“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems.
Hyperion Books for Children, New York, 32 pages, 2003, K-2.
Picture books for primary grade students need to have immediate interest, compelling pictures and accessible vocabulary. The main characters need to be memorable and capable of holding the attention of children. One of the finest picture book writers in the last two decades is Mo Willems. His books are always entertaining and fun. The children learn important life lessons without even realizing it.
This Caldecott Honor book, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” is an example of Mo Willems at his best. In this zany story, Pigeon decides he wants to drive the bus when the bus driver takes a break. Antics soon follow.
The bus driver has had a tough day. He tells the Pigeon that he is going to take a break, and asks the bird to watch the bus in his absence. After he walks away on break, Pigeon eagerly decides it is time to take the wheel. He makes a series of promises and states that he will be careful.
Soon Pigeon is fantasizing that he is steering the bus on the road. He is behind the wheel and is in charge of the big vehicle. Then he realizes that no one is going to let him drive the bus. Depressed, he moans that he never gets to do anything.
With this, he moves onto a new challenge. He decides to play that he is driving the bus. He has a series of thoughts about who would want him to drive the bus. Then he finally asks, “What is the big deal? I have dreams, you know.” Finally he screams, “Let me drive the bus!” But life isn’t always fair. What happens?
This is a funny book that K-2 students will delight in hearing read out loud. The children will understand Pigeon’s frustrations as he tries to beg and wheedle his way into the driver’s seat of the bus. The story doesn’t have any deep meaning and doesn’t try to develop characters. It is simply a delightful rollick through Pigeon’s adventures trying to drive the bus.
Mo Willems is extremely popular with elementary school students. Adults will also enjoy his delightful humor. This is the first in a series of funny books about the escapades of Pigeon trying to do any number of things. If you want to have fun with a younger family member, go to the library and check out this award winner, or any of the other Pigeon books in the series. I enjoyed this book and think you will as well.
