The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
Pigeon states a series of distinct objections—he already knows everything, might dislike school, might be disliked by the teacher, and might learn too much—before reconsidering what school makes possible. Direct address lets a listener answer each claim instead of waiting passively for reassurance.
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems is estimated to take about 4.5 minutes to read aloud (240 words, 1 sentence a spread). Best for ages 3-5.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 4.5 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Words
- 240Word count
- Sentences per spread
- 1Text density
- Re-read tolerance
- 4/5repeat friendly
- Vocabulary level
- 2/5everyday words
- Best for
- Ages 3-5Age range
Our review
Pigeon's case against school keeps changing: certainty that he knows enough gives way to worries about liking the place, being liked by the teacher and learning too much. Because he faces the reader, those objections can be answered aloud before his own argument turns toward the possibilities of school. The humor comes from watching confidence and anxiety occupy the same speech.
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes is the practical counterpart. Pete moves through named school locations and returns tomorrow; Pigeon stays inside the debate about going at all. Choose Pigeon for voicing resistance and Pete for previewing a routine. Disney's listed age range for the 2019 print edition is three to five.
Before you buy it
The change of mind comes through comic argument rather than a tour of an actual school day. Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes is the more concrete alternative for naming locations such as the library, lunchroom and playground.
Themes
- school
- worry
- humour
- birds
Books like The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
More books with similar themes, formats, lengths and ways to join in.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!about 3.5 minutes estimated · book review
The Kissing Handabout 6 minutes estimated · book review
Wemberly Worriedabout 6.5 minutes estimated · book review
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoesabout 5 minutes estimated · book review
School's First Day of Schoolabout 9.5 minutes estimated · book review
Lists The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! is on
20 booksBooks for 4 Year OldsThis shelf focuses on stories where the interesting work is noticing a reversal, following another viewpoint or connecting a picture with something the words leave unstated.
10 booksFirst Day of School BooksA school story can explain a place, follow a worried character or offer a way to talk about saying goodbye.- 8 booksBooks Like Elephant and PiggieChoose what to keep from Elephant & Piggie: two readable voices, a visible comic problem or a short incident about friendship.
- 8 booksBooks About Anxiety for PreschoolersA worry story can name an anticipated problem, show a goodbye or describe different responses to someone who is upset.