Tag: vehicles

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

More Construction Fun with Pigs Dig a Road

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Pigs Dig a Road, by Carrie Finison/Illustrated by Brian Biggs, (Sept. 2024, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers), $19.99, ISBN: 9781984816542

Ages 3-7

A construction crew is getting ready to build a new road to the Hamshire County Fair. Headed up by Rosie, the crew chief, this crew of pigs is ready to work, but they can’t seem to get things quite right and rely on Rosie to fix things. But Rosie’s exhausted, and needs some help to pull it all off before the fair begins. It’s time for the rest of the team to pull together and get the road done on time! Finison’s lively rhyming text is fun with cheerful, while Brian Biggs created loads of sight gags to keep listeners giggling and invested. Teamwork is the heart of the story here and Finison shows readers that teams work best when everyone has a say. Vehicle fans will love the parade of excavators, dump trucks, pavers, and other machines trundling through each spread. Boldly outlined and brightly colored, the pigs and their surroundings will lift spirits and the expressive characters will keep readers smiling as listen to Rosie attempt to rally her crew: “Curly, Pinky—helmets, please!
Stinky, stick your feet in these.” Endpapers show a variety of pigs at the wheels of different machines. A win for storytime and for picture book collections, and a great first purchase.

Visit Carrie Finison’s webpage to sign up for her newsletter and learn more about her books. Visit Brian Biggs’s website to see more of his illustration work and learn more about his books.

 

Posted in Intermediate, Non-Fiction, picture books

Colossal vehicles keep the world moving

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Colossal: Heavyweights of the Vehicle Universe, by Stéphane Frattini/Illustrated by Studio Muti, (Aug. 2024, Twirl Books), $19.99, ISBN: 9782408052478

Ages 5-8

Learn about the world’s largest vehicles and machines in this oversized book filled with facts and figures. There are 28 different machines included in here, including Cadillac One, trusted with carrying the President of the United States, Bagger 293, an excavator and heaviest land vehicle, and the International Space Station. Detailed illustrations are accompanied by interesting, easy-to-read facts and diagrams to show scale and detail. Did you know that Bigfoot 5, the biggest monster truck, weighs about the same as two elephants Or that a cruise ship like Harmony of the Seas has 18 decks, a helipad, and 20 restaurants, cafes, and snack bars? Colorful drawings feature cross-sections to show interior areas like the inside of a passenger airliner and spacecraft crew module, and readers will be amazed scaled illustrations that show a tractor and 30 cars weighing the same thing on a scale. An exciting addition to elementary nonfiction collections.

Colossal is the companion to Incredible: Stars of the Plant World by Benjamin Flouw and Spectacular: Miracles of Nature by Philippe Nessmann and Alex Asfour.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Uncategorized

The Digger and the Dark is ready for bed… maybe

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Digger and the Dark, by Joseph Kuefler, (June 2024, Balzer + Bray), $19.99, ISBN: 9780063237933

Ages 3-7

A group of trucks are all ready for bed after a busy day, but a playful group of raccoons have other plans. Surely they can play for a minute, right? The latest book in Kuefler’s Digger series is a cheerful wink to kids who want to play “for one more minute” at bedtime. Digger and friends indulge the raccoons, only to be exhausted the next day; when it’s time for sleep again, though, the raccoons reappear, ready to play. The trucks can’t keep up this momentum, and even poor Digger is “delirious”, declaring “I am ready to play… I am wide awake!” Thankfully, the raccoons see the other trucks asleep and help Digger get ready for a good night’s sleep… “just for a minute”. The story is charming, with short sentences that work great for emerging readers and readalouds. Parents and kids alike will relate to both the trucks and the raccoons: trying to keep up with a nonstop, energetic playmate and the manic frenzy that kicks in when one is overtired is familiar on both sides of the aisle. Kuefler has a deep blue background to denote the nighttime, and the primary colors of the trucks pop against the background, as do the gray and black raccoons, who manage to be here, there, and everywhere on each vehicle. An adorable bedtime story that will enchant truck fans.

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Toddler Reads

Zoom off to bedtime with Sleep Little Dozer

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Sleep, Little Dozer, by Diana Murray/Illustrated by Cleonique Hilsaca, (June 20245, Random House), $18.99, ISBN: 9780593119044

Ages 2-6

It’s been a full day for Little Dozer, but when Papa tells him, “Let’s roll! Time for bed!”, Dozer is concerned: Mama is working late! How will Dozer fall asleep? No worries: Papa knows the routine. This sweet rhyming bedtime story is just what a child needs when a parent is working late or traveling and another parent – maybe not the usual parent or caregiver – is left to handle bedtime. Papa Dozer is a large bulldozer with a bushy mustache; Little Dozer is a tiny bulldozer. The vehicles all have bold, friendly expressions and colors are soft, gentle, wonderful for bedtime. Much of the story is Papa’s bedtime rhyme, which Little Dozer chimes in on; it’s relatable to kids who have their bedtime routines down pat. Visions of numbered jeeps fill in for a human child’s “counting sheep”, and various vehicles bed down for the night as Dozer struggles with anxiety over not being able to sleep without Mom. Endpapers show truck-shaped clouds against a night sky. A very cute and comforting story that vehicle fans will ask for at bedtime, and a good addition to collections.

Pair with Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Steam Train Dream Train, both by Sherri Duskey Rinker, for a fun pajama storytime.

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Wheels and Springs and Moving Things: School of Monsters talk work

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Wheels and Springs and Moving Things!, by Sally Rippin/Illustrated by Chris Kennett, (May 2024, Kane Miller), $12.99, ISBN: 9781684649211

The Australian School of Monsters chapter book series arrives on American shores with a rhyming picture book/seek-and-find adventure. Each character in Wheels and Springs and Moving Things! introduces readers to a member of their family, offering rhyming clues to their jobs: can you figure out what they do? Spreads alternate between clues and a solution, featuring the occupation and related vocabulary. Frank’s Dad, for instance, is a farmer: clues include “My dad digs the earth to plant seedlings and trees, / which grow into homes for the birds and the bees”. The following spread shows Frank and his father in a tractor and trailer; Frank exclaims, “He’s a farmer!” and readers are treated to a spread filled with farm-related vehicles and equipment, all labeled for expanding vocabularies. The monsters are adorably kid-friendly, colorful, and sport cheery expressions. Additional activities, including seek-and-find challenges, await readers at the end of the story. Endpapers sport bats with different occupations fluttering about: one wears an astronaut’s helmet; another carries a letter. It’s a fun addition to collections where Where’s Waldo and other seek-and-find books do well.

Author Sally Rippin’s website includes a School of Monsters activity pack and parent pack, available for free. Publisher Kane Miller also has a special page dedicated to Rippin, a 2024-2025 Australian Children’s Laureate!

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Toddler Reads

Taxi, Go is a rhyming run through town

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Taxi, Go!, by Patricia Toht/Illustrated by Maria Karipidou, (Feb. 2024, Candlewick Press), $17.99, ISBN: 9781536231533

Ages 2-5

An adorable, big-eyed taxi has a busy day ahead in this sweet rhyming story. Waking up and driving to the heart of town, Taxi picks up fares and drops them off at all sorts of places, from a business meetings to shops to concerts. The last fare of the day is a family coming home from a trip; Taxi picks them up at the airport and drops them off at home before heading back to the depot for a good night’s sleep. The story brings readers through a busy little town and touches on street safety and stopping for emergencies. An inclusive, diverse group of characters provide a welcoming feel. The colorful and cheery digital illustrations are eye-catching, with a bright red taxi sporting wide eyes and a smile; human characters have similar big-eyed, friendly expressions. A generous palette of reds and yellows add energetic flow, and there is a lot of movement in the book: Taxi is always on the move; dogs’ tails cheerfully wag; people hail Taxi and move through a bustling town. Vehicle books are always popular in my library, and this will be another entertaining read for storytimes. A good addition.

 

Posted in Early Reader, Fiction, Preschool Reads

Tow on the Go!: A fun Easy Reader series to watch

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

It’s always a good day when I get to review Easy Readers! They’re so much fun, I can still read (most of) them at storytime, and I hardly get to review them. This new series, Tow on the Go!, is part of the Ready-to-Read series, and is all about vehicles – which, as I’ve said in the past, is an insta-win with my Corona Kids.

Tow on the Go! The Mambo Rescue!, by Patricia Lakin/Illustrated by Chiara Galletti, (Aug. 2023, Simon Spotlight), $4.99, ISBN: 9781665920063

Ages 4-6

Tow Truck Mo is a happy yellow tow truck who’s ready to pull his friends out of a jam – just give him a sec to play mambo music, because mambo makes Mo go! In this first Tow on the Go! adventure, Mo zooms through the snow to help 10 cars who have gotten stuck. How does he do it? Mambo, baby! Once he gets his friends grooving to the mambo beat, they’re able to get moving… right out of the snow. Adorable rhymes make this a great readaloud, with lines like “Mambo music does the trick. / It will free you super quick!” This is a great excuse to get the kidlings up and moving during storytime, too. Happy anthropomorphic trucks sport bright colors and big expressions; Mo is a happy tow truck ready to help. Large font helps emerging readers get the hang of reading and recognizing loads of sight words.

 

 

Tow on the Go! The Splish-Splash Puddle Dance!, by Patricia Lakin/Illustrated by Chiara Galletti, (Dec. 2023, Simon Spotlight), $4.99, ISBN: 9781665920094

Ages 4-6

The more recent Tow on the Go! book has a new character: Race Car Ro is having a great time splish-splashing in puddles after the rain, but he accidentally gets stuck in a hole and needs some help: it’s Mo to the rescue once again! What happens when Ro is too ticklish for Mo’s hook and his lasso won’t catch? Time to mambo free! This sweet series is all about looking on the bright side, and finding new solutions: “Can you mambo just like me? Dancing just might set you free!” Friendly-faced, bright cars and rhyme make these a delight to read out loud and gets kids – and grownups – moving. I hope readers get to meet more cars and trucks as Mo dances a mambo through more books.

 

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Concept Book Party!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

I love filling up the Concept book section at my library. They’re such fun ways for little learners to explore the ABCs, 123s, colors, opposites… all of the foundational learning. I’ve got some new (and new-ish) concept books here for you to enjoy. Dive in!

Some of These are Snails, by Carter Higgins, (May 2023, Chronicle Books), $15.99, ISBN: 9781797220185

Ages 2-4

I love a Carter Higgins book. Her 2021 book Circle Under Berry played with shapes and colors, and concepts of proximity in a charming, fun way; he’s back with Some of These are Snails, which promises more rhyming, concept fun. Now we’re learning to sort: Higgins introduces colorful animals and shapes, inviting learners to sort them out: “Can you sort by color? / Can you sort by size? / Can you sort by shape or find the animals with eyes?” Higgins also works with size, putting three shapes together to demonstrate how some are bigger than others, reinforcing which shape is which for reference: “big bigger biggest / owl square purple / small smaller smallest / orange turtle circle”. It’s fun to read, fun to listen to, and the brightly colored collage artwork will keep everyone’s attention (and makes for a fun after-program craft: get paper plates and tissue paper!). There are so many ways to read this story during a readaloud: audience participation, felt boards, cutout shapes, shakers to invite readers to chime in when looking for “animals with eyes” or bees versus ovals. Absolute fun and proof that learning is delightful. Visit Carter Higgins’s author webpage for free companion resources to her books, including Some of These Are Snails.

Some of These are Snails has a starred review from Booklist.

 

1, 2, 3, Do the Robot, by Michelle Robinson/Illustrated by Rosalind Bearshaw, (Aug. 2023, Kane Miller), $13.99, ISBN: 9781684645664

Ages 2-6

This STEM/STEAM focused rhyming adventures stars a a young inventor named Layla, who creates a robot friend. The two create other robots, spend some time tinkering, and throw a robot dance party that will have readers dancing in their seats during a readaloud (or, if you’re like me, get them up and dance). I love a good tinkering story (add The Most Magnificent Thing, Izzy Gizmo, Geraldine, and the Questioneers series for a STEAM-tastic display and readaloud). Layla is a brown-skinned girl wearing an orange jumpsuit and green pompoms on her head – who says science can’t be fun? The rhyme scheme is playful and consistent, making for a fun readaloud; the robots are adorable and look like they’ve been tinkered from items around the house, like a colander and springs. Layla’s room is full of fun details: toys mix with science tools like beakers, yarn, a sewing machine, tape, test tubes, and measuring tape. Fun for early STEAM clubs! 1, 2, 3 do the Robot teaches STEAM concepts and is the companion to Robinson and Beardshaw’s 1, 2, 3 Do the Dinosaur (2020) and 1, 2, 3, do the Shark (2021).

 

Tow Truck 1, 2, 3, by Eric Ode/Illustrated by Ken Culotta, (Aug. 2023, Kane Miller), $14.99, ISBN: 9781684645541

Ages 3-7

Three friendly tow trucks save the day in this fun rhyming story that teaches color concepts. Each tow truck has a different color, size, and function; they work together to help rescue other vehicles that need help. Truck One is a flatbed who can use her movable ramp to help a car stuck by a highway; Truck two has a hook and chain to pull a friend stuck in the mud. Truck Three also has a hook and chain, and is smaller than Trucks One and Two, giving them passage to smaller spots and able to rescue a friend who’s gotten stuck in a hard-to-reach spot. Cars are colorful, with bright, primary colors, and with friendly, anthropomorphic faces. Endpapers show the cars heading out from the garage to start their day, and returning at the end of the day with the friends they’ve helped. The rhyme scheme makes for a good readaloud, and kids love car stories. A fun addition to collections where vehicle books, like those by Stephen Savage, Kate and Jim McMullan, and Sherri Duskey Rinker do well.

 

Posted in Intermediate, Non-Fiction

Do You Know: Boats and Water Transport and Musical Instruments

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Do You Know: Boats and Water Transport, by Laurence Muguet, (Apr. 2023, Twirl Books), $16.99, ISBN: 9782408042554

Ages 5-8

The most recent Do You Know? book in the Twirl series is a good summer reading choice: it’s all about boats and water transportation. Originally published in French in 2021, the English translation reads easily for intermediate readers and introduces them to all sorts of watercraft. Beginning with the basics: “What is a boat?”, informative text and labeled illustrations take readers through different kinds of watercraft and where they dock, including shipyards, ocean liners, and riverboats. Thought-provoking questions invite discussion. There is an easily searchable index, fun facts run throughout the book, and the writing is clear and easy to undertand. This a good purchase for intermediate nonfiction collections.  Originally published in France, Do You Know: Boats and Water Transport seamlessly translates into English.

 

 

Do You Know: Music and Musical Instruments, by Julie Delas, (Aug. 2023, Twirl Books), $16.99, ISBN: 9782408042530

Ages 5-8

The newest Do You Know? book is all about music and musical instruments, and is a fun and informative read. Originally published in French (2020), the translation is flawless and easy to read. Bright illustrations show a variety of people singing and playing instruments together. Music instruments and history cover a global scale, from medieval times to today’s popular music like rap and K-Pop; instruments featured include the Australian didgeridoo, Senegal’s kora, and the Inuit qilaut drum from Canada. The book covers jobs in music, venues, and dance, making this a helpful volume to have in your 700s. Fun facts, prompts for discussion, and review sections round this volume out. A full index makes for easy searching. This may be my favorite Do You Know? yet.

Posted in Uncategorized

Blog Tour: Jessie: Queen of the Road by Lindsay Ward

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Lindsay Ward is back with another great story about women, vehicles, and their roles in history. Take a look at Jessie: Queen of the Road!

Jessie: Queen of the Road, by Lindsay Ward, (Jan. 2023, Two Lions)
$17.99, ISBN: 9781542034227
Ages 4-8

Beginning in the early twentieth century, Jessie is a young motorcycle – the only female motorcycle – riding down New York’s Riverside Drive, shrugging off the gasps of “unladylike!” and “Impossible!” Her determination and drive (pun intentional) lead her to accomplishments like summiting Pike’s Peak and crossing the United States, but she’s still turned down for World War I service: she’s still female. No problem! Meeting other female motorcycles, she goes on long rides and performs in stunt shows until an injury sidelines her. A group of Rosie the Riveter-like women put her back together, and this time, she’s accepted for service in World War II, carrying secret messages and classified documents. After a lifetime of service, Jessie is free to drive wherever she wants, knowing she’s made her place in history.

Inspired by adventuring women like Bessie Stringfield and the Van Buren Sisters, Jessie embraces women’s role in motoring history, embodying the women who laughed off claims of being “unladylike” and went joy riding on bicycles (it was a scandal!) or – GASP – motorcycles.  Ward’s voice, told from Jessie’s point of view, is determined, steady, and strong, with the repetitive phrase “Fast and strong, I won’t be slowed! In rain for shine, I’ll forge my road” sending a positive, powerful message to readers. Mixed media illustrations move from color illustration to black and white photos, giving readers a sense of history; Ward beautifully captures the time shift from the 1910s to post-War America, the wonders of a cross-country road trip, and the excitement of a stunt show. Back matter includes an author’s note, a timeline of women and riding, and more resources for further reading.

I can’t wait to see what other vehicles are waiting to tell Lindsay Ward their stories.

 

“A spunky tribute to early twentieth-century female adventurers.” —Booklist

Lindsay Ward is the creator of the Dexter T. Rexter series as well as Rosie: Stronger than Steel, Between the Lines, This Book Is Gray, Brobarians, Rosco vs. the Baby, and The Importance of Being 3. Her book Please Bring Balloons was also made into a play. Lindsay lives with her family in Peninsula, Ohio. Learn more about her online at www.lindsaymward.com.

Twitter: @lindsaymward
Instagram: lindsaymward