Monday, February 18, 2008

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!


Title: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Author/Illustrator: Willems, Mo
Publisher and Date: Hyperion Books for Children, 2003
Genre: Picture Book
Age: K-2
2004 Caldecott Honor Book

Summary: In this book you are in charge! The bus driver has to leave his bus alone for a while and asks you to watch it. He gives you only one word of caution: Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus! As a soon as he leaves the pigeon shows up and begs you in every way possible to let him drive the bus! Fortunately you do not give in and the bus driver returns to a safe and sound bus. The story ends with the pigeon spotting his next target a freightliner!

Response: I loved this book! I thought it was neat that Mo actively involved the reader throughout the entire story. The pigeons convincing was so funny; it would have the reader laughing the entire time ……”Ill be your best friend, I’ll give you 5 bucks, I bet your mom would let me, I have dreams you know, its just a bus, what’s the big deal, fine!, no fair!, ect.” You had to be on guard for the tricks, convincing, and games ( lets play drive the bus…Ill go first) the pigeon tried to pull, but good job! You didn’t let him drive the bus!

Teaching ideas: This is such a fun book to read! You could read it to a group of children just about any time of the day! It would be a great way to caution children to always be aware of the “games” people will try to play with you, and if you give your word to someone always keep it (just like we promised the bus driver we would not let the pigeon drive the bus).

1 comment:

Dr. Frye said...

This is my favorite Mo Willems, for sure! Did you check out Mo's web site where he teaches you to draw the pigeon?