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Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (by Mo Willems)

common sense media says

Silliness that appeals to preschoolers.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that with cartoon style pictures and an interactive story, this is just the sort of silliness that will appeal to a preschooler or lower elementary school-age child with a sense of humor.

Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.

More on Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the pigeon's persistence. Why doesn't he take "no" for an answer?

What's the story?

What's the story?
On the title page the bus driver addresses the reader directly. He says that he has to be gone for a while and asks if the reader can watch things, but not to let the pigeon drive the bus. As the driver walks off one page, the pigeon walks on the next asking if he can drive the bus. He begs, makes deals, pretends, complains, cajoles, bribes, and then insists that he be allowed to drive the bus, but his wish is not granted; so he fumes. The bus driver returns, thanks the reader, and drives off. The pigeon then spies a truck and a new fantasy takes hold of his imagination.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Minimalist in approach, the author/artist uses a limited number of very pale colors, and most pages have a single image (usually the pigeon) and a bubble of text. The strength of the story is in its simplicity. The conflict between the two main characters, the bus driver and the pigeon, is one of the most basic in early childhood: "Yes I will" versus "no you won't."

Things gets interesting, however, when each character appeals directly to the reader. This direct discourse from the bus driver and the goofy, wide-eyed pigeon draws the reader, or listener in the case of young children, right between the opposing parties. For young children (who think magically anyway), this is bound to be flattering and fun. Mo Willems, who has won five Emmys as a writer and animator of Sesame Street, makes a fine debut into the world of children's books.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Publication date: February 1, 2004
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $12.99

This review was written by Marigny Dupuy
 
 

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What parents & educators say

3

Most useful reviews by all members

rachelinbar
parent of and 3 , 5 , 6 , 14 , 14 , 17 year old
 
Fun to read, beyond the printed words.
Fun to read WITH the kids - they love to participate. My 4-yo knows the whole book by heart & the kids quote it often.

eswanson
parent of 10 year old
 
Very cute book!
My 4 yo son loves how silly this book is. The author and illustrator have CLEARLY spent significant time with preschoolers 'cause they've captured kid's expressions of frustration and their desire to negotiate perfectly.

hamstergurl09
teen, 17 years old
 
Mo Willems is One of my Heroes!
This is an excellent book for little kids. I read it when it first came out, at age 6, and loved it. Mo Willems has created several books and cartoons that I enjoyed as a child, including the "Pigeon" series, "The Offbeats", and "Sheep in the Big City". I like his drawing style and his sense of humor. This silly book will appeal mostly to pre-schoolers, but kindergarteners and first graders will probably enjoy it, too.

 
Perfect for preschoolers, not really for older children
I think that it is a good book because its fun and gets the child involved in the story.

lover4
parent of 4 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 13 , and 17 year old
 
i'm lee ann , 28 i have a 2 year old gracie

kolobok
adult
 
Every 3 year old should read this book!
This is a fun book for your young children to read. It gives them a chance to finally say NO to something. This book works miracles in restaurants for my 2 3/4 year old. Whenever she is in a grumpy mood, I need to pull this book out and start reading it. She is all smiles after that!They only thing I didn't like about the book is they use the word HEY....

ScreennameGirl
teen, 14 years old
 
Good For All Ages
I read this book to my little sister. She loved it! (I did too.) The story is about a pigeon who pleads and pleads you to let him drive the bus, even though the bus drivers tells you not to let him. He says things like "I'll give you five bucks!" and "I've got an idea. Let's play 'Drive The Bus'. I'll go first!". The illustrations aren't the best, but you'll love the way the pigeon's eyes show you his feelings. I loved the book. (This book has the Caldecott Honor.)

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