Book Review for There is a Bird on Your Head! by Mo Willems

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Willems, M. (2007). There is a bird on your head!. New York, NY: Hyperion. ISBN 978-1- 368-08407-9

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In this funny story, two of our favorite friends, Gerald and Piggie, discover that Gerald has some unexpected friends that move in on top of his head! As the story progresses, Gerald has more and more friends that appear on his head. By the end of the book, it is Gerald who has the last laugh not Piggie!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Willems’s humorous story is filled with easy-to-read text and repetition for early readers. The plot moves along swiftly but strongly. Each page builds on the previous. Creating a funny and light-hearted storyline for readers. Children will enjoy this new adventure with Gerald and Piggie!

The illustrations created by Willems bring the much-cherished characters to life! The plain white background of each page contributes to the simplicity of the lines. The colorful characters are easy to see. Their purposeful expressions add to the joy of the book! Thought bubbles allow the reader to see which character is speaking.

This book would be a wonderful read aloud at home or in the classroom. The length of the book makes it a quick read. Many children are already familiar with these lovable characters, so they can sit back and enjoy the story!

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

Winner of Charlotte Award, 2010

Winner of Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, 2008

Reviewed by Children’s Literature: “Having done a gaggle of Pigeons and a couple of Knufflebunnies, the prolific Mo Willems is now into his third easy-read book for 2007 featuring Elephant and Piggie. These two have a lot in common with Penguin in the way Willems manages to get a tremendous amount of expression into eyebrows and turns of the mouth in his just beyond stick figure drawings.”

Reviewed by CCBC: “These humorous episodes are illustrated with Mo Willems friendly cartoon-like style and pastel hues, complete with dialogue bubbles that convey Gerald and Piggie’s words and emotions.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* This book is perfect for practicing inferencing skills. Children can study the illustrations and make inferences about how the characters are feeling.

* Other teachable skills found within this book include sequencing and external character traits.

* Other Mo Willems books containing Gerald and Piggie available:

My Friend is Sad – ISBN 9781406314687

I am Invited to a Party! – ISBN 9781423106876