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Author: Mo Willems
Genre: Fiction- comedy and humor
Grade level(s) appropriateness: PreK-1
A brief synopsis/review: The little Duckling asks for a cookie that he then receives from an unknown giver. The pigeon soon learns that the Duckling received a cookie by asking politely. He becomes frustrated that he is always asking for things but never receives them. He begins to throw tantrums, begging for Duckling's cookie. Duckling finally gives the cookie to Pigeon in which he then thanks the Duckling for. Theme(s): Jealously, sharing, manners.
Noteworthy features or issues with text: Mo Willems uses simple dialog for early readers to understand. The expressive illustrations and thought/talking bubbles accurately depict the story being told. The book is also very humorous and an enjoyable read aloud for young children.
Teaching ideas: With partners, students could play the Manners Matter Matching Game! Groups will take out the manners cards and match each statement with the appropriate response. For example, "Someone Sneezes" matches with "Bless You." Students could also share what they would say to the Pigeon if they were asked for a cookie. Students could also practice reader's theatre and/or acting out the book- practice body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. Students could also discuss with one another who the Duckling might be asking a cookie from. Students could also compare and contrast Duckling and Pigeon. Students also invent their own cookie- (What is the name of their cookie? What ingredients are in their cookie? Why would the Pigeon want their cookie?) Eating and baking cookies are also fun activities to do with the class.
Genre: Fiction- comedy and humor
Grade level(s) appropriateness: PreK-1
A brief synopsis/review: The little Duckling asks for a cookie that he then receives from an unknown giver. The pigeon soon learns that the Duckling received a cookie by asking politely. He becomes frustrated that he is always asking for things but never receives them. He begins to throw tantrums, begging for Duckling's cookie. Duckling finally gives the cookie to Pigeon in which he then thanks the Duckling for. Theme(s): Jealously, sharing, manners.
Noteworthy features or issues with text: Mo Willems uses simple dialog for early readers to understand. The expressive illustrations and thought/talking bubbles accurately depict the story being told. The book is also very humorous and an enjoyable read aloud for young children.
Teaching ideas: With partners, students could play the Manners Matter Matching Game! Groups will take out the manners cards and match each statement with the appropriate response. For example, "Someone Sneezes" matches with "Bless You." Students could also share what they would say to the Pigeon if they were asked for a cookie. Students could also practice reader's theatre and/or acting out the book- practice body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. Students could also discuss with one another who the Duckling might be asking a cookie from. Students could also compare and contrast Duckling and Pigeon. Students also invent their own cookie- (What is the name of their cookie? What ingredients are in their cookie? Why would the Pigeon want their cookie?) Eating and baking cookies are also fun activities to do with the class.
Curriculum tie-ins and/or related activities: For math, students could count the number of cookies or chocolate chips found in the book. Students could also learn about fractions when dividing the cookies into halves, quarters, and eighths. Probability could also be taught with the cookies. For example, a worksheet with different flavors of cookies- What are the chances the Pigeon will choose a chocolate chip cookie? M&M cookie? sugar cookie? peanut butter cookie? (number of cookies chosen and in total vary).
Read aloud suitability: Yes, can be read aloud.
Connections to other texts/content areas: The Pigeon series by Mo Willems also includes the following books: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!, The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, and The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!.
Other additional comments: Mo Willems is a #1 New York Times best-selling author and illustrator and has been awarded three Caldecott Honors, two Theodor Seuss Geisel Medals, and a Geisel Honor.
Read aloud suitability: Yes, can be read aloud.
Connections to other texts/content areas: The Pigeon series by Mo Willems also includes the following books: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!, The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, and The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!.
Other additional comments: Mo Willems is a #1 New York Times best-selling author and illustrator and has been awarded three Caldecott Honors, two Theodor Seuss Geisel Medals, and a Geisel Honor.
Check out this neat video featuring Pigeon and Mo Willems: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nURTUmLSYd8
