Twenty years after author and illustrator Mo Willems introduced youngsters to big-eyed exuberant Pigeon in Caldecott Honor Book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (2003) comes this latest adventure of the scrappy bird who can’t wait to ride a roller coaster, something he’s been dreaming about ever since he learned about roller coasters—10 minutes ago.
In opening scenes, we see what Pigeon thinks will happen when he gets on the coaster that he knows will go full speed ahead doing upside-down loop-the-loops. He imagines what he will experience (“I’m flying but I’m not”) and expresses his probable feelings, ranging from anticipation and excitement to pride and sadness when it’s over. He also knows he will have to “demonstrate exemplary patience” while standing in line, and we watch him slowly moving ahead as he stands behind other avian creatures waiting for their turns on the roller coaster.
Finally, it’s his turn and he gleefully jumps into the vehicle that sprints ahead oh so slowly on a single track without any of the loops and turns he envisioned. But despite trudging along, Pigeon loves the ride and wants to do it again. As credits roll at the end, the filmmakers treat us to bonus coverage with Pigeon speaking to the ticket taker (voiced by Connor Ratliff) who says how much he loves collecting tickets. In a nod to the above-mentioned Pigeon book, he says that his last job was as a bus driver and he gave the duties over to a duckling, much to Pigeon’s chagrin.
Original background music, fun sound effects, and vibrant animation amplify the storyline graced with Willems’ familiar eye-popping illustrations. This delightful title for both new and returning Pigeon fans is a must-purchase for public library and school collections. Outstanding and highly recommended.