Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Hyperion Books For Children: New York 2003
ISBN: 978-078681988-1
This book was hilarious! I really enjoyed the humor as well as the illustrations. The manner, style, and tone of this book really spoke to me. I liked the fact that the main character (the pigeon) had bubbles from his mouth every time that he spoke, and the words are large print, which is great for those learning to read. The pictures really matched the pigeon's emotions as well. The main seller of this story, is that the book is speaking to you, the reader. In the very beginning the bus driver says "Hi! I'm the bus driver. Listen, I've got to leave for a little while, so can you watch things for me until I get back? Thanks. Oh, and remember: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! right there and then I could tell I was in for a ride. On each page the pigeon is speaking to you, the reader.
I liked the fact that children can play along with the book, and answer the pigeon back. The author makes a joke on the back cover which states "Finally a book you can say no to!" which I found to be true, after I read the story. The children are in control of the story. They get to be in charge of the pigeon's fate when it comes to driving the bus. The pigeon's funny antics, questions, and comments throughout the story are also a great way to keep children interested. It kept me interested in finding out what he would say next in order to get me to let him drive the bus. There are two particular pages which I perceived as the main comedic piece; they are set up as a comic strip of only the pigeon. In each square he is coming up with a different excuse or way to make you let him drive the bus, which I thought was really cute.
This book teaches children responsibility and patience. If a teacher were to use this book in a classroom, there are many lessons or games they could do with the students. The bus driver clearly said not to let the pigeon drive the bus, but how can we be sure everyone reading will listen? The teacher could do so many reading activities with this book. I have so many in my head already! For example, students could be grouped, or partnered, and be asked to illustrate or write down all the things that could go wrong if the pigeon drove the bus. Another idea is during a read aloud for this book, have the students turn and talk to a neighbor, explaining why they think the pigeon should or should not drive the bus. The possibilities are endless, which is why I would definitely recommend reading this book whether you are a child or an adult. The story really comes to life! I completely understand why this book won a Caldecott Honor in 2003. Its illustrations are amazingly funny as well as perfectly depicted for the setting in the story.
I could see why you say the book is hilarious just by looking at the illustrations on the cover. You did a great job on coming up with ideas on how to use this book in a class room. In addition to your ideas, I would add another lesson which is to have children make their own book using this book as an example. Since this book seems like it doesn't have much world to it. Students could just create a picture book of their own using their favorite animal as the main character. Your idea of using this book to play a game its great, who wouldn't like that. Responsibilities and patience are two very important thing to have in life. Therefore i would definitely use this book in my future class room. Thanks for all the great lesson and game ideas.
ReplyDelete