Genre 1: Picture Books

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

by Mo Willems

Bibliography

Willems, Mo. 2003. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. New York, NY: Hyperion. ISBN 078681988X

Plot Summary

As a bus driver leaves for a break, he asks the reader to “watch things for me” and asks to remember, “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” What follows is a series of pleas and attempts at reasoning by a very determined pigeon to do just that, drive the bus. The pigeon goes through a myriad of emotions during its attempts with facial expressions and body language to match. The story culminates in a final berserk-filled plea of, “LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!!!” Hanging its head in defeat, the driver finally returns.

Critical Analysis

Willems’ story of a very determined pigeon takes the reader through a monologue that builds in intensity with each page. Readers can’t help but be drawn into the story as the pigeon is looking at and speaking directly to them.

The crayon-like illustrations with heavy black lines convey many emotions despite their simplicity. Even without words, the pigeon’s feelings are conveyed effortlessly. With only a profile view of one eye, the reader is well aware of the pigeon’s frustration, disgust, disappointment, and final exhaustion.

Readers will enjoy the interactive quality being enticed to shout along with the repeated phrase, “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!”

Review Excerpt(s)

Caldecott Honor 2004

ALA Notable Children’s Books 2004

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life…”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Preschoolers will howl over the pigeon's dramatics…”

Starred review in HORN BOOK: “Story-hour listeners (and beginning readers) will be hooked by this silly title.”

Connections

*Create imitations—write and illustrate sequels or your own “Don’t Let…” book.

*Act out monologue performances of the story or imitations.

*Other Mo Willems books:

Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late  ISBN-10: 0786837462  ISBN-13: 978-0786837465

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy  ISBN-10: 1423109600  ISBN-13: 978-1423109600

Millions of Cats

by Wanda Gág

Bibliography

Gág, Wanda. 1996. Millions of Cats. New York, NY: Penguin Putman Books. ISBN 0698113632

Plot Summary

In this tale, Wanda Gág tells about the efforts of a “very old man and a very old woman” to cure their loneliness. The bearded husband sets off on a mission to find a cat to keep them company. He eventually comes upon a hill “quite covered with cats.” Returning home with “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats,” for he is unable to choose just one, the couple asks the cats to decide who should stay. After a huge cat fight, a “homely little cat” remains, becoming the perfect companion.

Critical Analysis

Gág’s story draws the reader into the story and along the cat quest with the “very old man.” Her simple black and white drawings complement the text. As the old man climbs over hills and “through cool valleys,” the reader’s eye follows up and down and across the pages.

The rhythm of the repeated phrase, “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats” is echoed and emphasized in the illustrations of cat covered hills. One begins to sense cats even beyond the hills and valleys.

This book reminds us that less is often more and can turn out to be just what we were looking for. Through the love and care of the man and woman, the “homely little cat” flourishes becoming “the most beautiful cat in the whole wide world.”  

Review Excerpt(s)

Newbery Honor 1929

Lewis Carroll Shelf Award 1958

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This Newbery Honor winner is distinguished by innovative design and a strong storyteller's cadence."

NEW YORK TIMES: “A perennial favorite.”

Connections

*Discuss the concept of companionship; what it means, why we need it, what it does for us, why caring for each other is important.

*Discuss the concept of self-esteem; why a good self-esteem is important, how to improve our self-esteem

Other books that explore self-esteem:

Freeman, Don. Corduroy. ISBN-10: 0670063363  ISBN-13: 978-0670063369

Andersen, Hans Christian. Adapted by Jerry Pinkney. The Ugly Duckling. ISBN-10: 068815932X  ISBN-13: 978-0688159320

Kitten’s First Full Moon

by Kevin Henkes

Bibliography

Henkes, Kevin. 2004. Kitten’s First Full Moon. New York, NY: Scholastic. ISBN 0439800560

Plot Summary

Critical Analysis

Review Excerpt(s)

Caldecott Medal 2005

ALA Notable Children’s Books 2005

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Henkes creates another winner in this simple, charming story about a naive little kitten…”

Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “artful in its gracelessness and naïveté…”

Connections