The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, by Mo Willems

Willems, Mo. The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! Hyperion Books for Children, 2004. 40 pages. $14.99, ISBN 0-7868-1869-7

AGE LEVEL
1 and 2 year-olds

GENRE
Picture book

REVIEW 
As this story opens, Willems’ pigeon hero finds a hot dog, which he looks forward to scarfing down all by himself. This plan is threatened, however, when a duckling appears and begins asking a series of questions about the dog. Pigeon eventually begins to feel guilty about not offering to share the snack, and his distress leads to a hysterical scene in which he grapples with this moral dilemma.  In eight small cells over a two-page spread, Pigeon alternately paces, flaps, and sits overwhelmed, thinking aloud, "It's MY hot dog, right!? MINE! MINE! MINE!....I can't take it anymore!  What am I supposed to do?"  Readers will find out his decision and should pay close attention to Duckling's revealing last remark.  The minimal amount of text in this book and the simple yet fun cartoon drawings are perfect for 1 and 2 year olds. Pastel colors outlined in black pencil make for appealing images, and Willems manages to convey a range of emotions through Pigeon's expressive eyelid: from excitement, to suspicion, to full tantrum. A truly funny book which older children will love as well.

LIBRARY PROGRAMMING IDEAS
Here is a fingerplay related to sharing to accompany this book at toddler storytime:

          HERE'S A CUP

          Here's a cup,
          (cup one hand)

          And here's a cup,
          (cup the other hand)

          And here's a pot of tea.
          (make a teapot with 3 of the middle fingers bent over,
          thumb and little finger stuck out for spout and handle)

          Pour a cup,
          (make motion of pouring)

          And pour a cup,
          (make motion of pouring)

          And drink it up with me.
          (pretend to drink out of "cup")