Module 6: Picture Books

Module 6: Picture Books

Book: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Author: Mo Willems

Plot

            Mr. Bus Driver is leaving for a little bit and he has asked us not to let the Pigeon drive the bus…ever. No matter how much he begs, pleads, or negotiates Pigeon is never to drive the bus. And so, Pigeon shows up and begs, pleads, negotiates, and goes through all the steps of DABDA before realizing that he will not be able to drive the bus under our watch.

Impressions of the Book

Although there really isn’t a story in the book, the reader does get put into a situation where the reader comes out with a story. The book is interactive and asks the reader to make sure that the pigeon does not drive the bus. The reader, rather than look for a story, is part of the story. It makes for a very funny and very engaging picture book that both a single reader or a reader and listener can get into. The behavior of the pigeon is reminiscent of a tantrum-inflicted seven

Year old child or a teenager that is not getting his or her way. For example, there’s two full pages of the pigeon pretty much going through the steps of d.a.b.d.a.: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. The book is hilarious and entertaining for all ages. I very good read either as a single reader or as a reader and a listener. I love this book.

Usage in a library setting

After having read the book already, I would reread the book this time with the kids telling the story and seeing which ones remember the book and which ones make up the stories based on their take on the pictures. I would also have an activity with art where all the emotions of the pigeon are written and kids would have to pick a word then draw out the emotion and write down when they have felt the same emotion as the pigeon.

           

Review

            “Facing the title page, an amiable-looking bus driver addresses listeners directly in a speech balloon: "Listen, I've got to leave for a little while, so can you watch things for me until I get back? Thanks." A reasonable enough request. The caveat? "Oh, and remember: Don't let the pigeon drive the bus!" If story-hour listeners (and beginning readers) haven't already had their curiosity piqued by the silly title and opening endpapers--with said pigeon picturing himself behind the wheel--this appeal from the driver will hook them for sure. And he's not talking about your garden-variety flighty pigeon. As soon as the bus driver walks off the copyright page, the brazen bird gets right to the point: "Hey, can I drive the bus?" Willems's animation background (on Sesame Street and the Cartoon Network) is used here to good effect. Clean, sparely designed pages focus attention on the simply drawn but wildly expressive (and emotive) pigeon, and there's a particularly funny page-turn when a well-mannered double-page spread with eight vignettes of the pleading pigeon gives way to a full-bleed, full-blown temper tantrum. Assuming that young listeners will take on the role of limit-setting grownups and not identify with the powerless but impertinent pigeon ("What's the big deal!? .... No fair!"), this well-paced story encourages audience interaction. In fact, like the wide-eyed pigeon, the book demands it. By the end, the pigeon has moved on--to dreaming about driving an eighteen wheeler. And that's a big 10-4, good buddy.”- By Kitty Flynn

 

APA Citations

Flynn, K. (2003). Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Horn Book Magazine, 79(4), 449-450.

Willems, M., & Hyperion Books for Children. (2003). Don't let the pigeon drive the bus. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.