Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Book - 2003
078681988X


Opinion
From Library Staff
In this Mo Willems classic, the Pigeon directly addresses the audience, asking them if he can drive the bus. Will they let him?
This book was a particular hit with the preschoolers! They were so excited to tell Pigeon “no,” and talk about things they wish they could do. We also played a Pigeon matching game to go with this book where children were given a card with a Mo Willems illustration on it, and they had to find ano... Read More »
Put you child in charge. How will children react to the Pigeon's pleas, bribes and demands?
From the critics

Community Activity
Age
Add Age Suitabilityorange_elephant_862 thinks this title is suitable for 4 years and under
blue_dog_6382 thinks this title is suitable for between the ages of 5 and 4

Summary
Add a SummaryThe pigeon is determined to drive the bus, but the bus driver specified not to let him. Will you?
Comment
Add a CommentThis is an awesome children's book (and series) that I discovered as an adult. If you haven't met Pigeon, it's time to get acquainted!
The Book “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus” is written and illustrated by Mo Williams. This is a very creative and unique book that is one of a kind. I say that because usually, most books do not involve the audience, but this book does and that is what makes it even more interesting and fun. This book is really good to be read out loud to little kids because they can participate in what’s happening. Everything in this book is really nice for kids, especially the pictures. If you are reading this to little kids you can even change up the voices of the different characters to make the book even more entertaining for them. 5/5 rating. @TheBookieReadingMonster of the Hamilton Public Library Teen Review Board
Very funny to read. Great book to have interactions with children.
Until I read this book, I was skeptical a book centered on preventing an increasingly frustrated pigeon from operating a bus could be a fun and engaging experience for parents and kids alike.
I stand corrected (and would also recommend everything else by Mo Willems, by the way).
This book was a lot of fun to read. My husband read aloud while I got our two kids (ages 1 and 3) yelling "no!" at the pigeon's requests to drive the bus.
The artwork is intentionally juvenile, but it suits the silliness of the story.
This book will only be good if you're willing to be silly and have fun with it.
This is a vary great and fun book
This book was very funny and can bring joy to anyone's day! The book made me laugh out loud and I would recommend this book to anyone!!!
Will
SUMMARY: "When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate."
ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations are very plain--a blue pigeon on a peach background. The pigeon's expressiveness is not as complex as with Mo Williams later works.
THE GOOD: This is the kind of book very young children enjoy in a group setting. The bus driver tells the children not to let anyone drive the bus and as the pigeon comes along begging to drive the bus, the children get to say no over and over to the pigeon. This gives the children a sense of power. I like the realism of the tantrum the pigeon throws. It is exactly the same as so many children have thrown before! And no matter what pigeon throws out to the reader, the pigeon never gets to drive the bus because it is the wrong thing to do.
THE NOT AS GOOD: I did not enjoy the illustrations in this book as much as I have with Williams other books. The one-eyed pigeon comes off as a little creepy. And when he is at the height of his tantrum, his red one eye is a bit demonic looking.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Advertised for ages 2-6. This book is best read in a group setting for the full effect.
For ages 3-5. When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a pigeon volunteers to replace him. What would you do if you were riding his bus? You’ll have several chances to change your mind.