Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pigeon wants his birthday all alone in funny sharing tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The Pigeon is excited as he wears his party hat and lights a candle on his hot dog. IT'S MY BIRD-DAY! he exclaims. "Just for me!" Then he's horrified to see someone blew his candle out and took a big bite of his bird-day hotdog. Then the Duckling (a friendly rival since her introduction to the series in 2012), who's wearing an even taller birthday hat, shows up and says, "Welcome to my bird-day party!" In a frenzy, Pigeon insists the birthday is "MINE! MINE! MINE!" Duckling explains, "But it is also MY bird-day. We share a bird-day." And he points to five ducklings cracking out of their shells, who shout, "Happy BIRD-DAY to us!!!" Next, in an emotional moment, Pigeon reflects, "This was supposed to be MY day! ... What am I—invisible? I just want to to be seen," using the current psychological jargon. Then he asks the reader directly, in a big closeup, "Will YOU see me? Really see me? Thank you." And he's finally able to celebrate with his new bird friends.
Is It Any Good?
This funny, relatable story addresses how tough it is to share your birthday—your once-a-year special day—with someone else. As usual, author-illustrator Mo Willems creates a silly scenario that taps into a common kid frustration, showing how tough it is to share something you feel should be only yours. It's My Bird-Day also shows how to work through big emotions, understand anger, and even make friends with a rival, while using contemporary language about just wanting "to be seen."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how hard it is for Pigeon to share his birthday in It's My Bird-Day!. Have you ever had to share your birthday with a friend or classmate or family member? If not, how do you think you would handle it? What makes sharing hard?
Why are birthdays so special? What do you like do on your birthday?
What's your favorite picture in the book? Is Pigeon happy, mad, sad, or out-of-control in the picture? Do you think it's hard for the author to show Pigeon's feelings when he only draws one of the Pigeon's eyes?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Mo Willems
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Union Square Kids
- Publication date : March 31, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 5
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : March 25, 2026
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