“Betrayal, persuasion, deceit… Mo Willems ingeniously wraps all of these into this suspenseful picture book! As a simple bus driver warns the readers, don’t let the pigeon drive the bus, the pigeon does everything in his power to convince, coax, whine, and demand that we allow him to drive the bus! The pigeon speaks frankly, and the way in which the illustrations coincide with the pigeon’s frustration is hilarious. But will the pigeon ever get his way? Will the reader cave and allow the pigeon to drive the bus? Or will some higher power intercede?
Clearly, this book illustrates to young children that impatience and temper tantrums, although comical, rarely get you what you want. This book may also be used to teach younger students the value of following directions. As for older readers, I would suggest using the text while introducing a persuasive unit or debating unit. Students must learn that audience awareness and hard evidence are essential when trying to make someone see your point of view. Whining will get you nowhere!”
Jessica Schmidt wrote this review Tuesday, October 30, 2012.
Was this review helpful? Yes | No