The Pigeon Needs a Bath
By Regan McMahon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Beloved bird resists then enjoys bathing in funny tub tale.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
Where to Read
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
The story starts on the page before the title, as a man in robe and shower cap asks the reader for help, because "THE PIGEON NEEDS A BATH!" The man exists, leaving the pigeon to speak directly to the reader, saying, "I don't really need a bath!" He offers several reason why he doesn't (including "I feel clean"). Then, after some flies clue him in that he smells and one says, "Take a bath, dude," he gives in -- and likes it so much he stays 10 hours and never wants to leave the tub.
Is It Any Good?
The Pigeon Needs a Bath is a fun read with a whole lot of attitude. Fans of the pigeon character and nighttime stallers of any kind will relate to his resistance and delaying tactics. And kids will relate to the scenario in which they say no first yet end up enjoying what they're urged to to.
Mo Willems' deadpan wit and spare, distinctive drawings convey so many different emotions, and his familiar device of addressing the reader directly is once again very effective in drawing kids in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about baths. How often do you think you should take one? Do you think bath time is fun?
Why do kids like the Pigeon books so much. How does this one compare to others? Is it as funny, or funnier?
at makes the Pigeon books so popuar
What toys do you like to take in the bathtub?
Book Details
- Author: Mo Willems
- Illustrator: Mo Willems
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date: April 1, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 5
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback
- Award: ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated: April 12, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate