It's My Bird-Day!

Pigeon #13

by Mo Willems

The Pigeon has the hat. And the hot dog cake! He is ready for the presents! But ... do YOU think The Pigeon can handle his BIG bird-day surprise!?!

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Storytime, Animals, Childrens, Birds, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2026

About the author

#1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems is best known for his Caldecott Honor winning picture books Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale.

In addition to such picture books as Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct, and Time to Pee, Mo has created the Elephant and Piggie books, a series of early readers, and published You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons, an annotated cartoon journal sketched during a year-long voyage around the world in 1990-91.

The New York Times Book Review called Mo “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's."

Mo’s work books have been translated into a myriad of languages, spawned animated shorts and theatrical musical productions, and his illustrations, wire sculpture, and carved ceramics have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the nation.

Mo began his career as a writer and animator for television, garnering 6 Emmy awards for his writing on Sesame Street, creating Nickelodeon's The Off-Beats, Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City and head-writing Codename: Kids Next Door.

He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his family.

Reviews

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our favorite pigeon’s b-day is here and he’s ready to party, until he learns he has to share his special day with his duckling friend and newly hatched babies.

The perfect story and birthday gift for little ones as the pigeon’s super funny demeanor just never stops being so hilariously silly, with some friends added. Pure birthday giggles.

A (100%/Outstanding)

[Fiona Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 - what a fun book! Mo Williams perfectly depicted the child-like excitement of birthdays or in this case bird-day. Throughout the beginning of the book, the pigeon was thrilled about the fact that it was his bird-day…That is until he realizes he shares it with the little yellow bird. Through this revelation, the pigeon has a bit of a selfish tantrum/break-down. He doesn’t want to share is birthday with anyone and he just wants to be seen. This idea of wanting to be loved and recognized on your special day, brings dimension and depth to a seemingly lighthearted children’s story. At the end of the day, humans want to feel valued and loved.

Additionally, I always appreciate how mo Williams seamlessly breaks the fourth wall and draws the reader into his story. This unique element demonstrates Williams creative genius.

This book made me reflect on the ways I can care for loved ones and help them feel seen.

[Eva B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in April I was at Barnes & Noble for my 22nd birthday and they had a big cardboard cutout up for this book where you can put your head in and be the Pigeon and you can bet I sure did do that.

[Natalie Pietro · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is not to love about Pigeon. My son adores him so much! He went nuts when he received this book. We had to read it the moment we got home from the library. It is so super funny and adorable and features his bestie the duckling. Pigeon is the best bird! Sorry Big Bird and Woodstock I have to give the award to Pigeon. A must read for all.

[Sarah Wahl]

New Pigeon book just dropped & GUYS, IT'S HIS BIRD-DAY!!! PIGEON DESERVES ALL THE BIRD-DAY HOTDOGS & WE SHOULD JUST LET HIM DRIVE THE BUS JUST ONCE AS A BIRD-DAY TREAT

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that there’s a new pigeon book. Funny books are the best because they bring so much joy.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 4 out of 5]

The excitement of having a birthday is all here until pigeon learns he has to share his “bird day” with his old nemesis Duckling.

[Kelly ♈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

That intro dedicating got me psyched lol!!

This is actually my first Pigeon book to read. Because of the release date, I'm deciding that Pigeon is an Aries, I was feeling all those emotions! 💅

[Stormee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a gift for someone and we read it together. It’s adorable and fun.

And perfect to have read on what would have been my grandpa’s 86th birthday.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

as usual ...Mo books are adorable ❤️

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a little silliness and the struggles of getting past disappointments, this is a book to enjoy with characters to want to see again.

It's Pigeon's bird-day, and he can't wait to celebrate with a candle in his hotdog, presents, and so much more. When he heads to blow out the candle, he's shocked to find that someone already blew it out...and that's not all. Soon, Pigeon's very special bird-day isn't so special after all. Or maybe, it is if he's able to wrap his head around something new.

This is a bright and boldly made picture book. The illustrations are very simple, and that's all which is needed to bring every moment across with the needed emotion and fun. Pigeon's excitement is contagious and his disappointment understandable. After all, his whole happiness smashes against a change he didn't expect. Readers/listeners will have no problem understanding Pigeon's predicament, but they'll also realize the possibilities the change can bring. In other words, there's a lovely message about growth, friendship, and sharing wrapped inside.

For all things, this book keeps fun high. Every situation hits with a touch of over-the-top emotions and a hum of humor to guarantee smiles the entire time. Even when Pigeon's mood takes a nose-dive, the drama keeps the situation light and enjoyable...while still making it clear what's going on. It creates a grabbing, quick-paced, and enjoyable read, and will have readers/listeners wondering what situations Pigeon might experience next. So, I do hope there are more to come.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, it's delightful to read another Pigeon book. It's time for Pigeon to celebrate his bird-day (birthday), and he intends to do it right. He even celebrates in the copyright information telling readers "published with gleeful anticipation and exceptionally unrealistic expectations". Pigeon's excitement for his bird-day is palpable, he's even prepared to showcase his fancy feathers for the occasion. When he discovers someone has eaten part of his bird-day hot dog with candle, he's upset, especially when he finds out that it was the duckling who has the same bird-day. After throwing a tantrum, five eggs hatch and now he shares his bird-day with five more birds. Pigeon leaves to spend some time meditating on why he is so upset. He receives some acknowledgement from the reader which softens his attitude enough that he is prepared to celebrate properly. Whether Pigeon's enlightened moment lasts is debatable but at least for a few pages, Pigeon enjoys celebrating others as well as himself. Another winning book by a master of children's literature. Children will relate to the Pigeon's difficulty sharing his special day and hopefully appreciate his change of attitude. As in the other Pigeon books, there is much for children to enjoy and a great book for reading aloud one-on-one or in a group. A delightful story that highlights special days and the need everyone has to be remembered. Highly recommended.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Is this really the 13th Pigeon book?

Definitely delightful, our beloved Pigeon is back to his lovable, oh-so-emotional self. First the thrill of having your very own Bird-Day to the angst when you discover that it is also Duckling's birthday and then to the heartfelt confession of just wanting to be seen.

While aimed at the usual toddler to kindergarten crowd, anyone who grew up reading Pigeon books will love this new addition. It would make a perfect birthday present for anyone.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

t’s My Bird-Day! Elephant & Piggie, by Mo Willems is a funny, energetic picture book that really works with young children because it starts with a very simple problem and makes it huge in a way kids understand immediately. The Pigeon can’t wait for his special day, but learns that he must share it with Duckling and a gaggle of just-hatched chicks, which sends him into one of his classic dramatic spirals.

[Annu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pigeon is initially thrilled for his special day, boasting about his "fancy plumage" and the candle on his hot dog. However, he quickly faces a "big bird-day surprise" when he discovers that someone has already blown out his candle and eaten half his cake. He soon learns that his rival, the Duckling, shares the exact same birthday. The story explores the Pigeon’s struggle with sharing the spotlight and his eventual growth as he learns to celebrate with others.

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigeon is very excited for his bird-day, until he finds out he has to share it with the Duckling. Mo Willems' signature style of humor is on full display here. All the elements of a Pigeon book are here--the full meltdown, the pages divided into squares of Pigeon's rationalizations and assurances, and his ultimate coming to terms with the situation. Any book with the Duckling is my kind of book. Pigeon has ruled for years, and his reign continues here.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mo Willems fans will welcome another pigeon book. And it's cute and silly.

However. I'm not a fan of picture book authors who crank out endless iterations of what was once a singular unique storybook character. Less is more? Apparently not in the children's publishing world. See also: Llama llama, Pete the Cat, and so many others.

Themes: birds, humor
Ages: toddler-2nd grade
Pub year: 2026

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to believe this is the thirteenth book about Pigeon.
In this story, he is excited to celebrate his "bird day." Readers see him talk about it being all about him. To his surprise, he discovers that other birds share the same special day. We see him cycle through emotions and find a way to share. A valuable message for young readers.

[Kayleigh Merrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s My Bird-Day! is a sweet and entertaining book that captures the excitement of birthdays while also showing that surprises can make the day even more special. I think this could be a cute book to read on peoples birthday in the classroom, I think students can read it or parents could read it to their kids.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pigeon is required reading in my kindergarten classes. The Pigeon helps everyone process their emotions, and more importantly, to howl out loud. This time Pigeon needs to understand that his birthday is not unique to him.... other entities have the same birthday. Even if he loathes them...

Mo Willems is a gift to our children and several generations of children.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed so much when I opened the cover of this book and saw the hotdog vs with a lit candle on the inside. It set the tone for this book about celebrating, jealousy, sharing and fun. Good to have the pigeon back!!

[Meredith]

Pigeon is excited to celebrate his Bird-Day (birthday) until he discovers that he shares it with Duckling and other bird.

Pigeon experiences his typical cycle of emotions calumniating in a meltdown, followed by acceptance.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I just want to be seen”

The Pigeon has returned for the best day of the year….his bird-day!!

This newest addition of the Pigeon series was fun, but not quite as funny as previous versions. You do get the pigeon absolutely bugging out though, so it’s still a good time

[Edie Roestel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was goofy. Although I don't feel as though it was the best written book, I found it entertaining and funny. This would be a good book to read so as to familiarize kids with language and writing. It was still a pleasant book to read.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

My school library was lucky to get a copy last week, and it was a pure delight to read it for the first time. Pigeon's Bird-Day—a perfect idea for a Pigeon book! Pigeon is just as emotional and lovable as ever, and Duckling makes an appearance that challenges Pigeon's sense of identity.

I cannot wait to read this newest Pigeon book to my kindergarten students next week. I'm imagining having a mini Bird-Day party with the kindergarteners, complete with party hats, if I can pull it off.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pigeon must once again learn to do his least-favorite thing...share...when he learns that other birdies might actually have the same "bird-day" as he does.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! Another winner from Mo!!!!

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pigeon learns that your special day just might be someone else's as well. The lesson is how we choose to handle this information.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mo Willems doesn’t miss. Can’t wait to read this to my preschool class tomorrow!

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pigeon has to learn how to share his birthday