Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Written & illustrated by Mo Willems

Part of the The Pigeon series

A bus driver leaves a child in charge and warns them not to let a pigeon drive the bus.

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 107,118 ratings

36 pages· 167 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

When the bus driver steps away, a pigeon eagerly volunteers to take over. This feisty bird pleads and bargains, hoping to convince you to let him drive. Will you give in to his antics, or will you stand your ground? Dive into this interactive tale where your decisions shape the story, capturing the essence of a child's playful stubbornness.

From the publisher

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.

Awards

Caldecott Honor (2004)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 36
Words: 167
Reading age: 3–5
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 280L

Themes & topics

Books about feelings and emotions Books about social themes Books about birds Books about buses Books about pigeons

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.6

out of 7

5.8

“My children were way past picture books by the time this book came out. So glad I get an opportunity with the next generation to make this a regular in our story rotation. The story happens on every page in the book, starting on the front endpapers, pages before the dedication shows up with the featured pigeon dreaming of driving a bus...Said pigeon is adorable, and persistent, negotiating at least as well as your favorite toddler. The simple, pastel drawings depict the pigeon's passionate efforts to persuade the reader to 'please, please, please' let him drive the bus. Such a fun turn of the tables to let your toddler listener be the one to say no to the pigeon's impassioned plea.”

Grammy

Trusted reviewer

5.5

“For toddlers who are constantly reminded to listen to their parents and be good helpers, it's an awful lot of fun say NO over and over again! This silly book provides lots of opportunity for interaction and has the fun effect of putting little ones in the position of no to the begging, whining, hilarious pigeon. My three-year-old daughter loves this book so much that her one-year-old sister learned to join in the fun by shaking her head even before she could say any words. We love this crazy pigeon!”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one