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I don't review books I don't like!

*****= An all-time favorite
****  = Outstanding
***    = Above average
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*        = Good, with reservations

*****Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

by Mo Willems

Reviewed September 15, 2003.
Hyperion Books for Children, New York, 2003.  32 pages.
Available at Sembach Library (E WIL).
A 2004 Caldecott Honor Book.
A Sonderbooks’ Stand-out of 2003:  #1, New Picture Books

I love the blurb on the back of this book:  “Finally, a book you can say ‘no’ to!”

The idea is simple.  On the title page, the bus driver tells you he has to leave, but would you watch things for him while he’s gone?  Oh, and remember:  Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Then the pigeon comes on and nicely asks you to let him drive the bus.  He begs.  He pleads.  He suggests a game of “Drive the Bus.”  Finally, he throws a temper tantrum.  

The simple, cartoon-like pictures perfectly capture the crafty pigeon’s moods.  This book gives a child a chance to be the mean one for a change.

I think of this book as for toddlers and preschoolers, but my 9-year-old can’t resist it either and asked to read it aloud to me.  I can’t wait to try it out at Story Time!

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Copyright © 2005 Sondra Eklund.  All rights reserved.

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