The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!

 Module 1: Book Review 2

Bibliography	Willems, M. (2004). The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! First edition. Hyperion Books for Children.  ISBN 0786818697
Plot Summary	The Pigeon has moved on from the bus to a HOT DOG. In this story, we follow the Pigeon finding a delicious, perfect celebration in a bun, a hot dog. He is about to take his first bite when a curious, hungry, and maybe scheming Duckling questions him about the taste of one. As you read the story, you will follow the various emotions of Pigeon as he decides if he should share his hot dog with the Duckling.
Critical Analysis	Mo Willems is a beloved author by numerous children and adults. Willems' character Pigeon draws readers in because of his humorous reactions to simple daily things. He is an easy character to fall in love with as you read through the pages of the book.  There is an extra character in this story, The Duckling, who can bring out every emotion of The Pigeon in a short amount of time. The Duckling is questioning the pigeon in a simple way, so that the reader can suspect that he has a plan of trying to get a sample of that hot dog. The stubborn Pigeon struggles with the dilemma of whether he should share his hot dog.  His style of drawing is simple yet effective, so the reader knows exactly what is going on.  Each page's background is a solid color that changes with what is happening with the Pigeon. On the page where he finds the hot dog, it is pink to show happiness, but on the page where he is yelling at the Duckling, it is red to show anger. This makes it easy for the reader to know the emotions and how to read what he is saying.
Review Excerpts	When that hilarious pigeon from Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Finds a hot dog, he must wrestle with a minor moral dilemma (to share or not to share). Willems is as adept at depicting the daily dramas in a child's life as he is at using subtle changes in line to convey shifting emotions. 2004 Horn Book Guide Reviews.
Connections	Children can relate to Pigeon on having to share a new toy with a friend or sibling. Talk about the different emotions that Pigeon is experiencing and how it would look on people.  Walter, 3 years old-“That pigeon is hilarious mom. Can we read it again?” Books like this one are a great way to get kids to love books.