Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

Author: Mo Willems

Illustrator: Mo Willems

Genre: Fantasy

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book (2004), South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominee (2005), Caldecott Honor (2004), BCCB Blue Ribbon Book (2003), 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up (2009), Indies Picture Book Hall of Fame (2009), Wyoming Buckaroo Award (2004), Wyoming Buckaroo Nominee (2004), Georgia Children's Book Award (2008), NCTE/CLA Notable Children's Book in the English Language Arts (2004), Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens (2004), Vermont Red Clover Award (2005), CCBC Choices (2004), North Dakota Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (2005), Wisconsin Golden Archer Award (2005), Kentucky Bluegrass Award (2005), Georgia Children's Book Award Nominee (2007)

Grade(s): K-2nd

Summary: This book starts off with a bus driver instructing the reader not to let the pigeon drive the bus while he's away. The pigeon, on the other hand, is sassy and tries to convince the reader several times and in several ways to let him drive the bus anyway. He even resorts to yelling at the reader, "LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!!!" Finally, the bus driver comes back and ensures that the reader didn't allow the pigeon to drive the bus. The pigeon is let down, but then notices a huge 18-wheeler pulling up next to him and then he gets an idea...

My Thoughts: This book is absolutely hilarious and it really engages young readers. I really feel like its funny nature will keep students interested and motivated to read. I love this collection of books by Mo Willems as the simple illustrations really make for good read-aloud stories. I think I would use this in my classroom to spark imagination and have my students create their own "Don't let the _____" story. This book is both creative and innovative and I will definitely have it in my classroom for many years!!