Book Review: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!


BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, M. (2011). Don’t let the pigeon stay up late! Hyperion Books for Children.

PLOT SUMMARY
The pigeon with an attitude is back again! This time he is refusing to go to bed because “he’s not even tired!” As the bus driver tasks readers with not letting the pigeon stay up late, the funny pigeon tries to persuade readers to let him stay up.  Using his persuasive tactics, he suggests alternative activities to keep him up. His suggestions include watching TV or counting the stars. When that doesn’t work, he tries stalling until he finally falls asleep.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Willems’ writing is so realistic. It reminds parents of the daily struggles to put their children to sleep. His words make readers laugh as they are reminded of their own adventures during bedtime. Willems’ use of punctuation marks, and words in CAPS help show the different emotions the pigeon is going through as he tries to convince readers to let him stay up late. As I read Willems’ words, I am immediately reminded of my son, who like Pigeon tries to negotiate his bedtime. I can’t help but laugh with Pigeon’s wit and attitude!
Willems’ pictures center the one-eyed pigeon. Willems’ does an excellent job of showing the change in Pigeon from being wide awake to slowly beginning to get tired. The colors used in this book differ from his usual color scheme. We also see how the colors used change from bright to dark as it is getting later and the pigeon begins to get sleepy and then finally falls asleep.
This book is bed time must!

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
#1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Children will be charmed by this bedtime treat”
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “persnickety pigeon whose actions resemble those of young children”

CONNECTIONS
*Gather other books about Pigeon and his adventures. Compare the different adventures Pigeon experiences, the different illustrations and color schemes.
* Lead students on a Think/Pair/Share about the pros and cons to staying up late.
* Engage learners to reflect on the pros and cons of stay up late and have them write a persuasive essay to their parents sharing their view points.
*Other books for children about bedtime adventures when putting kids to bed:
Perillo, K. (2022). I just can’t sleep. ISBN 9781638600893
Yolen, J., & Teague, M. (2000). Dinosaurs say goodnight. ISBN 9780590316811

Review completed for SHSU MLA course

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