Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

This rollicking animated version of Mo Willems' 2003 picture book (a Caldecott Honor Book, ALA Notable Children's Book, and Best Book of the Year for both School Library Journal and Booklist), begins with the bus driver (voiced by children's author Jon Scieszka) asking the audience to make sure the pigeon (Willems) does not make off with the bus, and ends with the two of them having a guy sort of conversation about driving. In between, the bird does a classic five-year-old's routine of begging, threatening, pleading, whining, and bribing to try get the audience of kids (who shout “No!” in chorus numerous times) to let him behind the wheel. Dixieland jazz music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds and intermittent sound effects add even more energy to Pete List's animation. In addition to a read-along option, DVD extras include a karaoke version allowing the audience to chime in with all those “No's” and a splendid interview/school visit with Willems in which he demonstrates how to draw the pigeon. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: the companion documentary Getting to Know Mo Willems is also available for $39.95.] Aud: K, E, P. (G.A. DeCandido)