Five Trucks

My son has just turned two years old, and has recently been evaluated by Early Intervention for a possible speech delay. I checked this book out of the library since he is a real boys boy and loves CARS and trucks. Before this book however he had never said the word TRUCK, but now he says Truck (well....."Kuck" really) and it has become a favorite book of his. We have gotten him his own copy to cherish (it goes everywhere with...except the tub!) It was such a joy to hear him start to use new words and am crediting this book and Mr. Floca for inspiring him. I enjoy this book myself, it is a treat to have a book about trucks in which the illustrations are these lovely watercolor pictures as opposed to the more harsh illustrations usually in truck books. I have just one son but suspect that this book would be enjoyed by girls as well as boys and I really appreciate the fact that two of the five drivers are women!! THANK YOU MR. FLOCA!!!

This book is thoughtfully structured and illustrated. It is light on text but it unfolds a story nevertheless (and parents and children can add their own words and observations). Unlike some airport-themed books, it strives for recognizable accuracy. The illustrations are simple but not simplistic and cartoonish. If your child is a real truck connoisseur like mine, you will appreciate that the trucks themselves are faithfully represented and labeled, and their drivers look like real people (complete with their morning coffee and donuts).

I shared this book with a young friend, to watch his reaction as the story unfolds. It's supurb! The opening spread of a man and a boy hauling a heavy suitcase provided the first clue to what the "five drivers for five trucks" did every day. The drivers' teamwork, their varied genders and ethnicity, and the care taken in getting the airplane serviced and ready to fly are all well illustrated. Youngsters who have flown or visited airports will especially enjoy this book, and it would be a great addition to carry-on baggage for parents of younger children.