The story unfolds primarily in and around the bus, with the pigeon addressing the reader directly. This limited setting creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing children to feel as if they are part of the story. The bus serves as both a literal vehicle and a metaphorical stage for the pigeon's antics.

The book’s simple, cartoon-like illustrations and relatable scenario place it firmly in modern times without specifying a date. The timeless nature of the setting contributes to the book's enduring appeal, making it relevant to children across generations since its publication in 2003.

Characters

• The Pigeon: The main character and protagonist. He is a persistent and persuasive pigeon who desperately wants to drive the bus. The Pigeon employs various tactics to convince the reader to let him drive, including pleading, bribing, and throwing tantrums. His expressive personality and relatable desires make him an endearing character for young readers.

• The Bus Driver: A minor character who appears briefly at the beginning of the story. He asks the reader to watch the bus and not let the Pigeon drive it while he takes a break. The Bus Driver's request sets up the central conflict of the book.

• The Reader: While not a traditional character, the reader plays a crucial role in the story. The reader is directly addressed by both the Bus Driver and the Pigeon, and is responsible for repeatedly denying the Pigeon's requests to drive the bus.

Quick facts

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, published in 2003, marked Mo Willems's debut in children's literature.

• The book has spawned numerous sequels featuring the Pigeon character.

• All four standard-format Pigeon books have been New York Times bestsellers.

• The Pigeon character makes cameo appearances in other book series by Willems.

• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! appears on the National Education Association's  Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children list.

• It was selected as one of the Top 100 Picture Books of all time by School Library Journal. 

• An animated adaptation of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was produced in 2010 and won the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video. 

• A scientific study on pigeon intelligence was named after the book.

• A 20th-anniversary edition of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was released in  2023.

About the Author

Mo Willems (1968-) is an American writer, animator, and author and illustrator of children's books. He is best known for his popular series of interactive picture books featuring a determined Pigeon, making its debut in 2003 with the Caldecott Honor-winning Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Shortly after, The New York Times Book Review hailed Willems as “the biggest new talent to emerge thus far in the 00's.” 

Willems began his career in television, eventually winning six Emmy Awards for his work on Sesame Street and creating animated series like Sheep in the Big City for Cartoon Network. In addition to his Pigeon sequels and spin-offs, he is the creator of the beloved Elephant and Piggie early reader series, which has won multiple Geisel Awards. His books also have been recognized with the Charlotte Zolotow Award and the Irma Black Award. 

In 2019, Mo Willems was named the Kennedy Center's first education artist-in-residence. He continues to create new works and innovate in the field of children's entertainment and literature.