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Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! facts for kids

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Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Pigeonbus.jpg
Front cover
Author Mo Willems
Cover artist Willems
Country United States
Language English
Genre Children's books
picture books
Publisher Hyperion Books for Children
Publication date
April 1, 2003
Pages 36
ISBN 978-0-7868-1988-1
OCLC 51815360
[E] 22
LC Class PZ7.W65535 Dj 2003
Preceded by N/A 
Followed by The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! 

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is a super popular children's picture book created by the amazing author and illustrator Mo Willems. It was first published by Disney-Hyperion in 2003. This book was Mo Willems' very first one for kids, and it quickly became a hit! It even won the Caldecott Honor, which is a big award for picture books.

About the Book

This book is all about a funny Pigeon who really, really wants to drive a bus.

What's the Story About?

The story begins when a bus driver has to leave for a little while. Before he goes, he asks you, the reader, to make sure the Pigeon doesn't get to drive the bus. But the Pigeon is very determined! He tries all sorts of tricks and excuses to get behind the wheel. He begs, he whines, he even throws a tantrum! It's up to you to keep telling him "NO!"

The book is interactive, meaning you get to be part of the story. It's a lot of fun to read aloud because you get to say "NO!" to the Pigeon over and over again.

Awards and Adaptations

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was a huge success. Besides winning the Caldecott Honor, it was also turned into an animated short film. This film, made by Weston Woods Studios, won the 2010 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video. This shows how much people loved the story and its characters!

More Pigeon Adventures

After the first book, Mo Willems created many more stories about the Pigeon and his friends.

Other Books in the Series

Here are some of the other exciting adventures the Pigeon has had:

Board Books for Little Ones

Mo Willems also made special board books featuring the Pigeon. These are perfect for younger readers because they are very sturdy:

  • The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! (2005)
  • The Pigeon Loves Things That Go! (2005)

Where Else Can You Spot the Pigeon?

The Pigeon is so popular that he sometimes makes surprise appearances in other books by Mo Willems! You might spot him in the background of stories from the Knuffle Bunny, Elephant and Piggie, Leonardo, the Terrible Monster, and Cat the Cat book series. Keep an eye out for him!

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