It’s My Bird-Day! by Mo Willems

I think this is my favorite Pigeon book!

I’ve been reading it at preschools this month, and it’s been a big hit (yesterday, one little boy begged me to read it again, and then asked if I could bring him all of Pigeon books pictured on the back cover).

In this story, the Pigeon is excited to celebrate his Bird-Day. He has his Bird-Day hat, and can’t wait to eat his Bird-Day hot dog. But wait! Someone has eaten half of his Bird-Day hot dog, and someone else has a Bird-Day hat! It’s the Duckling, who shares the same Bird-Day, along with five newly hatched chicks. Suddenly, his Bird-Day doesn’t feel so special, until he asks YOU, the reader, if you see him, and he finds he is okay with sharing his Bird-Day after all.

This book works so well, partly because it’s such a relatable experience to realize you aren’t necessarily the only one being celebrated on your special day. Also, it’s really fun to say “Bird-Day!” I’m sometimes hesitant to read Pigeon books with younger kids, because they really do rely on the kids answering the Pigeon’s questions, and in shyer, younger groups, they don’t always work. But this one only asks the reader “Will you see me?” And adorably, all the kids I’ve read it to have always answered “Yes.”

This will definitely become one of my go-to read-alouds. Thank you, Mo Willems!

Have you run across any particular favorite picture books published this year? Please share them in the comments below.