But he soon discovers that reality, well, it doesn't bite, exactly, but it has daunting teeth-and slobbers. While Pigeon is still a marvel of visual expression, Willems this time out has blunted his character's repertoire of persuasive tactics-and with the pleading dialed down, there's not much else to enjoy. There aren't enough examples of Pigeon's quick-thinking tactical maneuvers or the comic punch that comes from the cumulative onslaught. The core thrill of this series has always been offering kids the chance to experience pleading from the parental point of view-and exercise the awesome power to say no. This time, the response may simply be, "Whatever."—PW
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
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
