 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
- By Mo Willems
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
Silliness that appeals to preschoolers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the pigeon's persistence. Why doesn't he take "no" for an answer?
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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 (I'm 14 now despite the fact that my profile says 17), 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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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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AGE
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....
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AGE
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.
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Kid, 3 years old
May 9, 2012
AGE
Let Me Drive the Bus!!!!
My three year old loves this book; I have to read it to him every night, and sometimes more then once! It's funny and it's easy for the kids to quote from it!
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| Author: | Mo Willems |
| Illustrator: | Mo Willems |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Hyperion Books for Children |
| Publication date: | February 1, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 32 |
| Hardcover price: | $12.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 2 - 6 |
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