Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Words and pictures by Mo Willems

Bibliography

Willems, M. (2003). Don't let the pigeon drive the bus!. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.  ISBN 078681988X

Plot Summary

Play babysitter to a very persistent pigeon as he goes through all the typical childhood tactics of getting his way.  Experience his disappointment.  And, watch him bounce back from disappointment in the way only a child can.

Critical Analysis

Mo Willems writes as though he truly understands the desires and perspectives of children.  In this book he writes from the point of view of a pigeon who represents every child with a desperate yearning. The plot of this picture storybook is very simple, but the emotions conveyed are varied and children will recognize them all. Young readers and listeners will not only identify with the childlike pigeon, but with the adult figures in their lives as they keep the pigeon from driving the bus.

The plain background and childlike line drawings of the pigeon pull the reader into the story, allowing the feelings and emotions of the pigeon to feel real.  Mo Willems illustrations are a perfect fit for the story and the characters portrayed.  It is fun book, especially when read aloud to a group of responsive children.

Review Excerpts

*School Library Journal (Starred Review), “A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life...”

*The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (Starred Review), “Begs to be read again and again.”

*Booklist (Starred Review), "A winning debut . . . preschoolers will howl over the pigeon's dramatics."

Connections

*Mo Willems blog can be found here.  On Willems blog you will find interviews, upcoming appearances, and more.

*Pigeon Presents is a website devoted to all things Mo Willems for children and adults, including Fun, Books, Pals, and Grown-up stuff.  Look in Grown-up Stuff for a fabulous teacher’s guide to using two pigeon books in the classroom.  Find a bibliography of Willems work in Books for more great read alouds.

*You may have to find this on the used market: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! DVD. 6 minutes with teacher’s guide. Weston Woods, 2009. ISBN 978-0-545-13435-4: $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-545-13443-9: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-13453-8: $29.95