The Cars and Trucks Book

October 1, 2018
Comfort and care take a momentary hiatus as premier bibliotherapist Parr tackles a whole new world of vehicular options.Parr opts for standard preschool fare with his pretty paean to cool trucks and cars (but mostly trucks) everywhere. His signature style, combining bright, peppy colors and thick black lines, is an apt fit for the goofy array of at least semisentient trucks on display. Readers are repeatedly informed what it is that cars and trucks "LOVE" ("to be on the road," "to be clean," "to help people," and "to say good night"). Seemingly unwilling to abandon his sense of responsibility for the well-being of the world entirely, Parr includes a note at the end that encourages readers to use buses or bikes too as well as an oddly adult list of nine tips for safe driving. In addition to Parr's customarily offbeat color scheme, there's a bit of an edge to this outing, making it an oddly refreshing read. Whether it's the distinctly pointy teeth on the monster and ski-patrol trucks, the pizza truck that advertises itself as "Home of the Stinky Pot Pie" (its proprietor is a skunk), or the free-flying tighty whities and other undies on the top of a laundry truck, there's much here to amuse both younger and older vehicle fans.A book that will encourage even the youngest of fans to keep on truckin'. (Picture book. 3-6)

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December 15, 2018
Preschool-K Four-wheel fans, rejoice! Here's a book that features a full complement of cars and trucks, shown off with plenty of fun and fantastic moments. It's a busy day on the road, with automotives fast and slow. Some pages are filled with vehicles, others showcase just one. Spreads might contrast (a tractor in the country, a backhoe in the city) or compare (a cat driving a dog-grooming truck, a dog driving a hot dog truck; a ski-rescue car in the snow, a convertible at the beach). Parr's artwork is so kid-friendly, it has the look of drawings children might do themselves. Characters and objects are outlined in heavy black and then photoshopped with pure, rich colors. The final pages remind readers that, while cars and trucks are helpful, it's also good to take the bus or ride a bike; safety rules for safe drivers include "Wear safety belts" and "Never bark, growl, or hiss at anyone." Add this to the wheelie shelf.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
Parr, unofficial ambassador of Good-Samaritan books (e.g., It's Okay to Be Different), brings his stamp to the world of transportation: "Some trucks wash dirty dogs. / Some trucks serve hot dogs. / All cars and trucks LOVE to help people." As always, Parr's full-wattage cartoony art is a goody bag for the eyeballs.

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