Picture Book Review

Picture Book Review

Bibliography
Willems, Mo. 2003. DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0-7868-1988-X

Plot Summary
In this picture book by Mo Willems we meet the main character Pigeon, who is quit a persistent fellow, in the very beginning of our story. We follow Pigeon throughout the story as he tries to convince us that he should be allowed to drive the bus. He tries various ways to convince us that he is capable of driving the bus. He goes from sweet pigeon with endearing words of “please let me drive the bus”, to the maniacal child melt down. This interesting tale is written from the perspective as if the reader is the keeper of the bus. The readers are the ones entrusted to saying “no” to Pigeon so that he does not get to drive the bus.

Critical Analysis
Willems writes as if she knows the exact steps taken by a child trying to get something he/she wants. Children and adults everywhere can relate to this character. The story is written on an endearing level that is easy for children to understand. The pictures are what truly tell the story. The illustrations are a major driving force in this story; they are simplistic and reminiscent of a past era when life was less chaotic. The simple dialog and classic illustrations make it an enjoyable story for the old and young alike.

Review Excerpts
School Library Journal: “A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life, as anyone who interacts with an obdurate three-year-old can attest.”

Booklist: “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.”

Connections
Read other stories written by the same author, Mo Willems:
THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG!
THE PIGEON HAS FEELINGS, TOO!
THE PIGEON LOVES THINGS THAT GO!
Have students act out the story.