This is a pigeon with a dream of driving a great big bus but that bus driver is so smart. Before the driver leaves his bus for a minute, he asks you not to let the pigeon drive the bus. Now, no matter how much the pigeon begs, you can't let him drive the bus and he's pretty good at asking. Well, a pigeon can dream you know.
40 pages 978-0786819881 Ages 2-5
Keywords: pigeon, bus, temper tantrum, part of a series, 2 year old, 3 year old, 4 year old, 5 year old
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
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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.
In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum.---from the publisher
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The pigeon dreams of driving the bus, so when the driver steps out for a break he thinks this will be his chance. But the bus driver is aware of the pigeon's plan and tells the reader not to let the pigeon drive the bus. And so begins a conversation between the pigeon and the reader as the pigeon begs, pleads, cajoles and even attempts to bribe the reader into letting him behind the wheel.
The action is carried along entirely in the pigeon's appeals but it is clearly intended that the young child put on the "parent's" hat to say no, much like a role-reversal of when they themselves want something and the parent has to withstand all the child's reasoning and promises, making it an interactive read that is lots of fun. Not only can they stretch their imaginations to suggest why the pigeon shouldn’t drive the bus but they can put themselves in the pigeon’s place and also think of ways they might use to get their own way. The only issue is, that in the child’s denials to the pigeon, the parent might hear themselves echoed! Children learn what they live!
This 20th anniversary edition of what was Mo Willems' first picture book marks a rare milestone for children's picture books and young readers will be thrilled that it went on to spark an entire series that they can enjoy - both the stories and being the power-broker.
Recommended by: Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian, New South Wales AUSTRALIA
See more of her recommendations:
500 Hats http://500hats.edublogs.org/
The Bottom Shelf http://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/
Storybook Cushions http:// bit.ly/storybook_cushions
