This picture
book bursts with voice and humour.
Mo Willem’s famous pigeon speaks directly to
the reader and invites the child to share his journey.
The pigeon is about to
commence school and really doesn’t see the point of going. After all, he already
knows everything, right? Okay, maybe not.
The reader soon
discovers that this is just bluster and pigeon is actually nervous about
starting this big journey.
After all, there’s sooooo much stuff to learn. And
what if his head pops off with all those things he will have to learn?
After more silly and outlandish questions, the pigeon eventually arrives at the underlying emotion and admits that he is feeling scared. And he is scared because he really has no idea about what might be in store for him in that place.
After more silly and outlandish questions, the pigeon eventually arrives at the underlying emotion and admits that he is feeling scared. And he is scared because he really has no idea about what might be in store for him in that place.
The insight
that the unknown is actually very scary forms a springboard for the pigeon to
move forward. From that admission, he then discovers what might actually be the
best place for a scared pigeon.
Willem’s illustrations are sparse, featuring the pigeon and limited background detail.
These
are coloured in a muted tone, allowing the pigeon’s voice and actions to take
centre stage.
Willems
expertly articulates the pigeon’s fears. He has produced a balance between the
sort of self-talk that might be on a nervous child’s mind, whilst
simultaneously being silly and crazy enough to not scare an anxious child – and
indeed, likely to elicit a good laugh.
Perfect for
those big kids about to make the transition to school or preschool. Or any
child who enjoys a chuckle.
Title: The Pigeon HAS To Go To School
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Walker Books, $16.99
Publication
Date: 1
August 2019
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406389012
For
ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
