Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

      Bibliography

      Willems, M. (2003). Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN: 078681988

      Summary

      When a bus driver goes on break, he asks the audience to keep an eye on his vehicle and the bug-eyed pigeon who desperately wants to drive it. The pigeon then relentlessly begs readers for some time behind the wheel: "I tell you what: I'll just steer. My cousin Herb drives a bus almost every day! True story."  The plucky star peeks in from the left side of a page, and exhibits an array of pleading strategies against window-pane panels in mauve, salmon and willow ("I'll be your best friend," he says wide-eyed in one, and whispers behind a wing, "How 'bout I give you five bucks?"). Finally he erupts in a full-spread tantrum on an orange background, the text outlined in electric yellow ("Let me drive the bus!!!"). When the driver returns and takes off, the bird slumps dejectedly until a big red truck inspires a new round of motoring fantasies. 

     Critical Analysis

     A fun story to read as it relates to many children's pleading reactions to really wanting something they can't have. The character is adamant and to almost no avail until he is distracted by yet another vehicle he should not be driving. 

     The simplicity of the crayon drawn sketches are easy on the eyes and play a large role in focusing in on the main character. It's muted pastel colors blend well with the vintage-like drawings. And the lack of background setting only helps to enhance the characters feelings displayed with various wide-eyes, eye-rolls, and wing gestures. 

     Willems' style of one-sided dialogue enhances the inference that readers will create as they read along through the plot of the story. 

     Reviews

     Publishers Weekly: "Readers will likely find satisfaction in this whimsical show of emotions and, perhaps, a bit of self-recognition"

     Kirkus Reviews:  "A first picture book by an Emmy Award-winning writer and animator, listeners will be begging, pleading, lying, and bribing to hear it again and again"

     School Library Journal: "The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it"

     Connections

-     Think of a 'backstory' for the pigeon. Where did he come from? Where does he live? Why does he want to drive a bus so badly?