The Yellow Bus
In this quiet and heartfelt story, the author describes the life history of a yellow school bus, using black, white, and gray illustrations with pops of color that instantly convey the warmth and joy of the yellow bus. Through each life transition, the yellow bus feels joy in its purpose, whether it is taking young children to school, connecting community members to local experiences, or serving as a playground for a group of goats. Loren Long uses the end pages to share photos of the bus that inspired the story and talks about the process of creating illustrations using a model of a miniature town, inspiring young authors and illustrators. Just like the school bus in the story, life is full of changes—but with each new stop, there is always a chance to find joy, connection, and meaning in a new way.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Children will enjoy taking their time with the detailed and vibrant illustrations—many may even share their own bus experiences. Adults can support comprehension by explaining unfamiliar settings like retirement homes, encampments of the unhoused, pastures, and aquatic environments.
To enrich the experience:
- Talk about how the colors and illustrations express emotions. Discuss how helping others can bring joy and encourage children to recall times they’ve helped someone.
- Add a toy bus, buildings, animals, and people to the block area so children can build towns and create bus routes. Include paper and scissors for making landscapes. As they play, prompt connections to the book: Where is the bus going? Who’s on board?
Children will enjoy rereading this beautiful story and its illustrations. Families should explore the Afterword, where the author explains his inspiration and artistic approach.
To extend learning:
- Discuss how the bus’s many uses relate to environmental care and the idea of reusing before recycling. Count how many ways the bus was reused. Look around the house for items that can be repurposed.
- Use the book to spark family storytelling. Share memories of school bus rides and reflect on how your community has changed over time, just like in the book.