What do you think?
Rate this book
Pigeon
The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!
From #1 New York Times best-selling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems!
Buckle up for twists, turns, and emotional loop-de-loops in the most roller coaster-y Pigeon book ever! The Pigeon WILL be ready. Will YOU!?
Buckle up for twists, turns, and emotional loop-de-loops in the most roller coaster-y Pigeon book ever! The Pigeon WILL be ready. Will YOU!?
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2022
11 people are currently reading
3966 people want to read
About the author
Mo Willems
232 books4,115 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
April 24, 2025
7 December, 2022
We should all be the Pigeon, living in optimistic anticipation of good things to come.
Though with perhaps just a titch less volume. Willems excels at conveying emotion and, if you will, how the lines should be delivered. Whether reading quietly in one's head or reading aloud to a group of kids, his ability to suggest tone is a boon to the reader.
***
27 February 2023
Not even three months later I had to pluck it off the New shelf again. But it's good to be able to point out ways in which Willems' books excel, in light of other reviews I've made this morning.
Original endpapers which reward examination and comparison with one another. A note on fonts, a good bio, a mock copywrite page, and a nice range of emotions. No note on the art, sadly. Perhaps the lengthy acknowledgements in novels these days will spill over into other genres. People derive satisfaction when their contribution is public, especially when their pay is kept artificially low, she wrote, looking askance at the big five publishing companies, and their failure to create a more diverse and equitable workplace.
Now I'm dreaming of Don't Let The Pigeon Cross the Picket Line.
Library copy
We should all be the Pigeon, living in optimistic anticipation of good things to come.
Though with perhaps just a titch less volume. Willems excels at conveying emotion and, if you will, how the lines should be delivered. Whether reading quietly in one's head or reading aloud to a group of kids, his ability to suggest tone is a boon to the reader.
***
27 February 2023
Not even three months later I had to pluck it off the New shelf again. But it's good to be able to point out ways in which Willems' books excel, in light of other reviews I've made this morning.
Original endpapers which reward examination and comparison with one another. A note on fonts, a good bio, a mock copywrite page, and a nice range of emotions. No note on the art, sadly. Perhaps the lengthy acknowledgements in novels these days will spill over into other genres. People derive satisfaction when their contribution is public, especially when their pay is kept artificially low, she wrote, looking askance at the big five publishing companies, and their failure to create a more diverse and equitable workplace.
Now I'm dreaming of Don't Let The Pigeon Cross the Picket Line.
Library copy
September 6, 2022
Pigeon is so excited to ride the roller coaster! But will it meet all of his many expectations?
Personally, I was expecting a little more from the ride itself. Pigeon is FINALLY able to do something on his own! He will do the thing! He does the thing! But I feel like there could have been more to the ride, another recap on emotions after the ride, etc. I guess I just wanted something a little more out of this!
Personally, I was expecting a little more from the ride itself. Pigeon is FINALLY able to do something on his own! He will do the thing! He does the thing! But I feel like there could have been more to the ride, another recap on emotions after the ride, etc. I guess I just wanted something a little more out of this!
November 7, 2022
Pigeon is ready to ride a roller coaster. He knows he will need a ticket. He knows he will need to wait in line. And he knows it will be scary as it twists and turns at high speed. But he is ready. Is he really ready for what will happen next?
This is a mostly fun entry for fans of Pigeon. It’s told in typical style with illustrations and dialogue only. There isn’t quite as much interaction for us, but Pigeon still carries the book by himself. The story didn’t go quite the way I thought it would, but once I adjusted my expectations, I had to laugh at the outcome, especially the final page. And it provides a good lesson for all that sometimes things you are looking forward to turn into disappointments. I think the biggest issue with the book will be some of the vocabulary choices, which will be a bit beyond the target audience. Yes, I get the concept of stretching a vocabulary, but I think a couple of the words are a bit too abstract for the age group. Still, fans of Pigeon will be glad they picked it up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is a mostly fun entry for fans of Pigeon. It’s told in typical style with illustrations and dialogue only. There isn’t quite as much interaction for us, but Pigeon still carries the book by himself. The story didn’t go quite the way I thought it would, but once I adjusted my expectations, I had to laugh at the outcome, especially the final page. And it provides a good lesson for all that sometimes things you are looking forward to turn into disappointments. I think the biggest issue with the book will be some of the vocabulary choices, which will be a bit beyond the target audience. Yes, I get the concept of stretching a vocabulary, but I think a couple of the words are a bit too abstract for the age group. Still, fans of Pigeon will be glad they picked it up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 26, 2022
You might be thinking, “Grayson, why would you add this to your Goodreads? It’s a children’s book for crying out loud.” Yes, it’s a children’s book. It is a magnificent work of art. It was, in fact, an emotional roller coaster. See what I did there? The determination and excitement made this a real page-turner. And yes, I want to be friends with the pigeon.
September 2, 2022
A fun and cute story, but certainly not filling the (admittedly gargantuan) shoes of past entries in the series.
September 7, 2022
I still love the pigeon! And as someone who loves roller coasters, this one that Pigeon rides made me laugh!
November 8, 2022
He’s just like me fr
September 3, 2022
Oh boy this was a JOURNEY.
August 26, 2022
I just really wanted him to have an exciting ride:
January 4, 2023
I haven't exactly kept up with the Pigeon series over the last few years, but picking up the new one, I was surprised to see that after so many books, the magic is still there. Willems finds so many different ways for the Pigeon to throw a little tantrum, but in the cutest way possible.
Is there a formula to these? Absolutely, and for some kids, the formula might be an important part of it. That said, you probably only need one or two of these books. But then again, how are you going to say no to this little fella?
Is there a formula to these? Absolutely, and for some kids, the formula might be an important part of it. That said, you probably only need one or two of these books. But then again, how are you going to say no to this little fella?
September 11, 2022
I was SO EXCITED to read a new Pigeon book...and (), I feel let down. It was fine. But it was not as good as past Pigeon books...
Read
May 27, 2023There's a point to the climax and epilogue; I know there is. I just can't figure out what it is. The "anticipation" with which Pigeon was "aquiver" was terrific. But then, hey, what? Is it a lesson to me to have a good attitude about things that don't meet my expectations? I mean, I do need to learn that lesson, but I don't think Willems is doing that, because otherwise it would be effective because he's brilliant... and it's not effective (for me).
Why do you think Willems ended the book that way?
Don't miss the fake copyright page, in any case.
Edit to add: Is this a case of Seeing the Elephant? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seeing_...
[There is an] old tale of the farmer who upon hearing that a circus had come to town excitedly set out in his wagon. Along the way he met up with the circus parade, led by an elephant, which so terrified his horses that they bolted and pitched the wagon over on its side, scattering vegetables and eggs across the roadway. "I don't give a hang," exulted the jubilant farmer as he picked himself up. "I have seen the elephant."
Why do you think Willems ended the book that way?
Don't miss the fake copyright page, in any case.
Edit to add: Is this a case of Seeing the Elephant? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seeing_...
[There is an] old tale of the farmer who upon hearing that a circus had come to town excitedly set out in his wagon. Along the way he met up with the circus parade, led by an elephant, which so terrified his horses that they bolted and pitched the wagon over on its side, scattering vegetables and eggs across the roadway. "I don't give a hang," exulted the jubilant farmer as he picked himself up. "I have seen the elephant."
September 27, 2022
We love Pigeon so much! My husband and I snagged this one while out book shopping. Too cute! We took the kids to Sea World San Diego and Disneyland this summer so they immediately loved the roller coaster theme.
January 12, 2025
Like the roller coaster, this book was a little disappointing.
November 8, 2022
The Pigeon never disappoints.
This book makes me miss being an elementary school librarian. Reading Mo Willems books at storytime is full of unbridled JOY.
If I was teaching for a storytime, every students would design their own roller coaster - or at least the car - to make for one fantastic display. Use construction paper! Or shoe boxes! Don't forget to print up special tickets. I can just see it now...
This book makes me miss being an elementary school librarian. Reading Mo Willems books at storytime is full of unbridled JOY.
If I was teaching for a storytime, every students would design their own roller coaster - or at least the car - to make for one fantastic display. Use construction paper! Or shoe boxes! Don't forget to print up special tickets. I can just see it now...
June 3, 2022
First sentence: Roller coasters! I have been aquiver with anticipation--ever since I first heard about them...ten minutes ago! Riding will not be easy.
Premise/plot: Pigeon is back in a new picture book! (I am refraining myself from adding six thousand exclamation points.) In this newest Mo Willems book, our beloved Pigeon is preparing to ride...a roller coaster. Will it offer ALL the thrills that he's expecting????
My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love, love this picture book. Is this my absolute favorite in the series? Probably not my number one. But definitely in my top three. What I love about Mo Willems--in general--and in this book specifically, is that every word seems to perfectly belong. Every single page has a just-right feel to it. The story has great pacing. I happened to love, love, love the climax of this one.
Definitely recommend this one. I recommend ALL the Pigeon books. I do. I especially love Mo Willems when it comes to his series. (I do tend to like his work more often than not.) I do tend to GUSH. But to be fair, Pigeon feels like a FRIEND at this point. And I'd not really expected *more* adventures with him. So this was just a DELIGHT.
Premise/plot: Pigeon is back in a new picture book! (I am refraining myself from adding six thousand exclamation points.) In this newest Mo Willems book, our beloved Pigeon is preparing to ride...a roller coaster. Will it offer ALL the thrills that he's expecting????
My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love, love this picture book. Is this my absolute favorite in the series? Probably not my number one. But definitely in my top three. What I love about Mo Willems--in general--and in this book specifically, is that every word seems to perfectly belong. Every single page has a just-right feel to it. The story has great pacing. I happened to love, love, love the climax of this one.
Definitely recommend this one. I recommend ALL the Pigeon books. I do. I especially love Mo Willems when it comes to his series. (I do tend to like his work more often than not.) I do tend to GUSH. But to be fair, Pigeon feels like a FRIEND at this point. And I'd not really expected *more* adventures with him. So this was just a DELIGHT.
October 4, 2022
This is somewhat of a reluctant four star rating. I have a lot of nostalgia with rollercoasters (I was a tall child, so I hit height requirements very early). Thus, I loved the pigeon's anticipation and excitement in the beginning. Huzzah, rollercoasters!!
September 12, 2022
While certainly appealing to hardcore Pigeon enthusiasts, this one is not as engaging as the other Pigeon titles. The charm of the others is that the Pigeon is not allowed to do something, and that element was missing here. This one felt strained.
October 25, 2025
I stumbled upon the audiobook version for this and it was so fun to listen to. (For my sake, we are going to pretend this isn’t a children’s book, especially with the way I was tuning into this). However, I do think this would have been better had it been longer.
January 4, 2023
My 5 year old daughter loves the Pigeon!
September 21, 2023
This is probably my favorite of the Pigeon books - lots to talk about and fun to enjoy with my little one.
Read
July 9, 2025Dont ask
Read
December 11, 2025Cute 😂
Read
November 13, 2022Cute, but lacking the angst and drama of earlier installments. Might Pigeon be growing up?
April 18, 2024
Maybe unpopular opinion, but I thought this one was not as fun as the rest of the series. I usually love Pigeon, but meh.
October 9, 2024
I love how the pigeon is sooooo excited to ride a roller coaster and the roller coaster is sooooo slow and the pigeon LOVES IT it is soooo funny.
January 15, 2025
Makes me think of my childhood
February 18, 2023
Julianna read this book at the library to Micky and I. We give it 5 stars. Cute book. We loved the ending. Mo willems is a great author.
October 24, 2022
It's always a happy day when the Pigeon is back with a new book. This time the Pigeon is making plans to ride the roller coaster. This is a more mature Pigeon than we have seen in years past, carefully anticipating what he needs to do---obtain a ticket, wait in line, ride a scary roller coaster---in order to realize his dream. And he carefully goes through the steps he's anticipated...only to find the roller coaster is...well...a little less roller-y and coaster-y than he'd hoped...but, nonetheless, quite fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews