Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Despite doubts, Pigeon gets diploma in cute grad tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WILL THE PIGEON GRADUATE? applauds the accomplishment of reaching graduation day thanks to working hard and overcoming obstacles. And it acknowledges the worries common among many graduates: "What will I do? Who will I be? How will I live? Will there be snacks?!?!" Pigeon approaches the big moment with optimism and some concern about actually getting there, but the unseen narrator assures Pigeon, "Relax, bird. You've got this. You will graduate." After receiving the diploma, Pigeon walks to the end of the stage and faces a steep drop. Pigeon asks, "Am I ... really ready?" and then takes off into the blue sky, diploma in claws, and answers, "I am." On the endpapers, Gerald and Piggie from Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie series cheer Pigeon on, and the little yellow Duckling character from that series also flies overhead holding a diploma.
Is It Any Good?
This cute Pigeon romp celebrates making it to graduation and taking off to start the next adventure. Dedicated to "all the grads, past, present, and future," Will the Pigeon Graduate? may be light and funny enough for little ones to enjoy, as it emphasizes Pigeon's self-doubt and physical humor. But the overall message seems geared toward kids old enough to understand what graduation is and means, and the uncertainty of what comes after. There's a trend in giving high school and even college students books like Dr. Seuss' Oh the Places You'll Go! as graduation gifts. This book may be aiming for the same audience, but it seems like a stretch for a book (and series) that skews so young.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the doubts Pigeon has in Will the Pigeon Graduate? Have you ever wondered if you're ready for a new adventure? What happened? How did you feel?
When Pigeon gets nervous, you can see the bird's feathers flying off. What happens when you get scared or nervous? What signs can other people see that show how you're feeling?
Pigeon says, "I took some BIG steps." What does that mean? What big steps have you taken that required some courage?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Mo Willems
- Genre : Picture Book
- Character Strengths : Courage , Gratitude , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Union Square Kids
- Publication date : March 4, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 5
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : March 18, 2025
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