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Jan 13, 2016mmcbeth29 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
SUMMARY: "When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate." ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations are very plain--a blue pigeon on a peach background. The pigeon's expressiveness is not as complex as with Mo Williams later works. THE GOOD: This is the kind of book very young children enjoy in a group setting. The bus driver tells the children not to let anyone drive the bus and as the pigeon comes along begging to drive the bus, the children get to say no over and over to the pigeon. This gives the children a sense of power. I like the realism of the tantrum the pigeon throws. It is exactly the same as so many children have thrown before! And no matter what pigeon throws out to the reader, the pigeon never gets to drive the bus because it is the wrong thing to do. THE NOT AS GOOD: I did not enjoy the illustrations in this book as much as I have with Williams other books. The one-eyed pigeon comes off as a little creepy. And when he is at the height of his tantrum, his red one eye is a bit demonic looking. AGE RECOMMENDATION: Advertised for ages 2-6. This book is best read in a group setting for the full effect.