Parents' Guide to

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

By Marigny Dupuy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

Silliness that appeals to preschoolers.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 3+

Based on 16 parent reviews

age 5+

Dukedennis

age 2+

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (16 ):
Kids say (10 ):

Minimalist in approach, the author/artist uses a limited number of very pale colors, and most pages have a single image (usually the pigeon) and a bubble of text. The strength of the story is in its simplicity. The conflict between the two main characters, the bus driver and the pigeon, is one of the most basic in early childhood: "Yes I will" versus "no you won't."

Things gets interesting, however, when each character appeals directly to the reader. This direct discourse from the bus driver and the goofy, wide-eyed pigeon draws the reader, or listener in the case of young children, right between the opposing parties. For young children (who think magically anyway), this is bound to be flattering and fun. Mo Willems, who has won five Emmys as a writer and animator of Sesame Street, makes a fine debut into the world of children's books.

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