The duckling gets a cookie!? by Mo Willems

Walker Books, 2012. ISBN 9781406340099.
(Age: Preschool- 6) Recommended. Easy reader. The Duckling uses his best manners and asks for a cookie. The Pigeon is rather upset that the Duckling got a cookie just by asking nicely and goes through a string of things that he has asked for and not received, kike a Yummy Chip robot, a walrun a bus, hot dog parties,  to drive a bus and stay up late, but the answer is always 'Noooooo!'. When the  Pigeon asks the Duckling why he got the cookie he replies that it was to be a gift for the Pigeon.
Mo Willems has another story starring the Pigeon from the Caldecott Honor book, 'Don't let the Pigeon drive the bus!' With his signature stylised drawings and sparse prose, The duckling gets a cookie!? brings to life the story of the Pigeon who is jealous that the Duckling got a cookie, and one with nuts as well. It is sure to be a hit with young children, who will identify with Pigeon and his rants about not being allowed to do whatever he likes.
There are opportunities for the adult who is reading this story aloud to talk about good manners, asking for things politely and for being generous and sharing with friends. Astute listeners will also learn that sometimes adults can be persuaded to give out more treats if they believe that someone has been helpful and will smile at the clever Duckling.
This is a book that can be read aloud and shared with young children, but also has the potential to be a book that the beginning reader could start with, with the repetition of words, few words to a page and pictures that give clues to what is going on.
Pat Pledger