If your reader can’t get enough of that opinionated, bus-driving bird, a Pigeon pumpkin character is one of the easiest storybook pumpkin ideas out there. Mo Willems’ Pigeon is instantly recognizable with just a round orange body, an oval eye, and a triangle beak, which makes him one of the simplest book character pumpkins to pull off, even for a first-time pumpkin decorator. The pumpkins pictured were designed and made by some of my library students, and they did a great job. Whether you’re prepping for a school library contest (I’m an elementary school librarian, so I’ve hosted many book character pumpkin events), or just want a fun fall craft for kids, this no-carve, paint-and-paper Pigeon pumpkin comes together in an afternoon. Below you’ll find why the Pigeon makes such a great pick, the supplies to gather, step-by-step instructions, and a stack of Mo Willems books to display right alongside your finished pumpkin.
Why Make a Pigeon Book Character Pumpkin
It’s beginner-friendly. The Pigeon’s whole look is a circle, an oval, and a triangle. There’s no tricky shading or fine detail required, so even young kids can paint a recognizable Pigeon pumpkin on their first try.
Mo Willems books are a favorite in every classroom and library. From Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! to the Elephant and Piggie series, Willems’ characters are some of the most requested read-alouds for early readers, so a Pigeon pumpkin is an easy crowd-pleaser at a book character pumpkin contest.
It’s endlessly flexible. You can go as simple as a painted eye and beak on an otherwise plain pumpkin, or get elaborate with a paper towel roll neck, wings, and a speech bubble. There’s a version of this project for every skill level and time budget.
It pairs Elephant and Piggie right in. If you want a matching set, Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig use the same easy painted-pumpkin technique, so you can build out a whole Mo Willems pumpkin display.
No carving required. Because the design is entirely paint and paper, there’s no risk of a rotting, leaking jack-o’-lantern before the big reveal.
Materials Needed
A pumpkin (real or a reusable artificial pumpkin if you want to keep your Pigeon pumpkin forever)
White and gray or light blue tempera paint for the body
Black tempera paint (or a black Sharpie) for the eye and pupil
Yellow or orange construction paper for the beak
Blue construction paper for the wings
Paintbrushes in a couple of sizes
School glue (mixed 1:1 with the paint helps it stick without flaking or peeling)
Scissors and tape
Optional neck materials: an empty paper towel roll, a poster board cylinder, or a small painted bowl
Optional head materials: cardstock paper or poster board for the head circles, if you are creating a head on top of a neck, along with paper scraps and masking tape
Optional extras: a strip of paper for a speech bubble, black pipe cleaners for feet
Optional: Hot glue gun (for those times when tape and regular glue are not enough), but used with adult supervision.
Instructions
Pigeon Head By Itself
Paint the base. Coat the whole pumpkin in a light gray, white, or pale blue-gray tempera paint (mixed with glue in a 1:1 ratio) and let it dry completely. This is the Pigeon’s body color.
Add the eye. Paint or glue on one large white oval near the top of the pumpkin, then add a smaller black circle inside it for the pupil. A single big eye is what makes this character instantly recognizable, so don’t skip the highlight dot of white paint on the pupil for that classic cartoon sparkle.
Cut and attach the beak. Cut a small yellow or orange triangle from construction paper and glue or tape it even with the middle of the eye, pointing outward like the Pigeon’s signature beak. A hot glue gun (used with adult help) would provide a secure attachment.
Full-Body Pigeon Instructions
If you would like to create the entire pigeon body, add the neck and head before painting. Add the pipe cleaner feet and construction paper beak after painting, using a bit of tape or hot glue to secure.
Build the neck (optional but fun). For a 3D look, cover an empty paper towel roll or a poster board cylinder in gray construction paper and attach it to the top of the pumpkin, then perch the head on top. A small painted bowl works as an easy no-cylinder alternative.
Build the head. Cut out two same-size circles from white cardstock or poster board. Put crumpled scraps of paper in between to make a sandwich, then tape the circles together with masking tape making an X to fasten the sides together, then go around the edge between the circles to keep the paper from falling out. Paint the eye as shown in the photo.
Add feet and wings. Make simple feet from pipe cleaners to stick out from under the pumpkin, and add folded paper or felt wing shapes to the sides if you want extra detail.
Finish with personality. Tape on a small speech bubble that says “I have to drive the bus!” or another favorite Pigeon line, or leave your bird as a simple painted head. Both versions are equally fun, and it really can be as simple as one eye and a beak if you’re short on time.
Books to Display with the Pigeon Pumpkin
Pair your finished Pigeon pumpkin with a few of these Mo Willems favorites for a complete storybook display:
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!
The Pigeon Has to Go to School!
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!
The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?
Line the books up behind your pumpkin display, or tuck a mini copy right next to the Pigeon for an instant, ready-made library or classroom vignette.
Running Your Own Book Character Pumpkin Contest
How do you win the pumpkin decorating contest? In the school libraries where I work, I had the students vote for their favorite. It helps if a lot of students are familiar with the book the character is from. If you decide to run your own book character pumpkin decorating contest, I’ve made things easy for you. Get a free book character pumpkin certificate and promotional flyer right here. These templates are customizable, downloadable, printable, and FREE!
Get my free book character pumpkin contest kit!
More Book Character Pumpkin Ideas
Over the years, I have had many students create a variety of creative book character pumpkins. Others that are fun to create include Captain Underpants, Charlotte’s Web pumpkins, Dog Man pumpkins, Harry Potter pumpkins, and many others. It’s great to find a book and think of a pumpkin book character to go along with it. Have a wonderful week, and may all of your pigeon book character pumpkin endeavors meet with great success!
Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to grow fruit, vegetables, flowers on her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm and encourage kids to design creative pumpkin book characters. To learn more about what this website has to offer, click on over to the Welcome page.
Like what you read here? Please give it a share!
Want more great food, garden, or party ideas? Follow FluxingWell on Pinterest, Flipboard, Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest posts, tips, and inspiration.
My kids love anything my Mo Willems, and this pigeon pumpkin looks easy. Thank you for the detailed instructions and photos for inspiration!
I’m so glad you found the ideas helpful. I love the pigeon book character pumpkin project because even the youngest kids can do all or most of it on their own. Have fun!