If you or your little one loves Mo Willems’ classic children’s book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, why not bring the beloved character to life with a fun and easy DIY Pigeon Costume? This homemade pigeon costume is perfect for book character days, Halloween, or just for some imaginative play!
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About the Pigeon Books
Mo Willems’ Pigeon series, starting with Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, has captured the hearts of children and parents alike with its humor, expressive illustrations, and engaging storytelling. Other books in the series include The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!, The Pigeon Needs a Bath!, and The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!. Each book features the mischievous and determined pigeon trying to get what he wants—whether it’s staying up late, driving a bus, or avoiding a bath—all with hilarious results. These books are fantastic for teaching kids about emotions, persuasive language, and decision-making.
If you have a little Pigeon lover at home and you’re in search of an easy, last-minute Halloween, character parade, of dress up costume, this DIY is perfect for you and your Pigeon lover! Most of the materials can be found on Amazon, Walmart, and Dollar Tree.
The best thing about this DIY Pigeon Costume is that there is NO SEWING!
For those who prefer an easier, no-sew approach like myself , here are some tips for creating costumes without a needle and thread:
Fabric Glue & Velcro: Use fabric glue or Velcro strips to attach costume details securely.
Hot Glue Magic: A hot glue gun is perfect for attaching felt, foam, and other materials quickly.
Iron-On Adhesive: Fusible webbing or iron-on adhesive sheets can help attach fabric pieces without sewing.
Clip-On Accessories: Use safety pins, paper clips, or binder clips to attach costume elements temporarily.
Simple Base Outfits: Start with solid-colored hoodies, leggings, or pajamas and add accessories to create a costume with minimal effort.
When my son was 4 years old, he loved Mo Willems’ Pigeon books, so when he decided that he wanted to dress as the Pigeon from his favorite book series, I thought I’d just do a quick Amazon search for this particular costume. But, no results. There are no pre-made, ready-to-order Pigeon costumes anywhere except Etsy for $100! No thanks.
Instead, I did some Pinterest research, gathered some materials I already had, bought a turquoise hooded zip-up sweater, and got to work. This DIY Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Halloween Costume also worked perfectly for my son’s literacy day at school and Halloween. Can’t beat 2 costumes for the price of one!
In this blog post, you’ll find a tutorial for a DIY Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Costume
DIY Pigeon Costume
Supplies Needed for DIY Pigeon Costume:
2 Sheets of Turquoise Felt (9”x12”)
2 Sheets of White Felt (9”x12”)
1 Sheet of Black Felt (9”x12”)
1 Sheet of Yellow Felt (9”x12”)
Small Safety Pins (Dollar Tree or Walmart)
Amazon Hot Glue Gun OR My Favorite Ryobi Hot Glue Gun
Double-Sided Fabric Tape (Dritz brand from Walmart)
Tissues (Dollar Tree)
DIY Pigeon Costume Tutorial
Eyes: Using a permanent marker, draw two 4” circles onto the white felt. Cut the circles out around the outside edges so the black edges are showing once they’re both cut out. Next, draw a black circle for the iris inside each eye (about 1” in diameter). Attach each eye to the sides of the hood (towards the top, near the seam) with double-stick fabric tape.
Collar: Cut two strips of black felt each 3” x 12” long. Next cut two strips of white felt 2.5” x 12” long. Glue each white strip to the center of each black strip and then glue the completed pieces together to make 1 long strip. Using double-stick fabric tape, attach the strip to the base of the hood. Cut off any access.
Beak: Draw 2 triangles on the yellow felt (3”-6”). Glue two sides together and then stuff with tissue paper or Kleenex. Seal the remaining side with glue and then attach the beak to the under part of the hood (at the center).
Wings: Draw two D shapes that are the same length as the armpit of the sweater to the sleeve. Attach the wings with 3 safety pins or sew them on for added support.
Bonus Tips
For extra fun, make a small bus prop out of a cardboard box to carry around as a playful reference to the book.
Practice your best pigeon plea: “C’mon! Just once around the block?”
Free Pigeon Activities
Check out the Mo Willems Workshop for some fun Pigeon activities that include free drawing pages, finger puppets, and more!
More Book Inspired DIY Kids’ Costumes
If you’re feeling inspired, here are some other fun and easy book inspired DIY costumes to make:
Elephant & Piggie Costumes – Dress up as another Mo Willems duo with simple gray and pink outfits with felt accessories.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Use green fabric or a hoodie with fabric spots for an instantly recognizable look.
Pete the Cat – A blue hoodie, yellow shoes, and cool sunglasses can easily transform your child into this groovy character.
Max from Where the Wild Things Are – A white onesie and a homemade crown create an adorable Max costume.
Olivia the Pig – A red dress, striped tights, and pig ears made with a headband and pink felt make for a cute Olivia costume.
Peppa the Pig– a red dress, pink tights, and pig ears made with a headband and pink felt.
This DIY Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! costume is simple, inexpensive, and absolutely delightful. Whether you’re making for a school event, trick-or-treating, or a themed party, you’re sure to get plenty of smiles and laughs. Happy crafting!
Have you tried making this DIY Pigeon Costume? Share your thoughts and pics in the comments below.
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Hi! I’m Meagan and I’m a 41 year old mom of a high energy almost 9 year old, happily navigating my way through the little boy years. I’ve been married for 14 years. I met my husband over 20 years ago in high school; we got married 10 years later after graduating from the University of South Florida. I currently help run a family business with my parents while blogging about my life and love of DIY projects!
When I’m not at a kids sports game, I enjoy spending time with my family on a beach anywhere. I also love decorating and organizing, fun DIY projects, bargain shopping, and eating out or in! I also love Barbecue anything and a good show or movie on Netflix.
What an easy costume! My son saw this picture and decided to be pigeon a few weeks ago. The hardest part was finding a hoodie in the right color and felt to match, but mission accomplished and now he can’t wait to show friends and family. Thanks for all of the easy tips and tricks. I misplaced my hot glue gun but Fabri-Tac worked just great. Thanks so much for posting!
I think (but could be wrong) that the measurements for the white and black strips should be reversed. I ended up with white bordered black felt.
The instructions for the collar are confusing
I think that you have the measurements for the black and white strips are reversed because it didn’t work I had to improvise. Unfortunately, I read one of the comments after the fact that agreed with me … I had to do some quick thinking, but it all turned out.
Thank you!! You’re right…I changed it so that it’s correct!
My kindergartener has “dress as a book character” day and asked to be the pigeon. The fact that this is no sew AND you linked all the supplies, you made my life so much easier lol!
He is so excited for his costume, thank you!
I’m so glad this worked for you! This costume has been one of my favorites to make!