The Pigeon Wants a Puppy Written & Illustrated by Mo Willems

With a rather self-explanatory title and the Pigeon's rock star status in the picture book world, I didn't really expect to have much to write about The Pigeon Wants a Puppy.  I bought the book just to enjoy with my boys.  Then, today, I took my youngest to the playground and realized that I have a greater understanding of why the Pigeon is so belligerent and demanding a literary character.  It's because three-year-old kids like my son chase and roar at the pigeons in the park, never giving these feathered creatures a moment of peace.  Seriously, you would think all these kids had become Tyrannosaurus Rexes the way they were chasing and growling at the birds.  I can't deny I sort of thought it was funny, but then it also made me think that the Pigeon should get whatever he wants. Certainly at least a hot dog.  And as far as staying up late, night time is likely his only time away from scary children.  And if he wants a puppy (or a walrus) to love and cuddle, then I say it will likely make him more well-adjusted.  With the way children treat pigeons, it's totally amazing that the Pigeon is ever happy.  We're all very lucky he has chosen to become a funny, charming literary icon instead of a mean-spirited bird pecking at children's toes.