DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS

This whimsical picture book charges young listeners with carrying out the title task, despite being confronted by a pigeon who will do anything to get the wheel of the bus in his wingtips. Author-illustrator Mo Willems’s narration makes one imagine a very fun publicity tour. As narrator, Willems offers listeners a pigeon who's urbane and gritty, blue-collared and husky voiced. He sounds like a New York bird as he exhorts, wheedles, and attempts to bribe listeners into letting him have his way. His bellow of thwarted desire will make listeners of all ages laugh, as will Willems’s spare (yet incredibly droll) illustrations. This production includes an engaging interview with the author. J.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]