Takes credit away from the human bus drivers, who deserve a book of their own.
As Adam Rex and Christian Robinson’s School’s First Day of School (2016) gave readers a school building’s point of view, the McMullans now give kids a peek inside the mind of a school bus.
This bus is bold and in-your-face, trying almost too hard to be cool; it’s a persona that slightly clashes with the bus’ sway back, toothy grille grin, and huge windshield eyes. “Who am I? / Smarter than a rocket scientist, / More powerful than a monster truck, / able to halt traffic with the flick of a switch.” This bus only has three stops (shown on an aerial view of the town), so riders board in long lines. Other than noting that cars have to slow down for the bus’s amber flashing lights and stop for the red ones (or else get a ticket, as one speeding auto does), there are no safety rules here. The bus does have to wait its turn to get by a construction area, and it keeps the kids from getting rowdy by asking them questions: a raised hand signals yes. Another staple of bus riding gets a spread: going over a bump. In Jim McMullan’s watercolor illustration, the bus is shown in profile with the side removed, and the kids are hovering above their seats, motion lines showing the bounce and smiles on their faces. All in all, this feels like a pale dilution of the creators’ zippy first in this series, I Stink! (2002).
Takes credit away from the human bus drivers, who deserve a book of their own. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: June 1, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-06-244923-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 14, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2017
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share.
In this latest in the series, Little Blue Truck, driven by pal Toad, is challenged to a countryside race by Racer Red, a sleek, low-slung vehicle.
Blue agrees, and the race is on. Although the two start off “hood to hood / and wheel to wheel,” they switch positions often as they speed their way over dusty country roads. Blue’s farm friends follow along to share in the excitement and shout out encouragement; adult readers will have fun voicing the various animal sounds. Short rhyming verses on each page and several strategic page turns add drama to the narrative, but soft, mottled effects in the otherwise colorful illustrations keep the competition from becoming too intense. Racer Red crosses the finish line first, but Blue is a gracious loser, happy to have worked hard. That’s a new concept for Racer Red, who’s laser-focused on victory but takes Blue’s words (“win or lose, it’s fun to try!”) to heart—a revelation that may lead to worthwhile storytime discussions. When Blue’s farm animal friends hop into the truck for the ride home, Racer Red tags along and learns a second lesson, one about speed. “Fast is fun, / and slow is too, / as long as you’re / with friends.”
A friendship tale with solid messaging and plenty of fun sounds to share. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 25, 2025
ISBN: 9780063387843
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clarion/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 18, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true.
Dedication and determination are everything.
Gabriel, an old elephant who lives by the sea, reminisces about visiting a lifeboat as a youngster. He loved watching the crew ready it to rescue sailors and enjoyed listening to them sing sea shanties. He longed to be so brave! When Gabriel asked to join them, they told him to return when he was older and stronger. Gabriel read about storms and sea rescues and practiced rowing. He grew older, stronger, and BIGGER. By the time he returned to the crew, Gabriel had unfortunately grown too large to fit into the boat. More intent than ever, Gabriel constructed his own vessel, singing mightily. Meanwhile, the fishing fleet set out, then ran into big trouble when a strong gale hit. The regular lifeboat team couldn’t help. Guess who rescued the sailors safely with his own powerful vessel? In the end, everyone decided to build a larger craft to accommodate everyone. By turns thrilling and warmly reassuring, this story demonstrates that resolve—and inclusion—wins out; readers will cheer for Gabriel all the way. Sailing through the narrative are vigorous shanties readers might well join in on. Fitting his animal cast out in thick sweaters and raincoats, Vere brings the Cornish setting to life beautifully. Gabriel cuts an endearing figure in the lively illustrations, rendered in a limited palette of soft oranges, grays, and blues.
A charming winner about purpose, bravery, and making one’s dreams come true. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: May 7, 2024
ISBN: 9780525580904
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2024
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