About This Book
Reach for this book when your toddler or preschooler is in a phase of denying their feelings or struggling to name the big emotions swirling inside them. It is a perfect choice for those 'tough kid' moments when a child insists they are fine while their face says otherwise. Through the hilarious and stubborn Pigeon, children learn that even the most determined characters have a wide range of emotions including joy, anger, and sadness. Mo Willems uses his signature humor to break down emotional barriers, making it safe for kids to admit that they, too, have big feelings. It is an essential tool for early emotional literacy that feels like a comedy routine rather than a lesson.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
A 2 or 3-year-old who is beginning to label emotions but might feel self-conscious or resistant when asked how they feel. It is also perfect for a child who loves slapstick humor and interactive reading.
Parent Prep
This book is best read 'hot.' No prep is needed, but be ready to make big, dramatic faces along with the Pigeon to encourage the child to mirror the actions. A parent might reach for this after their child has had a meltdown but refuses to talk about it, or when a child is acting 'too cool' to express vulnerability.
Age Experience
Infants and young toddlers will enjoy the bold lines and high-contrast expressions. Older preschoolers will appreciate the irony of the Pigeon's denial and the humor of the Bus Driver outsmarting him.
What Makes It Special
Unlike most 'feelings' books that are earnest and instructional, this one uses reverse psychology and comedy. It allows the child to be the expert observer of someone else's (the Pigeon's) emotional outburst.
Read plot summary
The Bus Driver asks the reader if pigeons have feelings. The Pigeon immediately interrupts, claiming he is a 'cold-blooded' bird who doesn't do feelings. The Bus Driver then coaxes the Pigeon into performing various emotional expressions: happy, sad, and angry. By the end, the Pigeon is exhausted by his own emotional display, proving that everyone, even a stubborn pigeon, experiences a full spectrum of moods.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The Pigeon says he doesn't have feelings at the start. Why do you think he wanted to act like a 'tough bird'?
2
When the Pigeon makes his 'angry face,' what do you think he is thinking about?
3
The Bus Driver had to help the Pigeon show his feelings. Who do you like to talk to when you are feeling happy or sad?
4
Which face was your favorite to make along with the Pigeon? Why?
