Don't+Let+the+Pigeon+Drive+the+Bus!


 * Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! **



Reading Level: Ages 2-6 Hardcover: 34 pages Publisher: Mo Willems Hardcover: $15.99 Language: English ISBN- 978-078681988
 * Bibliographic Data: **

Mo Willems is an American writer, animator, and illustrator of children’s books. He was raised in New Orleans and graduated from Tisch School of the Arts in New York University. Willems was a writer and animator for Sesame Street and won six Emmy Awards for writing during his tenure. His books have been translated into a number of different languages. Two of his books have been awarded the Carnegie Medal, which have both developed into theatrical musical productions.
 * Author Biography: **

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” is a fictional story about a pigeon that really wants to drive a bus. In 2004, this book won an Honorable Mention in the American Library Association’s Caldecott Award. It was honored for the best in children’s book illustrations. When the bus driver takes a break, he makes sure he explains not to let the pigeon drive the bus. This pigeon pleads and begs throughout the book to try to get his way. The pigeon asks in many different and humorous ways to try to drive the bus. The author refers to the audience, by making sure the kids say “No” to keep the pigeon off the bus. Finally, when the bus driver gets back he thanks the audience for helping him. When the driver leaves you see a truck pull up and sure enough the pigeon begins to drive the truck.
 * Summary ** :

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” is a great book that really keeps the audience engaged. This book sent out a great message that when someone asks you to do something, you should follow your word. I would recommend this book to teachers and children because I believe that it not only has a good lesson but also keeps children on their toes with interaction and the illustrations.
 * Review: **

Cooperation, leadership, and responsibility are all themes that are included in “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” This story emphasizes the right thing to do and how to say “no.” This book also invites children to talk a loud and respond to the author. If I read this to my classroom of first graders, I would teach a mini lesson on how to make good choices. My students and I will discuss what it means to make smart choices. I will address the book and show where the driver explains, “So can you watch things for me until I get back? Thanks. Oh, and remember: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” (1-2). This book shows that you can be rewarded for follow directions. The driver explains at the end “I’m back! You didn’t let the pigeon drive the bus, did you?” (There is time for the audience to answer) Then he says, “Great! Thanks a lot" (30).
 * Analysis of Literary Element: **