Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
For once, the child is the grown-up in the room, and they take the job extremely seriously.
Why they ask for it again
A pigeon begs, bargains and has a total meltdown, and your child gets to say no. That reversal is pure power.
Our review
A bus driver leaves for a moment and asks the reader to make sure the pigeon does not drive. The pigeon then tries everything: reasoning, flattery, bribery, a full-page tantrum. A small child gets to look at a tantrum from the outside for once, and they find it extremely funny.
Willems draws with almost nothing, a few thick lines and a big eye, so that kids feel like they could draw it themselves, and many of them do. It is short enough to read twice, which is good, because you are going to.
How to read it aloud
Beg. Really beg. Let your kid shout "NO!" at every page, and pause for it. The tantrum page should be loud and should go on too long.
The catch
They will use the pigeon's arguments on you within a week.
Is it scary?
Nothing scary, unless a shouting pigeon counts.
Books like Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, and what to read next
I Want My Hat BackSame minimal drawing and deadpan comedy, with a little more edge.
The Book With No PicturesAnother book that makes the reader the butt of the joke.
Press HereFor the same delight in making a book do something.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! for?
Ages 2–6. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 3 to 5.
How long does Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! take to read aloud?
About 3 minutes at a calm bedtime pace, by our estimate. Allow longer if you do the voices.
Is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! scary?
Nothing scary, unless a shouting pigeon counts.
What should we read after Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!?
We would suggest I Want My Hat Back, The Book With No Pictures, Press Here.