Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

Bibliography
Willems, Mo. 2003. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Ill. by Mo Willems. New York: Hyperion Books.

ISBN: 0-7868-1988-x

Summary
When the bus driver needs to take a break, he warns the readers "don't let the pigeon drive the bus." A determined pigeon begs and pleads in every way imaginable to be allowed to drive the bus.

Critical Analysis
In the book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, author and illustrator, Mo Willems does a superb job at making an entertaining picture book, perfect for even the youngest of readers. The text is written in short, simple sentences inside cartoon-like balloons, where the pigeon is having a dialogue with the reader. Willems' writing style is perfect to develop the pigeon as an annoying, conniving, and determined character. Children can relate to many of the things pigeon says, like "I never get to do anything" and "I'll be your best friend."

Willems' illustrations are done in simple, line drawings reminiscent of naive art. The simplicity of pigeon with minimal background detail makes the illustrations child-like. Willems also uses color to his advantage. For example, at the end of the story, it becomes obvious through the illustrations and the text, pigeon is throwing a fit as he is yelling, "Let me drive the bus!!!" Willems portrays pigeon in six locations on the two-page spread in a frenzied state by the use of lines to show movement and expression. Also, Willems changes the background color from muted browns, pinks, and purples to a red on these two pages. The red background color shows pigeon is completely agitated at this point.

This story is a huge hit with readers of all ages. It is also versatile. For example, when presented to a group of children, this story can be a participation picture book, where the children respond to the pigeon's begging and pleading with a resounding "NO." Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is a hilarious story for all readers.

Review Excerpts
Dona Ratterree with School Library Journal reports, "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" (2003).

Horn Book states, "Story-hour listeners (and beginning readers) will be hooked by this silly title. As soon as the bus driver walks away, leaving his bus unattended, the brazen pigeon gets right to the point: "Hey, can I drive the bus?" Clean, sparely designed pages focus attention on the simply drawn but wildly expressive (and emotive) pigeon. This well-paced story encourages audience interaction; in fact, like the wide-eyed pigeon, the book demands it (2003).

Review accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/

Connections
"I love this book. It is my favorite." ~Eduardo (kindergartner)
"Read it again. That was funny!" ~Samantha (Pre-kindergartner)
"Can I check out this book? I want to read it to my brother." ~Maribel (first grader)

Other stories by Mo Willems:
Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
I'm Invited to a Party
Leonardo the Terrible Monster
My Friend is Sad
The Pigeon Find a Hotdog