The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! is a 2004 children'spicture book written and illustrated by Mo Willems. It is about the Pigeon that comes across a hot dog, and eventually shares it with a duckling.
In 2010, an animated version of the book, narrated by Mo and Trixie Willems, and animated by Pete List, was released by Weston Woods Studio. Note that the film version has a 3d introduction.
Reception
Booklist, reviewing The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, wrote "Once again, Willems uses artistic minimalism (each page shows only the birds and the hot dog, rendered in basic lines) and spare, hilarious dialogue to convey surprisingly realistic emotions. Preschoolers who recognized themselves in the tantrum-throwing pigeon of the previous title will also see themselves in the calm, shrewd duckling that knows just how to get his way."[1] and the School Library Journal wrote "Children, especially those with younger siblings, will have come up with this obvious solution long before the pigeon does. Willems's deceptively simple cartoon drawings convincingly portray his protagonist's emotional dilemma, from his initial joy to his frustration and struggle over what he wants to do versus what he knows is right."[1]
The Horn Book Magazine's review noted "Cartoonist Willems is as adept at depicting the daily dramas in a child's life as he is in using subtle changes in line to convey shifting emotions. The book's clean, minimalist design lets the duckling/pigeon performance take center stage, and the dialogue between the two is played for maximum laughs. Maybe the pigeon's shtick isn't as original this time around, but he's such an engaging character that it's still a treat to see him again."[2]
^"Reviews". catalog.wccls.org. Retrieved May 12, 2017.
^"The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! (starred review)". Publishers Weekly. PWxyz LLC. April 5, 2004. Retrieved May 12, 2017. Through voice bubbles, body language, and expressive sizes and shapes of type, Willems crafts a comical give-and-take between the characters. He sketches both iconic birds in decisive crayony lines and tints the pages with smooth pastel hues. Readers of all ages won't be able to resist miming the sly conversation in this satisfying sequel.
^"The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!". Kirkus Media LLC. April 1, 2004. Retrieved May 12, 2017. Willems again expertly captures the personality and emotions of the droll pigeon ("not a hot dog; my hot dog") and the "guest star" duckling, who manages to trick the pigeon into giving him what he wants, taking notes about the taste of a hot dog. .. Some readers may feel this tale could also use a bit more mustard, but children who already love the pigeon will be satisfied.
