Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Bibliography

Willems, M. (2003). Don't let the pigeon drive the bus! Hyperion.

ISBN: 978-078681988-1

Plot Summary

The reader is drawn in by a favor for the bus driver. The bus driver gives the responsibility of the bus to the reader. The pigeon will not take no for an answer in regard to driving the bus. The pigeon gives many reasons why he should be allowed to drive the bus. The pigeon is eventually disappointed when the bus driver returns and leaves with the bus. 

Critical Analysis

This predictable text will excite young readers. Children who are not able to read will enjoy being able to participate in the reading by responding to the pigeon’s repeated requests. Readers know that the next page brings a new demand to drive the bus from the pigeon. 

This book is fun and easy to read. Young readers will be able to find words they are able to easily read. The simplicity of the illustrations allow young minds to imagine a pigeon begging and pleading to drive a bus. Although most pages contain only the pigeon, the pigeon’s expressions change throughout the book. The simple act of changing the pigeon’s eyes give him life. 

Review Excerpts

2004 Caldecott Honor

From Publishers’ Weekly:

“Readers will likely find satisfaction in this whimsical show of emotions and, perhaps, a bit of self-recognition.”

From Kirkus:

“A first picture book by an Emmy Award–winning writer and animator, listeners will be begging, pleading, lying, and bribing to hear it again and again.”

Connections

Gather more books by Mo Willems, such as:

• Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

• We are in a Book!

• What About Worms!?

Discuss how different each book is even though it is written by the same author. Compare and contrast lead characters of each story. Compare and contrast illustrations.

Discuss being responsible and being responsible for others. Readers are responsible to keep the pigeon from driving the bus. Have you ever had a friend who tried to persuade you to do something you shouldn’t? What would happen if you gave in?