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

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

1. Bibliography: Willems, Mo. 2003. DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! New York, NY. Hyperion Press. ISBN:078681988X

2. Plot Summary: The story is about a pigeon who really wants to drive the bus but the bus driver won’t let him.  He tries to beg the reader and the bus driver complaining he, “never gets to do anything.” The pigeon finally loses it and screams, “LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!” but the bus driver has come back and the pigeon has to leave.  He then sees a trailer and gets another idea.

3. Critical Analysis: Mo Willems’ stories are hysterical and a pleasure to look at.  Mr. Willems is a great cartoonist type artist and all of his books have great cartoon animals.  This book was the very first book of his I read and I immediately fell in love. The pigeon is very persistent in achieving his dream to drive a bus.  This book is a lot of fun for younger children but also, I’ve read this book to 2nd graders and they thought it was hysterical.  

4. Review Excerpts: 

~ALA Notable Book

~2009 Indies Choice Picture Book Hall of Fame

~ School Library Journal Best Book

~New York Times Best Seller

5. Connections:

~Mo Willems’ pigeon is a lot like a child throwing a fit. This might be a way to explain to children that throwing fits are just silly.

~ This funny book is a great way to help children learn to read.  

~ Other books by Mo Willems:

Willems, Mo. 2005. THE PIGEON HAS FEELINGS TOO! ISBN:0786836504.

Willems, Mo. 2012. THE DUCKLING GETS A COOKIE. ISBN: 1423151283.

Willems, Mo. 2011. I BROKE MY TRUNK.  ISBN: 1423133099