The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!" Review: Is Mo Willems' Latest a Back-to-School Essential?

The day started like any other. The sun peeked through the curtains, birds chirped outside, and my alarm blared its usual, annoying tone. But today was different. Today, my six-year-old son, Sam, was starting school for the first time. As I fumbled around in the kitchen, trying to get breakfast ready, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety for him. Little did I know, our morning routine would soon be disrupted by a peculiar and feathered friend.

“Dad, can you read me 'The Pigeon HAS to Go to School' one more time?” Sam asked, holding up the bright yellow book. It had become his recent favorite, and I could see why. Mo Willems, the genius behind the pigeon series, had a way of capturing children’s fears and turning them into something laugh-out-loud funny.

“Sure, buddy. Let’s read it while you eat your breakfast,” I replied, taking the book and settling down at the table with him.

As I began reading, the pigeon’s exaggerated expressions and dramatic pleas not to go to school had both of us in stitches. The pigeon didn’t think he needed school because he knew everything. Well, almost everything. And what if the teacher didn’t like him? What if he learned too much? The pigeon’s worries mirrored many of the concerns Sam had been voicing all summer.

“Do you think the pigeon will like school?” Sam asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“I think he’ll end up loving it,” I said with a smile. “Just like you will.”

The book did a fantastic job of articulating the apprehensions that come with starting school. I remembered my own first day of school, clutching my backpack, feeling like I had a swarm of butterflies in my stomach. The pigeon’s journey was a hilarious exaggeration of those very real emotions.

After breakfast, we gathered Sam’s school supplies. His backpack was almost as big as he was, and his lunchbox was packed with all his favorite snacks. He looked both adorable and a bit nervous as we headed out the door.

The school was bustling with activity when we arrived. Parents and children were everywhere, some kids crying, others bouncing with excitement. I could see Sam gripping his backpack straps tighter. We found his classroom and met his teacher, Mrs. Harper, who greeted Sam with a warm smile and a reassuring tone.

“Welcome to school, Sam! We’re going to have so much fun today,” she said.

Sam glanced at me, his eyes still wide, but he managed a small smile. I gave him a hug, whispered that I loved him, and assured him he would be fine. As I walked back to the car, I couldn’t help but feel a lump in my throat. My little boy was growing up.

When I picked Sam up after school, he came running towards me, his face beaming with excitement.

“Dad, school is so cool! We played games, and I made new friends, and Mrs. Harper read us a story about a bear!” he exclaimed.

I was relieved and delighted to hear how much he enjoyed his first day. That evening, as we settled down for bedtime, Sam asked for 'The Pigeon HAS to Go to School' again.

As I read the story this time, it felt different. We laughed at the pigeon’s over-the-top fears and celebrated his realization that school wasn’t so bad after all. It was a perfect reflection of Sam’s day – starting with worry and ending with joy.

“See, the pigeon liked school too,” I said, closing the book.

“Yeah, he did. Just like me,” Sam replied with a grin.

Starting school can be a daunting experience for both children and parents. Mo Willems’ "The Pigeon HAS to Go to School" is a fantastic way to address those fears with humor and heart. If your child is nervous about their first day, reading this book together can provide comfort and laughter.

Have you read "The Pigeon HAS to Go to School" with your child? And if you haven’t yet, you can get your copy on Audible and enjoy Mo Willems’ hilarious narration with your little one. Click the link to start listening today!

Reading "The Pigeon HAS to Go to School" became a cherished part of our nightly routine. It was more than just a story; it was a tool that helped Sam navigate his fears and embrace the excitement of starting school. Mo Willems’ genius storytelling turned a potentially stressful time into an enjoyable and memorable experience for both of us.

So, to all the parents out there preparing for that big first day, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. It’s not just about the laughs (though there are plenty), it’s about understanding and overcoming fears together. And trust me, you’ll be quoting the pigeon’s antics long after the school year begins.

Final Thoughts:

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how a simple children’s book helped bridge the gap between anxiety and excitement for my son. "The Pigeon HAS to Go to School" is more than just a book; it’s a reminder that while change can be scary, it often leads to wonderful new experiences.

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Thank you for joining us on this journey. Here’s to many more adventures, both in books and in life!