The bus driver entrusts his audience with a super important task: not to let the pigeon drive the bus, no matter how hard the pigeon tries to convince...moreThe bus driver entrusts his audience with a super important task: not to let the pigeon drive the bus, no matter how hard the pigeon tries to convince readers otherwise. Sure enough, pigeon tries every trick in the book to gain access to the bus, providing children with a humorous interactive story. The story smartly utilizes minimalism where appropriate, such as the comical set-up and the illustration style. Muted, solid colored back drops surround the pigeon, allowing children to focus on the pigeon’s hilarious expressions, which build into an insane temper tantrum. With thick crayon-like lines, Willems captures the pigeon’s movements, facial expressions, and emotional state. Although simple, the pigeon’s wide range of plots and ploys has led to a character children embrace as well as the creation of several successful sequels. A Caldecott Honor book, Willem’s first Pigeon books deserves a place in every circulating children’s collection. With perhaps the funniest title out there, this book is highly recommended for children ages two to six.(less)
The title character of this book refuses to bathe, until one day his back itches so much that he bathes as a compromise to get Big Fluffy Bear to scra...moreThe title character of this book refuses to bathe, until one day his back itches so much that he bathes as a compromise to get Big Fluffy Bear to scratch his back. Big Smelly Bear is a tale with a moral, emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene. Kids can relate to bath time avoidance, but still feel sorry for Big Smelly Bear when no one but flies will go near him. The prose is simple as well as direct, using just the right vocabulary level and word count to relate its tale to its intended audience. Teckentrup uses textured color, adding complexity and depth to her illustrations. Readers can identify with Big Smelly Bear’s itchy back, which Teckentrup portrays so convincingly that the reader may begin to feel a back itch as well. White backgrounds follow Big Smelly Bear in his loneliness, replaced with full color backgrounds when he makes a friend. This well-paced story is ideal for reading out loud with its large format and crisp illustrations which make good use of the allotted space within a page spread. Big Smelly Bear is highly recommended for children ages two to six.(less)
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