by Mo Willems
Part of Pigeon
First published 2019
The Pigeon knows everything he needs to know. At least, he thinks he does. When someone tells him he has to go to school, the Pigeon launches into a series of protests and worries. Why should he go when he already knows almost everything? What if he doesn't enjoy it? What if his teacher doesn't like him? Even worse, what if he learns too much? The Pigeon tries every argument he can think of to avoid this new experience. His familiar pattern of resistance meets an unfamiliar situation. School represents the unknown, and the Pigeon must face his fears about teachers, learning, and fitting in. This story captures the anxiety many children feel before starting school or nursery, wrapped in the Pigeon's characteristic dramatic reactions and logical protests.
Genres: coming-of-age, education, picture-books, comedy, childrens, chapter-books
Vibes: humorous, lighthearted, reassuring, relatable, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, overcoming-fears, reluctant-learner
Setting: School
32 pages · Paperback · Walker Books
Content warnings: anxiety