The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

This is a review of The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems.  This review was created specifically for LS5603 under Dr. S. Vardell.

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Willems, Mo. 2012. The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion.
ISBN 9781423151289

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this latest addition to the pigeon series of books by Mo Willems,  the reader is introduced to a duckling that teaches the pigeon about sharing and manners.  The duckling asks for and receives a cookie.  Upon realizing that the duckling has gotten something he asked for, the jealous pigeon expresses his disappointment and anger about never being given what he wants even though the things he has asked for in previous books are unrealistic.  Mo Willems uses the duckling and pigeon to show realistic exprectations and the use of manners.

3.  CRITICAL ANALSIS
The use of a familiar literary character in the pigeon as well as a possible real life scenario make this book a simple and direct way to show young readers about manners and expectations.  The writing is done in conversation form which allows for ease of understanding by the reader. 

The illustrations will be familiar to anyone who has read any of Willems other "pigeon" books. The muted tones of the illustrations do not overwhelm the reader but enhance the overall character of the art.  Bold lines and dark accents help to bring emotional responses of the characters to the forefront and the suggestion of movement.

This book is a wonderful resourse for adults to share manners and expression of anger with young children.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST: "Fans will delight at another outing, and the protagonist’s indelible pigeonality will welcome newcomers to the club."

5. CONNECTIONS
*Discuss good manners and the use of "please" and "thank you".
*Use the book as an opening to the concept of sharing and service to others.
*Read other books by Mo Willems
*Other books about manners:
Katz, Karen. Excuse Me: A Little Book of Manners. ISBN 978-0448425856
Keller, Laurie. Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners. 978-0312581404