Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Bibliography
Willems, Mo. 2003. DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078681988x

Plot Summary
In this very funny picture book, a bus driver has to leave and asks you (the reader) to watch things and not to let the pigeon drive the bus. The pigeon asks first, and then begins to beg, plead, bribe, and even throw a fit to get to drive the bus. Finally, the bus driver returns and thanks you (the reader) for not letting the pigeon drive the bus. The story ends with an illustration of the pigeon thinking about driving a big red truck.

Critical Analysis
Mo Willems does a fantastic job of supporting the text with simple yet expressive illustrations. He really gets the reader involved in the story. He uses simple crayons to represent the emotions the pigeon goes through. Willems utilizes speech bubbles and large text to help readers relate to the character. Young children and parents alike will especially relate to the temper-tantrum the pigeon has when trying to get his way.

Review Excerpt(s)
Publishers Weekly
"Readers will likely find satisfaction in this whimsical show of emotions and, perhaps, a bit of self-recognition."

Kirkus Reviews
"Readers of all ages will nod with recognition of his helplessness and frustration."
Connections
*Read this book and have students write a story using speech bubbles and/or enlarged text to represent thinking or emotions.
*Read aloud with the class and show them how to attend to the punctuation, and read with intonation.