Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive The Bus, by Mo Willems (2004)

This is a different kind of

book. It is new wave, like a lot of children's theatre at the moment, where it gets rid of the forth wall, and interacts with the reader, not just in terms of

being comical, but truly requires 'action' and answers from the reader in order to continue with the story. It does this from the outset of the book, and so engages the child from before the 'first page', remember to read the title page when you're starting the book.

Storyline: The bus driver has to leave for a while, and he asks the reader: "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus." It's the height of common sense, but the driver clearly knows this determined pigeon and readers do not-yet. "Hey, can I drive the bus?" asks the bird, at first all sweet reason, and then, having clearly been to

ld no by readers, he begins his ever-escalating, increasingly silly bargaining. "I tell you what: I'll just steer," and "I never get to do anything," then "No fair! I bet your mom would let me." In a wonderfully expressive spread, the pigeon finally loses it, and, feathers flying and eyeballs popping, screams "LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!!!" in huge, scratchy, black-and-yellow

capital letters. The driver returns, and the pigeon leaves in a funk-until he spies a huge tractor trailer, and dares to dream again.

I also like how well the writer, who has also written for Sesame Street, constructs this book.The device of addressing the audience, as well as, the illustrations in movie-like motif's - it's very post-modern, and good.

When I read this book to groups of children I always find it an interesting study on which children adhere to the driver's request; and which don't. Some children love the fact they can 'give permission' for the pigeon to be naughty. A very interesting character study of children.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive The Bus is an 'unflinching and hilarious look at a child's potential for mischief. In a plain palette, with childishly elemental line drawings, Willems has captured the essence of unreasonableness in the very young.'

Like Willem's Knuffle Bunny Series; the Pigeon series (there's four them) is also well worth the investment into buying them all. The Pigeon series can be read at playgroup level also. I wouldn't recommend Knuffle Bunny series in a group setting.

The Growing Story

The Growing Story By Ruth Krauss and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (Reprint 2007)

This wonderfully timeless story is suitable for children from 2 - 12 years old, and each will find a part of it they can relate to. It is about the universal experience of growing up and discover the rhythms of the seasons. A little boy, some chicks and a puppy live on a farm. They see the first signs of spring growing in the fields and the little boy asks his mother if he and the puppy will grow too. She assures him that he will. And we watch him and the puppy and chicks grow during the changing season of the book. For instance, as spring turns to summer he sees his dog growing taller and the chicks become chickens. But as the seasons change he feels that everything is grows around him, but he is staying the same. With a great ending to it all, this very predictable book will by enjoyed by children, as it answers that age old question about growing.

This charming story will enchant younger readers and is perfect for sharing aloud. Beautifully presented as an illustrated in usual Helen Oxenbury style.

PS The cover that appears in the photo is the cover of the reprint, re-illustrated version. The original can be found on the web.

The Birthday Party and The Grumpy Day

The Birthday Party and The Grumpy Day by Stephanie Carmichael and Jess Green (2011)

I just got sent some new books by the publisher yesterday and I love them. Matthias Media sent me their hot off the press, not yet released kids books. These are number 3 and 4 in the Stephanie Carmichael series. They are a great read, for all ages...

The Birthday Party and The Grumpy Day... I can't even get an image of them from the net - I've gone and photographed the covers.

The Birthday Party is about Ben's birthday and his sister Emily wanting to throw a pretend birthday tea party for him, and then all the family getting in on the act, leading into God's love for everyone. It's a sweet tale, which is beautifully written to be read aloud, and the illustrations reflect the simplicity of it brilliantly. It has a very, very cute ending.

The Grumpy Day is about the three kids

of the same family as above each being grumpy because they are unable to do what they want. A cute story which leads to praying for our wants to God, but knowing that He's ultimately in control, so to trust in Him. Very well written and not heavy handed in the 'God' stuff. This one will appeal to all the kids in your family as they will have a character to identify with.

Love, love, love, love, love.

Grab them for god-children, your children, nephews, nieces, next door's kids, kids at church, for Christmas, for birthdays ... they're great.