Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!: questions to ask and activities to try
The bus driver asks your child to do one thing: don't let the pigeon drive the bus. The pigeon begs, bargains and has a tantrum, and your child gets to say no. A hilarious way to talk about hearing no.
What age is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! for?
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is best for ages 3–6.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Mo Willems)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Hearing no, and big feelings when you can't have what you want
Only 50pDon’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF.
Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓
Let your child shout "No!" at the pigeon every time. Afterwards, talk about the tricks the pigeon tried, and what they do when they really want something.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 3–6 (nursery to Year 1)
- What they'll enjoy
- The bus driver asks your child to do one thing: don't let the pigeon drive the bus. The pigeon begs, bargains and has a tantrum, and your child gets to say no. A hilarious way to talk about hearing no.
- Helps with
- Hearing no, and big feelings when you can't have what you want
- Buy or borrow?
- Borrow it from the library first if you can. If your child asks for it again and again, it’s one worth owning, and the questions and activities on this page work best with the book open next to you.
What it helps with
- Hearing no
- Tantrums and big feelings
- Wanting things you can't have
- Calming down afterwards
Comprehension and discussion questions for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did the pigeon want to do?”
- “What tricks did the pigeon try to get a yes?”
- “How did the pigeon feel when you kept saying no?”
- “Why shouldn’t a pigeon drive a bus?”
- “What do you do when you really want something and the answer is no?”
- “What helps you feel better after a big tantrum?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
All 6 questions for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! on one printable page, each marked with the reading skill it practises. Enter your email and download it straight away.
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5-minute activities to try together
Pigeon says
Take turns being the pigeon and begging for something silly. The other person practises saying no kindly but firmly.
Calm-down bus
Draw a bus with seats. In each seat, draw one thing that helps your child calm down when they’re cross.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions
All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.
- Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
- Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
- Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas
- Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
- Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
- Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.
Big Feelings bundle15 activity sheets for books on the same themeThe 15 books:The Colour MonsterThe Paper DollsTiddlerWhen Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry…Where the Wild Things AreGrumpy MonkeyNot Now, BernardA Great Big CuddleAnna Hibiscus' SongAugustus and His SmileHappyHarry and the Bucketful of DinosaursI Love You, Blue Kangaroo!Knuffle BunnyPenguin£4.99 3 sheets for £1.25Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! + The Colour Monster + The Paper DollsThe 3 books:Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!The Colour MonsterThe Paper Dolls£1.25 Pick your own books: build a bundle with this one, up to 15% off →
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Use it as a lesson plan
Children can listen to Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about hearing no.
A 20-minute session for ages 3–6 (nursery to Year 1), for a class, a small group or one child at home.
- Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
- Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Let your child shout "No!" at the pigeon every time. Afterwards, talk about the tricks the pigeon tried, and what they do when they really want something.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “What did the pigeon want to do?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Pigeon says. Take turns being the pigeon and begging for something silly. The other person practises saying no kindly but firmly. Children who finish early can try Calm-down bus.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.
If your child liked this, try
Knuffle Bunny (Mo Willems)
- Best for
- Losing a favourite toy, and being understood before you can talk
- Age
- 2-6
Augustus and His Smile (Catherine Rayner)
- Best for
- Feeling sad, and noticing the small things that help
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 25 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.