Author: Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
Author Alice Schertle may not have the name recognition like a Mo Willems or a Sandra Boynton, but the Little Blue Truck has quickly become one of the most popular series for children. There are board books for the littlest kiddos, picture books for the older kiddos, and holiday-themed ones for the whole range. Little Blue Truck: Makes a Friend is the newest addition to the series, having been published this September.
The story begins when the farm animals notice that someone new has moved in on the farm. They immediately start wondering if it is like any of them. Does it have hooves like Horse or wool like Sheep? Can it float like Duck or jump like Goat? When the animals discover it isn’t like any of them, they immediately get frightened and go hide away. But not Blue and Toad – they welcome Chuck and invite him into their friend group. Chuck is so relieved that they stopped by, and the other animals immediately come say hello once they see that Chuck isn’t scary at all. The book ends as the whole group, including Chuck, jumps in Blue for a ride around the farm together.
This book is wonderful for multiple reasons. The simple, snappy rhyming pattern on each page makes it a perfect pick for a storytime read-aloud, and kids can practice what sound each animal makes from the repetition throughout. Most importantly, it has a really good message on kindness and acceptance, as well as leadership. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for a youngster aged 4-7, you certainly can’t go wrong with Little Blue Truck: Makes a Friend.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Little Blue Truck: Makes a Friend today!
