The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! by Mo Willems, copyright 2004
I went to my local library to search for mentor texts. I checked out several books and The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! was in the pile.
Pigeon discovers a hot dog, and is about to devour it, when a little duckling approaches and casually asks what a hot dog tastes like. Of course the pigeon sees through the duckling's innocent inquiry, but his ensuing moral dilemma is painful.
Never does Willems say a word about sharing, being kind, or any of the lessons involved in confrontations such as this. He doesn't have to, because . . .
The pigeon is the epitome of showing, not telling. He very vocally expresses his agony and emotions. Which is one of the many reasons why this character is a favorite with children and adults.
There's more to my story, though.
Sarah was home and I handed her the book. "This would be a great read aloud. You might even perform it with a friend, one of you can be the pigeon and one can be the duckling." Sarah is the Anchor Club president, and the club members read aloud to elementary classes at their school.
She read it, and began experimenting with voices and how to interpret the characters. We worked on expression, energy, and using dramatic pauses. We talked about the layers of the story and places where she could stop and ask questions.
Some people think the pigeon books are too simple, but they are infinitely complex because Willems leaves room for the reader.
Find this book and share it with kids you love. Take turns being the pigeon and the duckling. And if you're really bored, go to Willems' website and play the hot dog game.
Image from openlibrary.com
Pigeon discovers a hot dog, and is about to devour it, when a little duckling approaches and casually asks what a hot dog tastes like. Of course the pigeon sees through the duckling's innocent inquiry, but his ensuing moral dilemma is painful.
Never does Willems say a word about sharing, being kind, or any of the lessons involved in confrontations such as this. He doesn't have to, because . . .
The pigeon is the epitome of showing, not telling. He very vocally expresses his agony and emotions. Which is one of the many reasons why this character is a favorite with children and adults.
There's more to my story, though.
Sarah was home and I handed her the book. "This would be a great read aloud. You might even perform it with a friend, one of you can be the pigeon and one can be the duckling." Sarah is the Anchor Club president, and the club members read aloud to elementary classes at their school.
She read it, and began experimenting with voices and how to interpret the characters. We worked on expression, energy, and using dramatic pauses. We talked about the layers of the story and places where she could stop and ask questions.
Some people think the pigeon books are too simple, but they are infinitely complex because Willems leaves room for the reader.
Find this book and share it with kids you love. Take turns being the pigeon and the duckling. And if you're really bored, go to Willems' website and play the hot dog game.
Image from openlibrary.com
Posted by Keri Collins at 11/17/2011 12:45 PM 
Categories: picture book
Tags: mo willems picture books reading aloud
Categories: picture book
Tags: mo willems picture books reading aloud
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