Why I Love This Book

Let me begin by saying that I always appreciate an author who is also an illustrator. It demands respect. This was his very first book to be published and Mo Willems had a clear vision of exactly what he wanted this book (and all his other books) to be like. He didn't hand it over for someone else to hopefully see his vision for the illustrations. Willems has often been quoted as wanting to respect and engage kids when he writes.
He's a master at keeping things simple, allowing kids to insert themselves in the story. The simplicity of his books is what makes them so great. 
Check out this article to read more about this amazing man and his approach to writing for children. I'm 100% in his corner on everything he says in this interview.
Themes
  • Perseverance
  • Struggle
  • Overcoming Obstacles (or attempting to do so)
  • Creative Thinking
Awards & Accolades
  • Caldecott Honor Book 2004
  • American Library Association Notable Book
  • National Council of Teachers Notable Book
  • Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Book
  • School Library Journal- top 100 Picture Books of All Time (2012)
  • A Weston Woods Animated Adaptation won the 2010 Carnegie Medal for Excellence 
Teachable Moments
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:
  • Parts of a Book (Cover, Title, Author, Illustrator, Spine, End Papers...)
  • Story Structure (Characters, Setting, Plot...)
  • Vocabulary that can be grouped: 
    Color Words
    Action Words
  • Order of Events /Plot- What did he step in first, next, last...
  • Controlling Emotions
  • Asking Doesn't Always Mean You'll Get the Answer that you desire.
Picture
 ​​ Click HERE to see what's included with each
​download purchased.
Please note that you are purchasing the resources only.

Subscribers receive 2 new titles in their inbox each month
​at a 20% discount off  the single purchase prices.

Beyond the Book Resources

Each $3.99 Beyond the Book Download Includes:
  • Getting Started - an introduction to the Read it Again method
  • Comprehension Questions  -  A list of  questions that tap into different levels of understanding and foster conversations about the story
  • ​Vocabulary Flashcards - Along with the flashcards, you'll also receive ideas for putting the cards to use in multiple ways
  • Writing - We provide an image and story prompt designed to extend the theme of the story. No, we don't expect your child to write just yet. Instead, you can take down the dictation of the story your child tells.
  • Story Elements Page - Understanding what makes a story a story is an important skill.  This activity asks your child to identify the following: characters, setting, problem, solution, favorite part, and summary.
  • Cooking ideas related to the story
  • Art ideas related to the story
  • Links to  Great Games,  toys, manipulatives, and movies
  • Information on the Research behind ReaditAgain​
It's really that simple...
​ One Great Story
 Multiple Readings
Fun & Educational Follow-up Activities
Important Note: This download does not include the book, only the resources listed above. The book may be purchased separately by clicking here. ​
Subscribers receive 2 new titles in their inbox each month
​ at a 20% discount off single purchases!

Don't Let the Pigeon Themed Toys

Adding an element of play is yet another way to deepen the understanding of the concepts introduced within the multiple readings of the story.  You'll be surprised at the amount of learning that's transferred and reinforced through  imaginative play.
​
Why I Love These Specific Playthings:
  • Each item has a direct connection to Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.
  • There are no batteries.
  • They encourage imaginative play.
  • They make it easy to re-enact the story.
  • ​They take the learning another step forward.
Please note that these are affiliate links.
If you purchase anything through my  links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll make a small commission which helps me keep the lights on.  ​
"The Bus"   $24.99
Plush Pigeon with Voice When Squeezed. $27.99
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald