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Pigeon
The Pigeon Has to Go to School
Mo Willems' Pigeon is BACK in a hilarious story perfect for those about to start school or nursery.
"There is no such thing as a bad Mo Willems book" -- The Times
The Pigeon is about to get SCHOOLED. Do YOU think he should go?
Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! Well ... almost everything. And what if he doesn't like it? What if the teacher doesn't like him? I mean, what if he learns TOO MUCH!?!
"There is no such thing as a bad Mo Willems book" -- The Times
The Pigeon is about to get SCHOOLED. Do YOU think he should go?
Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! Well ... almost everything. And what if he doesn't like it? What if the teacher doesn't like him? I mean, what if he learns TOO MUCH!?!
40 pages, Hardcover
Published July 2, 2019
38 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
About the author
Mo Willems
231 books4,114 followers#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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews
August 25, 2019
I can't believe that I was looking forward to a children's book! But it is about our favourite pigeon 😁
Awesome children's book!
Highly recommended if your child goes to the big scary school for the first time in his/her life.
Awesome children's book!
Highly recommended if your child goes to the big scary school for the first time in his/her life.
July 3, 2019
The Pigeon Has to Go to School, deals with the fear and anxiety of attending school for the first time. It is laugh out loud hilarious. This now and forever will be the go to book dealing with this issue. Take note booksellers and librarians of the world. The pigeon very effectively conveys the thoughts and fears of a first time student. Ofcourse the illustrations are amazing. The spread where the pigeon discovers he can go to school on a bus is priceless and perfect. A spectacular addition to a Mo Willems library collection.
October 13, 2019
“The unknown stresses me out, dude,” he confides. The pigeon is back and full of sass.
Pigeon becomes slightly unhinged at the thought of attending school - all his neuroses come to the fore and he cycles through a gamut of emotions from bluster to nervousness.
But wait .... is that the school bus ...
Pigeon becomes slightly unhinged at the thought of attending school - all his neuroses come to the fore and he cycles through a gamut of emotions from bluster to nervousness.
But wait .... is that the school bus ...
May 24, 2019
I am so glad Mo Willems continues to delight his audiences.... even when they are adults and can't help but laugh out loud at the funny parts!
December 14, 2019
A great read for little ones heading off to school for the first time. Fav line: "Reading is hard with one big eye".
January 18, 2020
I love how The Pigeon’s grown & is able to express more nuanced/different feelings.
September 2, 2025
Leave it to the pros, pidgy!
May 12, 2023
کتاب رو نشر کانون پرورش فکری کودکان و نوجوانان با ترجمه علی خاکبازان چاپ کرده
نقاشی ها با اینکه خیلی ساده بود ولی به نظرم برای بچه ها جذابه
کتاب طوری هست که باید با بچه بخونید و اون جواب بده به سوال ها و با کتاب همراه بشه
نقاشی ها با اینکه خیلی ساده بود ولی به نظرم برای بچه ها جذابه
کتاب طوری هست که باید با بچه بخونید و اون جواب بده به سوال ها و با کتاب همراه بشه
November 27, 2019
We love the pigeon, but this is where the series has jumped the shark for me.
The other books were, however loosely, based on the concept that the pigeon is a pigeon and consequently, he is denied things that would be pigeon-inappropriate. Pigeons are not, and cannot be, licensed bus drivers. Pigeons don't own puppies. And so on. Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late and The Pigeon Needs a Bath are iffy, but pigeons do need sleep and would benefit from basic hygiene. Both of these also still keep the theme of "kids get to yell NO!!!! at a bird," which seems to be part of the charm.
The whole idea of making the pigeon do something, as opposed to maintaining the natural laws of what pigeons can and can't do, doesn't carry the same weight or delight... especially when pigeons can't go to school. While these books aren't the pinnacle of realism, this illogical deviation from the previous pattern of Pigeon lore bothers me. At this point, just let the poor bird drive the bus (he ends up riding it, and yes, this bothers me because it means the first book didn't really matter, yes I know he's not driving but if dude could ride along to begin with, why not offer him that? Does the boundary of "no pigeons on the bus" lose its meaning so quickly? Apparently so).
Overall, the book feels too heavy-handed with its moral. It's a "Very Special Episode" of the Pigeon, clearly meant to appease children nervous about starting school. That's a fine topic for a book and there are lots of books that do it well, but I don't know that it fits well with the Pigeon series. The message feels forced, and this book wasn't quite as funny or delightful as the others under the weight of THE LESSON IT WAS TRYING TO IMPART.
Or maybe I'm jaded because all along I thought the plot was going to be the pigeon demanding to go to school, and being told NO because... he's a pigeon.
The other books were, however loosely, based on the concept that the pigeon is a pigeon and consequently, he is denied things that would be pigeon-inappropriate. Pigeons are not, and cannot be, licensed bus drivers. Pigeons don't own puppies. And so on. Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late and The Pigeon Needs a Bath are iffy, but pigeons do need sleep and would benefit from basic hygiene. Both of these also still keep the theme of "kids get to yell NO!!!! at a bird," which seems to be part of the charm.
The whole idea of making the pigeon do something, as opposed to maintaining the natural laws of what pigeons can and can't do, doesn't carry the same weight or delight... especially when pigeons can't go to school. While these books aren't the pinnacle of realism, this illogical deviation from the previous pattern of Pigeon lore bothers me. At this point, just let the poor bird drive the bus (he ends up riding it, and yes, this bothers me because it means the first book didn't really matter, yes I know he's not driving but if dude could ride along to begin with, why not offer him that? Does the boundary of "no pigeons on the bus" lose its meaning so quickly? Apparently so).
Overall, the book feels too heavy-handed with its moral. It's a "Very Special Episode" of the Pigeon, clearly meant to appease children nervous about starting school. That's a fine topic for a book and there are lots of books that do it well, but I don't know that it fits well with the Pigeon series. The message feels forced, and this book wasn't quite as funny or delightful as the others under the weight of THE LESSON IT WAS TRYING TO IMPART.
Or maybe I'm jaded because all along I thought the plot was going to be the pigeon demanding to go to school, and being told NO because... he's a pigeon.
September 3, 2019
The Pigeon has to go to school!?! Whazza-Whazza-Whaaa!?!
Everybody’s favorite feathered friend is back, and this time he’s not too thrilled about starting school. After all, he already knows everything and his head might pop off if he learns any more. Or so he says. He keeps coming up with more and more outlandish excuses as to why school isn’t for him before finally admitting the real problem: he’s scared. Like a lot of us, kids and adults alike, the unknown stresses him out, dude. After talking himself in circles he has an abrupt change of heart when he realizes school might be more fun than he initially imagined.
Mo Willems brings the same magic that made the previous books in the Pigeon series such huge hits. The whimsical illustrations, the funny one-liners, and that oh-so stubborn and easily frazzled Pigeon that kids love are all here. A delight for Mo Willems fans and a good choice for children with school anxiety.
- John D.
Click here to find the book at the Prince William County Public Library System.
Everybody’s favorite feathered friend is back, and this time he’s not too thrilled about starting school. After all, he already knows everything and his head might pop off if he learns any more. Or so he says. He keeps coming up with more and more outlandish excuses as to why school isn’t for him before finally admitting the real problem: he’s scared. Like a lot of us, kids and adults alike, the unknown stresses him out, dude. After talking himself in circles he has an abrupt change of heart when he realizes school might be more fun than he initially imagined.
Mo Willems brings the same magic that made the previous books in the Pigeon series such huge hits. The whimsical illustrations, the funny one-liners, and that oh-so stubborn and easily frazzled Pigeon that kids love are all here. A delight for Mo Willems fans and a good choice for children with school anxiety.
- John D.
Click here to find the book at the Prince William County Public Library System.
August 11, 2019
Pigeon has just learned that he has to start attending school. Surely, he doesn’t have to do that. After all, he already knows everything. Will there be math? There are too many letters! And Pigeon is not a morning bird. Will anything be able to change his mind?
Author Mo Willems continues to find ways to tell stories using only pictures and dialogue that keep us engaged. This is another fast yet entertaining read. Most kids are excited about getting to go to school, but this book should help those who might be more reluctant and will entertain all kids. While Pigeon presents some reasons to not go to school that kids might not have thought of, by the end he is very excited about the prospect. (Personally, I still understand Pigeon’s concern about not being a morning bird.) I appreciated the nod to one of Pigeon’s earlier books. The stylized illustrations are a delight as always and really do help tell the story. Whether you have a kid starting school soon or not, you and your kid will enjoy this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Author Mo Willems continues to find ways to tell stories using only pictures and dialogue that keep us engaged. This is another fast yet entertaining read. Most kids are excited about getting to go to school, but this book should help those who might be more reluctant and will entertain all kids. While Pigeon presents some reasons to not go to school that kids might not have thought of, by the end he is very excited about the prospect. (Personally, I still understand Pigeon’s concern about not being a morning bird.) I appreciated the nod to one of Pigeon’s earlier books. The stylized illustrations are a delight as always and really do help tell the story. Whether you have a kid starting school soon or not, you and your kid will enjoy this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read
August 18, 2021Why does Pigeon have to go to school?! There are so many good reasons to stay home. Pigeon is a mess in the morning. Doesn't Pigeon already know everything? What if the teacher doesn't like pigeons? What if Pigeon learns too much!?! It's math and numbers, too many letters, reading, lunch, heavy backpacks, and sticky fingerpaints. . . Pigeon is stressed, dude!
If you have a little person in your life who is anxious about going back to school, read this book with them. School is not a scary place. It's a place where you learn and practice life with experts. And, for pigeon, the big yellow bus turns "Why does Pigeon have to go to school?" into "The Pigeon HAS to go to school!"
This is a 2021 Building Blocks Nominee. Kids 0-6 will get to vote for their favorite title soon. Watch your branch or mymcpl.org for details.
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
If you have a little person in your life who is anxious about going back to school, read this book with them. School is not a scary place. It's a place where you learn and practice life with experts. And, for pigeon, the big yellow bus turns "Why does Pigeon have to go to school?" into "The Pigeon HAS to go to school!"
This is a 2021 Building Blocks Nominee. Kids 0-6 will get to vote for their favorite title soon. Watch your branch or mymcpl.org for details.
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
September 15, 2025
Mo Willems is amazing as always. This time our beloved pigeon HAS to go to school, but he does not want to. He already knows everything; the school starts in the morning and you know what he is like in the morning. He is also concerned he won't like it and that the teacher might not like him....
Mo Willems balances humor and pigeon's concerns about starting school and this is definitely a perfect book for kids starting school, as well as any fans of Mo Willems. It's a definite must for all libraries, of course.
Mo Willems balances humor and pigeon's concerns about starting school and this is definitely a perfect book for kids starting school, as well as any fans of Mo Willems. It's a definite must for all libraries, of course.
May 5, 2023
This is at least 4.5 stars. It looses a partial star because some of the humor of the punch line is lost unless the kid has read the original Pigeon book (Don't let the Pigeon drive the bus!). The extra joke of why the Pigeon changes his mind about going to school is lost. Seriously, it does a wonderful job of bringing out a child's fears and worries about going to school and answers them in a comforting and funny way. Another excellent title in the Pigeon series!
Since Jude just started preschool, he really related to this book and enjoyed it! Read to Jude 5/4/23
Since Jude just started preschool, he really related to this book and enjoyed it! Read to Jude 5/4/23
August 17, 2019
Any child who loves Mo Willems and the Pigeon is going to love this story! Pigeon worries about all the things that may or may not happen at school. "What if?" is his favorite question. The ending is PERFECT for those who are familiar with other Pigeon books! You will have to read it to find out, as to not spoil it. This is a great back to school book to read at the beginning of the year. You can have great conversations with kids around this book!
October 14, 2024
As Pigeon lists his concerns, he comes up with one none of our children ever would: "Reading can be hard with one big eye!" And don't forget, *how* do students get to school? I'll give you a hint: it's big, and has wheels, and is yellow....
Reread. Thanks to another reviewer I now have read the first copyright page. Too cute. Also the dedication is wonderful:
"to my teachers
"past, present and future"
Reread. Thanks to another reviewer I now have read the first copyright page. Too cute. Also the dedication is wonderful:
"to my teachers
"past, present and future"
August 16, 2019
Aww, Pigeon. Funny and wonderful and so so relatable.
August 8, 2019
This was fun and it was nice to get a new Pigeon book. I felt like this one may not be quite as good as the earlier ones, but I may possibly be getting burned out on The Pigeon. There were a couple points where I felt like The Pigeon had some legitimate concerns about going to school and I'm not 100% sure they were adequately addressed, but the back inside cover spread illustration is sweet, comforting, and satisfying.
October 8, 2019
The Pigeon is iconic, legendary; all I have to do is show kids a picture of the Pigeon and they start laughing. This is the latest in the Pigeon series, and it is a worthy addition. Pigeon is worried about going to school, and, with his usual obsessiveness, he dramatically voices his fears. A slam-dunk finish.
August 3, 2019
Was checking the holds shelf at the library for one of my requests and saw the new Pigeon book tagged for somebody else. Shamelessly took a couple of minutes to stand there and read it (before putting it back, of course). As expected, it's super cute.
Read
July 2, 2019I can't WAIT to read this to upcoming school-age kids come August!
September 27, 2019
The Pigeon is as delightful as ever.
August 11, 2019
Standard and solid Mo Willems goodness with a twist ending that really sticks the landing.
November 12, 2022
HE’S JUST LIKE ME FR
September 18, 2023
"مدرسه صبحها باز میشود؟ چون خوب میدانی که من صبحها چهجوری هستم! و این اصلا خوب نیست." :)))
February 9, 2025
1000 outta 10 stars
I loved it
I loved it
August 27, 2023
This book is about a pigeon who doesn't want to go to school. The pigeon feels that he already knows everything that would be taught at school and he isn't a morning bird so he really doubts that school is something he'd be interested in. The pigeon worries that the teacher won't like pigeons and that there's too much stuff to learn, the unknown in general stresses him out. The pigeon eventually grows to feel angry that so much is expected of him at school and feels that there should be a place to practice various skills with the help of experts and peers. The pigeon realizes that such a place does exist, that such a place is school. The pigeon then rushes to the school bus anxious and excited to go to school.
I found this book to be really cute and funny. The pigeon's sense of humor is one that I think students will pick up on easily and enjoy. I like how the pigeon goes through various emotions throughout the book such as initially being smug about school and feeling that he doesn't need it, to feeling frustrated, scared and angry, to eventually being excited and optimistic about school. I also enjoy how the book concludes with the pigeon realizing that the teachers will help him learn what he needs to learn throughout the school year and that he isn't expected to enter school with everything figured out.
I would use this book in the classroom as a read-a-loud during the first week of school. As mentioned in the analysis, I think the pigeon is a character that a lot of students can relate because of the array of emotions that he experiences about the first day of school. I think that the realization that the pigeon isn't expected to have everything figured out before starting school would be especially helpful for middle level students who are diving deeper into topics that maybe they've already learned about but don't understand to the degree that is expected or taught at middle level.
I found this book to be really cute and funny. The pigeon's sense of humor is one that I think students will pick up on easily and enjoy. I like how the pigeon goes through various emotions throughout the book such as initially being smug about school and feeling that he doesn't need it, to feeling frustrated, scared and angry, to eventually being excited and optimistic about school. I also enjoy how the book concludes with the pigeon realizing that the teachers will help him learn what he needs to learn throughout the school year and that he isn't expected to enter school with everything figured out.
I would use this book in the classroom as a read-a-loud during the first week of school. As mentioned in the analysis, I think the pigeon is a character that a lot of students can relate because of the array of emotions that he experiences about the first day of school. I think that the realization that the pigeon isn't expected to have everything figured out before starting school would be especially helpful for middle level students who are diving deeper into topics that maybe they've already learned about but don't understand to the degree that is expected or taught at middle level.
July 23, 2019
First sentence: WAIT! Don't read that title! Too late. Rats...Why do I have to go to school? I already know EVERYTHING! Go on--ask me a question. Any question!
Premise/plot: The Pigeon is back in another picture book adventure. He's starred in MANY books including: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!; The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!; Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!; The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!; The Duckling Gets a Cookie?!; The Pigeon Needs a Bath! The Pigeon, our HERO, is trying to convince us readers that he does NOT need to go to school. NOT HIM. NO WAY. What will it take to get him to WANT to go to school?!?!
My thoughts: I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, CRAZY LOVE AND ADORE Mo Willems. I do. I especially love his Elephant and Piggie series. But I also love his Pigeon series. Especially The Pigeon Needs a Bath! and The Duckling Gets a Cookie?! This may be my new favorite in the Pigeon series. Though I will say this, the books build upon one another. It is definitely true that one doesn't have to read them in a particular order in order to enjoy them. BUT... The more Pigeon books you've shared with your little one, your young reader, in the past, the more you will LOVE and ENJOY this latest title. (You both will.)
Does "school" start in the morning?
Because you know what I'm like in the morning! It is NOT pretty.
I think most can relate to Pigeon!
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
Premise/plot: The Pigeon is back in another picture book adventure. He's starred in MANY books including: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!; The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!; Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!; The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!; The Duckling Gets a Cookie?!; The Pigeon Needs a Bath! The Pigeon, our HERO, is trying to convince us readers that he does NOT need to go to school. NOT HIM. NO WAY. What will it take to get him to WANT to go to school?!?!
My thoughts: I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, CRAZY LOVE AND ADORE Mo Willems. I do. I especially love his Elephant and Piggie series. But I also love his Pigeon series. Especially The Pigeon Needs a Bath! and The Duckling Gets a Cookie?! This may be my new favorite in the Pigeon series. Though I will say this, the books build upon one another. It is definitely true that one doesn't have to read them in a particular order in order to enjoy them. BUT... The more Pigeon books you've shared with your little one, your young reader, in the past, the more you will LOVE and ENJOY this latest title. (You both will.)
Does "school" start in the morning?
Because you know what I'm like in the morning! It is NOT pretty.
I think most can relate to Pigeon!
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
June 8, 2019
So even though this book does not publish until July, I just want you to all know it's a must read. It's a must pre-order. You're going to read it at the very beginning of the school year, so you might a well make sure it's for sure going to be in your hands.
All of the things you expect to see in a Pigeon book by Mo Willems is in there. And it will make you laugh out loud. I promise!
All of the things you expect to see in a Pigeon book by Mo Willems is in there. And it will make you laugh out loud. I promise!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews