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The Bus is for Us! by Michael Rosen
Renowned author Michael Rosen offers a quintessential book for young children who love things that go. Small children take great delight in rides—whether by bicycle, car, boat, or plane. But best of all is taking the bus, because the bus is for everyone! Complemented by beautiful artwork from Gillian Tyler, this playful rhyming narrative by Michael Rosen will rev up little listeners to join right in.
Paperback Bunko
First published February 5, 2015
5 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Michael Rosen
589 books529 followersMichael Rosen, a recent British Children’s Laureate, has written many acclaimed books for children, including WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, and I’M NUMBER ONE and THIS IS OUR HOUSE, both illustrated by Bob Graham. Michael Rosen lives in London.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 2, 2015
Cute rhymes, cute illustrations, but strangely no explanation of why "the bus is for us." I was waiting for the explanation for the whole book... to no avail.
April 27, 2015
As a child of the 80s I sometimes yearn for an era free from Aliens in Underpants or rough Gruffalos. An era of Alan and Janet Ahlberg telling gentle stories that had an old fashioned feel, but were still great for the modern kid. Thankfully, I am not the only person out there that craves this as some books are still being produced that describe the simple pleasures such as riding the bus. However, I think that these kids have obviously never tried to catch the Number 9 at rush hour.
‘The Bus is For Us!’ is a simple sharing story for adults to read with their 2-6 year old child. Michael Rosen’s words describe various different ways to get around from the functional to the fantastical – why get the car when you can use a hand glider? As you would expect from Rosen the rhymes are simple, yet pleasurable. Many forms of transport are explored, but we always come to the same conclusion – the bus is for us! There is a certain pleasure to be had by reading simple rhymes to toddlers. ‘Bus’ is a perfect way of introducing different forms of transport, but also it repeats in a manner that will have a child helping you read the book.
To complement the words are some wonderful illustrations from Gillian Tyler (no relation). Here the book harks back to a 80s feel more than ever, with a soft palette that sings of Janet Ahlberg and other illustrators of the era. Tyler makes the drawings her own by filling each page with colour and interesting things to look at. The fact that she is able to come up with several different ways to show off a bus is impressive enough. A small misgiving is some of the faces on show – they look human at times, munchkin at others.
The book itself is the standard 32 page hardback and comes on quality paper that will last a long time. This will be important because, if the book goes down as well in your household as it did mine; it will be read many times. The fun imagery and repetitive rhymes means that the book is fun to follow by any age group. You may have to start looking forward to hearing those important words as you wait at the bus stop, “The Bus is For Us!” Original review on thebookbag.co.uk
‘The Bus is For Us!’ is a simple sharing story for adults to read with their 2-6 year old child. Michael Rosen’s words describe various different ways to get around from the functional to the fantastical – why get the car when you can use a hand glider? As you would expect from Rosen the rhymes are simple, yet pleasurable. Many forms of transport are explored, but we always come to the same conclusion – the bus is for us! There is a certain pleasure to be had by reading simple rhymes to toddlers. ‘Bus’ is a perfect way of introducing different forms of transport, but also it repeats in a manner that will have a child helping you read the book.
To complement the words are some wonderful illustrations from Gillian Tyler (no relation). Here the book harks back to a 80s feel more than ever, with a soft palette that sings of Janet Ahlberg and other illustrators of the era. Tyler makes the drawings her own by filling each page with colour and interesting things to look at. The fact that she is able to come up with several different ways to show off a bus is impressive enough. A small misgiving is some of the faces on show – they look human at times, munchkin at others.
The book itself is the standard 32 page hardback and comes on quality paper that will last a long time. This will be important because, if the book goes down as well in your household as it did mine; it will be read many times. The fun imagery and repetitive rhymes means that the book is fun to follow by any age group. You may have to start looking forward to hearing those important words as you wait at the bus stop, “The Bus is For Us!” Original review on thebookbag.co.uk
April 28, 2019
So much to explore in this book. Lots through words and illustrations to point out, share and talk about. No ‘written’ answer to why the bus is best, but hey, that’s what I like about it. It makes you, even with 3-5 year old, keep going back to discover why. Love it.
January 27, 2019
First class transit propaganda. I like it.
February 1, 2020
Loved this one! And agree with the sentiment expressed respect buses!
January 9, 2016
I got this from the library because my kids love buses; I wasn't really expecting much from it but it's great! The illustrations are beautiful and the rhyming text is actually really good--the text not only rhymes but has the appropriate meter (which is sadly lacking in many pictures). Highly enjoyable.
December 9, 2015
The rhyme is catchy enough for the little ones to complete, even without the obvious visual cues from the picture (though, they were a bit stymied by the boat and the ship on the same page with two separate rhyming verses). Still good fun.
May 8, 2015
well received at things that go storytime. the kids liked the rhymes, repeated refrain, & the interesting pictures
my only criticism....why is the bus for them?
my only criticism....why is the bus for them?
January 6, 2017
Charming, rhyming text--great for storytime with elements of a guessing game. Pair with "The Wheels on the Bus" of course!
November 18, 2019
A book about lots of different modes of transport and also has lovely illustrations. Also has repetition in it which children would enjoy joining in with!
April 24, 2021
A playful story about children enjoying a bus and other things that move. I read this book with my 23-month-old grandchild who is very interested in buses, vehicles and anything that moves.
My grandson chose this book from a selection of books offered, not surprising since he loves buses, especially yellow ones! The title and picture captured his attention from the start, which is not easy with books. His attention wavered in places but returned at times when I pointed out other relatable pictures such as the moon, sun, cloud, and the faces on them.
The illustration is whimsical on some pages, with beautiful swirly brush strokes and muted colours, yet quite architectural in style on other pages. This, combined with a poetic verse really helps to evoke the imagination about all things that move and not just vehicles.
I enjoyed the diversity of the children reflected in this book, as well as seeing a female bus and train driver and how nature is integrated in the story and illustration. I also liked the empowering title of the story for children and that the only adults in the book are the adults who are driving the vehicles for the children to enjoy.
This story is a nice introduction to poetic verse and a good addition to a vehicle collection of books as it brings a playful and creative dimension.
A discussion could be held about why the bus is for children. Is it because it is an open top bus, or another reason?
My grandson chose this book from a selection of books offered, not surprising since he loves buses, especially yellow ones! The title and picture captured his attention from the start, which is not easy with books. His attention wavered in places but returned at times when I pointed out other relatable pictures such as the moon, sun, cloud, and the faces on them.
The illustration is whimsical on some pages, with beautiful swirly brush strokes and muted colours, yet quite architectural in style on other pages. This, combined with a poetic verse really helps to evoke the imagination about all things that move and not just vehicles.
I enjoyed the diversity of the children reflected in this book, as well as seeing a female bus and train driver and how nature is integrated in the story and illustration. I also liked the empowering title of the story for children and that the only adults in the book are the adults who are driving the vehicles for the children to enjoy.
This story is a nice introduction to poetic verse and a good addition to a vehicle collection of books as it brings a playful and creative dimension.
A discussion could be held about why the bus is for children. Is it because it is an open top bus, or another reason?
October 30, 2022
One of 18 m/o Bud’s absolute favourites. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and there are so many points of interest to spot and talk about. Bud likes to point out the windmill, dog, balloon, cloud, and different parts of the bus. A lovely story of inclusion and exploring lots of real and abstract modes of transport. Also it is a lovely to see children of a variety of races and cultures expressed here.
There is an air of socialist propaganda about it- which isn’t bad, but there are not so subtle implications that other modes of transport aren’t good. I love that it promotes the bus, but this isn’t an option for everyone- in some areas, including ours, trains/ cars are more practical and consistently used, so this seems a little extreme. Also in some countries with lots of snow, a sleigh may be a more practical choice so seems a little culturally insensitive to imply that a bus is ALWAYS best. Also the reg plate of the car reads YR2APY - You’re too happy?- seems critical of privilege perhaps.
Overall loved the book, and is one that started as a library copy and then we bought a preloved one as it was so popular. We love it and will continue to read it for years to come.
There is an air of socialist propaganda about it- which isn’t bad, but there are not so subtle implications that other modes of transport aren’t good. I love that it promotes the bus, but this isn’t an option for everyone- in some areas, including ours, trains/ cars are more practical and consistently used, so this seems a little extreme. Also in some countries with lots of snow, a sleigh may be a more practical choice so seems a little culturally insensitive to imply that a bus is ALWAYS best. Also the reg plate of the car reads YR2APY - You’re too happy?- seems critical of privilege perhaps.
Overall loved the book, and is one that started as a library copy and then we bought a preloved one as it was so popular. We love it and will continue to read it for years to come.
May 8, 2018
This book has been a favourite of 23-month old little-AJ for quite many weeks until it is slowly replaced by some other vehicles-related books. This book has numerous favourite things of little-AJ: Bus, train, bike, balloon, horse, dog, and many children. The texts are short and easy to read, making this a really great bedtime book.
The little boy in the book talks about all the different kinds of transportations that he like: riding a bike, going out in a car, taking a train, riding a horse, floating in a boat, and even sitting on a cloud (if possible). These are undoubtedly fun ways to move around, but the boy thinks that "best is the bus, the bus is for us". I am thinking he must be referring to the school bus, a place that he can meet all his friends every morning, where he can sing and chat and laugh and enjoy himself with his peers. So yes, I can understand why the bus is the best, and why it is "for us".
The illustrations are colourful, clear, cute, and manage to attract attention of young kids. All in all, I think this is a very nice book.
Blog review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
The little boy in the book talks about all the different kinds of transportations that he like: riding a bike, going out in a car, taking a train, riding a horse, floating in a boat, and even sitting on a cloud (if possible). These are undoubtedly fun ways to move around, but the boy thinks that "best is the bus, the bus is for us". I am thinking he must be referring to the school bus, a place that he can meet all his friends every morning, where he can sing and chat and laugh and enjoy himself with his peers. So yes, I can understand why the bus is the best, and why it is "for us".
The illustrations are colourful, clear, cute, and manage to attract attention of young kids. All in all, I think this is a very nice book.
Blog review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...
July 5, 2021
Very fun. The emphasis here, I see, is on the egalitarian-ism of the system; the characters riding are diverse. However, the message is still a little too subtle imo, and it would have been more effective if sometimes, or at least on the last page, the word 'all' was added. "The Bus is for All of Us" would make the book more interesting & effective, especially for busy families working their way through a stack of library books.
I notice other reviewers aren't sure of the theme or think it has something to with the idea that the bus is the best/ most fun choice. That's cool too.
I notice other reviewers aren't sure of the theme or think it has something to with the idea that the bus is the best/ most fun choice. That's cool too.
March 22, 2018
There are lots of ways to get around
Depending on your mood
But the bus holds a special place in everyone's heart
Come on, get ready, the bus is going to start!
Great book for curing the bus blues!
Depending on your mood
But the bus holds a special place in everyone's heart
Come on, get ready, the bus is going to start!
Great book for curing the bus blues!
June 10, 2017
Good rhyming. Lots of travel images.
November 4, 2017
Great for older toddlers/preschoolers. Cute rhymes, good illustrations.
July 30, 2018
A sweet rhyming tale of how to get around and the bus being the best for everyone.
January 15, 2019
Great for storytime
September 17, 2019
Preschool story time 9-17-19
December 7, 2019
I enjoy having so many different examples of transportation in one book. I just wish that the author explained a little as to why the bus was the best.
October 1, 2020
Rhyming, vocabulary, illustrations, building on concepts.
November 18, 2021
I don’t get it.
Read
July 18, 2023Turn/Level: 2/2
Buses, Vehicles (Real & Imaginary)
Buses, Vehicles (Real & Imaginary)
August 18, 2023
A good book overall, but it is awkward for a read aloud to a group.
February 14, 2024
this book is AMAZING. a kiddo who uses public transportation regularly was delighted to read this!
books-i-have-read-to-eleanor
November 23, 2025She LOVES this book. Don't know what it is about it. she's even using US sounds all throughout her babbling since we read it. she brings it to me about three times a day to hear it. a true favourite.
February 15, 2017
Cute rhyming book about different kinds of transportation with the refrain "the bus is for us"!
April 27, 2015
As most parents know, children adore things that move. This picture book celebrates that fondness for movement through rhythmic text and imaginative possibilities for travel, including a sleigh ride, a hot air balloon journey, or even atop a horse or a bear. But there really is nothing quite as delightful--at least from the point of view of a child--than a bus trip. The watercolor illustrations and the text invite young readers to join in as the youngsters celebrate the joys of riding on a bus, especially one just "for us" (unpaged). Personally, I have long ago become disenchanted with bus travel, but this book almost--almost--makes me want to climb on board one more time. The youngsters look as though they are having so much fun just riding the vehicle and hanging with each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews