Written by Chris Barton, Illustrated by Troy Cummings
This is a fantastic book about an adventurous truck and his friends! The combination of Chris’ writing and Troy’s artwork makes for an amazingly fun journey. What a wonderful thing that they were able to collaborate on this book.
Our hero, the muddy truck Clarence, is scolded by his boss Hattie for being such a mess. Clarence had wanted to go out for donuts with his friend Bruno, but goes to get cleaned up instead. Once he is cleaned up his friends don’t recognize him. Some of them are in trouble though and Clarence helps them out. Since they don’t recognize Clarence they call him “Mighty Truck.” Now “Mighty Truck” is out to rescue others in need. So Clarence is really a superhero in disguise. When I read this to my second-grade students and they cheered and clapped for the characters and events.
There are some great text features, wonderful pictures and interesting vocabulary for young children. The cat’s name is “Throttle,” and an old station wagon is “Mr. Dent.” There is that type of humor, but also some really appropriate use of current word usage such as “Major thanks, dude!” The anthropomorphic trucks, helicopters and other vehicles feel friendly and relatable. The expressions on the vehicle faces are great. When Bruno gets bumped too hard the reader can follow his path visually with the dotted line, and then in the text that curves around by the arc. This is sure to be a favorite book with a lot of families.
Review by Cheryl Baker, Teacher, Mill Creek Elementary
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Author Website: http://www.chrisbarton.info/
Illustrator Website: http://www.troycummings.net/
Mighty Truck
Written by Chris Barton, Illustrated by Troy Cummings
Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
x pages
Release Date: March 29, 2016
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
