by Mo Willems
Part of Pigeon
First published 2004
The bus driver steps away from his vehicle and leaves one simple instruction: don't let the pigeon drive the bus. But this particular pigeon has other plans. He immediately begins his campaign to get behind the wheel. The pigeon tries every strategy he can think of. He pleads with readers directly. He makes promises about his driving skills. He throws a full tantrum when his requests get denied. The pigeon's determination grows stronger with each rejection. He wheedles and begs and argues his case with increasing desperation. Young readers become active participants in the story, holding the power to grant or refuse the pigeon's wish. The tale captures the familiar cycle of a child's meltdown when told no. Mo Willems creates a character who embodies pure want colliding with a firm boundary. The story celebrates the joy children find in having authority over someone else's bad behavior.
Genres: animals, picture-books, comedy, childrens
Vibes: humorous, interactive, playful, whimsical
Tropes: comedic-tantrum, interactive-narrative, persistent-antagonist
40 pages · Hardcover · Walker Books Ltd