Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
by Mo Willems
Bibliography
Willems, M. (2003). Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
ISBN 0-7868-1988X
Summary
The bus driver asked the reader to watch over his bus while he is gone and make sure that the pigeon does not drive it. The pigeon then enters on the scene and tries to persuade the reader to let him drive the bus in a series of humorous pleas.
My Impression
This is a book I personally would easily overlook based on the cover art and title; but it is written to the audience and I appreciate its participative quality. It has a very short story yet lends itself to several writing curriculum extensions. The simplistic drawings are sure to encourage the budding illustrator to take a chance.
Reviews
From School Library Journal
A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life.. Pigeon is an unflinching and hilarious look at a child's potential for mischief. In a plain palette, with childishly elemental line drawings, Willems has captured the essence of unreasonableness in the very young. The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it. Dona Ratterree, New York City Public Schools (2003).
From Booklist
Willems finds the preschooler in a pigeon: a cajoling, tantrum-throwing, irresistible bird… the design is refreshingly minimal, focusing always on the pigeon; he's the only image on nearly every earth-toned spread. Willems is a professional animator, and each page has the feel of a perfectly frozen frame of cartoon footage--action, remarkable expression, and wild humor captured with just a few lines. Gillian Engberg
Suggested Activities
Children can create a class book the reinforce school rules writing and illustrating new pigeon sentences, starting with, “Don’t let the pigeon _____ because. . .” For example, “Don’t let the pigeon draw on the desk because we need to respect school property.” Or “Don’t let the pigeon run in the hallway because he could fall and get hurt.”
Write and illustrate sequels such as “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Ice Cream Truck!” Or relate it to school with such stories as “Don’t let the Pigeon sit in the Principal’s chair!” Using speech bubbles, students can show the pigeon trying to talk his way into being allowed to do whichever activity they choose.
