Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

By Mo Willems

Hyperion Books for Children

Copyright 2003

pp. 36

     Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems is a simply and beautifully illustrated book that draws the reader into the book as an active participant. The title page draws the reader in by having the bus driver ask the reader to do him a favor. The bus driver and the pigeon talk to reader as if they can see him or her through the pages of the book. I found myself talking back to the characters in my head. I was reminded of my children, who constantly keep asking me to do something even though I have told them no several times. They, like the pigeon, keep hoping I will change my mind. The illustration, in which the pigeon has the black mark over his head and seems exasperated with reader, made me think of the way my children look after I have told them no for the umpteenth time.  I also enjoyed the illustration and text that is divided into four parts on each page. The pigeon just keeps coming up with reasons to wear the reader down, not unlike my children. The reader is left wondering at the end of the book as to what will happen next. I believe this is a great way to end the book because the ending is formulated by the reader’s imagination. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is a wonderful, interactive read aloud that I believe many children will enjoy because it puts them in the driver’s seat.