by Mo Willems
Part of Pigeon, book 5
First published 2006
The pigeon faces his greatest challenge yet when the pajama-wearing bus driver rushes off to brush his teeth. Left alone with young readers as reluctant babysitters, the crafty bird launches into full negotiation mode. He suggests watching an educational bird show on television. He pleads for quality conversation time, asking about the reader's day. He requests the classic glass of water. Each excuse grows more desperate as his eyelid droops and yawns escape despite his best efforts. The pigeon's wide eye struggles to stay open while his body betrays his exhaustion. He clutches his stuffed bunny close, fighting sleep with every fiber of his being. This bedtime battle captures the universal struggle between wanting to stay awake and needing rest, told through Mo Willems' signature cartoon style with expressive black crayon lines and soft pastel backgrounds.
Genres: humor, picture-books, childrens
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, reluctant-babysitter
40 pages · Hardcover · Hyperion Books for Children