Preparing for our final exam

I've posted the questions for the final exam (the handout from class) on our Angel site, in case anyone needs it. I've also included the list of people who said they may want to get a study group together. If anyone wants to add themselves to the list, I'll set it up so that you can.

Remember to bring your list of blog posts/comments to the final exam session if you didn't hand it in yesterday!

Valerie

Monday, October 20, 2008

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy

Willems, Mo. The Pigeon Wants a Puppy. New York. Hyperion Books for Children,

2008.


In the Pigeon Wants a Puppy, Pigeon goes through the dilemma of wanting a puppy so bad but unfortunately has been very unlucky getting one. After complaining and whining, Pigeon is finally rewarded with a puppy. Realizing how “big” the responsibility of having this puppy will be Pigeon changes its mind and sends the puppy back; wishing for their next gift to come. This book exemplifies the reality of “be careful what you wish for.”


The Pigeon Wants a Puppy both written and illustrated Mo Willems is a simple and short story that is elaborated through bold illustrations and exaggerated font. Expressions from both Pigeons are shown through embellished facial expressions and outside markings that are the foundation for movement. When Willems wants something to really stand out he will darken and highlight the font with a highlighter color or increase the size to take up nearly a whole page. Having little words in this whole story really increased the need for Willems to have overstated illustrations.


Having the perspective come from an “unidentified” gendered Pigeon changes the point of view of this story. I considered it to be from two different perspectives; one could be a greedy young child and their parent. Another could be a wife that always wants a new gift from her husband.


This short story with simple drawings and limited words leaves a lot open to the imagination of the reader.

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