Load 'Em Up Trucks

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes novels for preteens; her latest books are
Jessa Be Nimble, Rebel Be Quick; Raven’s Revenge; and Tarragon Island.

Intended for preschoolers, this picture book focuses on trucks that, in
one way or another, haul loads. The simple text leans heavily on sound
words (“rumble, rattle, ROAR!”) and unusual verbs (“cement swirls
and whirls” and “a gooseneck trailer squats close to the ground”)
that have been tossed in to liven it up. There is no story, per se,
rather a series of trucks is presented along with flat watercolor
illustrations.

The artwork is neither realistic (some of the trucks are very
distorted) nor particularly imaginative (with the exception, perhaps, of
some of the color choices; in a couple of cases, the artist chose to
depict the vehicles in shades of pink and purple). The result is a
collection of illustrations that neither provides details craved by
truck lovers nor transcends the ideas presented in the text.

The book’s strongest aspect is the variety of trucks
presented—forklifts, tow trucks, ice cream trucks, a moving van, dump
trucks, transporters, flatbeds, and cement mixers. Despite its
shortcomings, the book will likely appeal to young truck fans. An
introduction offers suggestions to parents on how best to use it (“you
can talk about what’s big and what’s little, what’s empty and
what’s full”). Not recommended.