I'm Cool!

K-Gr 2--Our story begins with a sports commentator narrating a hockey game. A player trips on the rough ice, and a Zamboni has 18 minutes "to do his thing." Can he do it? Readers who've read any of the McMullans' odes to big rigs, like I'm Mighty! (2003) and I Stink! (2002, both HarperCollins), will already know the answer. Our hero takes the stage, stating, "Chill, Big Talker. I've got what it takes to go the job. "Cause I'm a blade-packing, ice-shaving, snow-eating, water-spraying, slush-slurping, towel-dragging triple-tank truck. Yup." He smooths the ice, and the game continues. "Coolest job in the world, right here, baby." The colorful, grinning Zamboni is whimsical but also informative, as he boasts about the blade and augers that make the job possible. VERDICT The authors are clearly still having fun with this format, and their young fans will, too.--Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

"I'm a blade-packing, ice-shaving, snow-eating, water-spraying, slush-slurping, towel-dragging, triple-tank truck," boasts the McMullans' latest big-talking picture-book hero, a Zamboni machine. "How do I do it? Crank up your x-ray vision and I'll show ya how," the truck continues as readers see cutaway views of the blades, augers, paddles, and spray tubes that help get the job done. Between sound effects, a cranky arena announcer, and the Zamboni's wise-guy narration ("Shazamboni, baby. That's right"), read-aloud sessions should be as smooth as ice. Ages 4-8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Oct.)