Starred Review Almost 20 years after Willems introduced his very determined, resistant-to-reason Pigeon in the Caldecott Honor Book Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (2003), a new vehicle holds an irresistible allure for Pigeon: a roller coaster that he imagines will be filled with beak-­breaking ascents and feather-ruffling loop-the-loops. Pigeon, red hearts surrounding him and feathers flying off him in his passion, tells readers that he's been excited about roller coasters ever since he heard about them minutes ago. He mentally rehearses every aspect of the ride, recognizing that there will be difficult parts, like standing in line, with two double-page spreads showing Pigeon's vision of riding gloriously until he gets sick at the end of the ride ("ooohhhhh," Pigeon imagines groaning while staggering off the ride). When Pigeon finally overcomes all obstacles and gets on that roller coaster, it moves in a very tame straight line with one tiny bump near the ride's start, but Pigeon still loves it. Willems' spare illustrations put the spotlight right where it belongs, on Pigeon's incredibly expressive body language, flapping and flopping through the comic panels. Pigeon is one multifaceted bird, and this latest is one of the best in Willems' flock of Pigeon adventures.

The Pigeon is on an emotional-and physical-roller coaster.Since learning about the existence of roller coasters, he's become giddy with excitement. The Pigeon prepares mentally: He'll need a ticket and "exemplary patience" to wait in line. He envisions zooming up and down and careening through dizzying turns and loops. Then, he imagines his emotions afterward: exhilaration, post-ride blues, pride at having accomplished such a feat, and enthusiasm at the prospect of riding again. (He'll also feel dizzy and nauseous.) All this before the Pigeon ever sets claw on an actual coaster. So…will he really try it? Are roller coasters fun? When the moment comes, everything seems to go according to plan: waiting in line, settling into the little car, THEN-off he goes! Though the ride itself isn't quite what the Pigeon expected, it will delight readers. Wearing his feelings on his wing and speaking directly to the audience in first person, the Pigeon describes realistic thoughts and emotions about waiting and guessing about the unknown-common childhood experiences. No sentiment is misplaced; kids will relate to Pigeon's eagerness and apprehension. The ending falls somewhat flat, but the whole humorous point is that an underwhelming adventure can still be thrilling enough to warrant repeating. Willems' trademark droll illustrations will have readers giggling. The roller-coaster attendant is light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Roller-coaster enthusiasts or not, children will eagerly join our intrepid hero on this entertaining ride. (Picture book. 3-6)