How to Walk a Dump Truck (Bad Ideas Book Club)

PreS-Gr 1--A tongue-in-cheek comparison of puppies and dump trucks, this digitally illustrated romp details all the important steps in choosing a pet vehicle. A young boy spends time at the truck lot looking for one with "a twinkle in its headlights" and brings it home to let it drive around his living room and explore its new surroundings. He feeds it a can of gas and buys a special license plate tag and leash before taking it on a honk-filled stroll around the neighborhood. After a tiring day, the boy and his truck snuggle in for the night. The final page shows that resting up will be important because walking a grown-up dump truck is a big job. The story is followed by a humorous quiz about telling the difference between dogs and dump trucks. Catusanu's mixed media illustrations showcase all the vehicle paraphernalia young truck lovers will be looking for. Pearson's humorous comparisons will entertain adults and children, though they go on a tad too long and are belabored toward the end. VERDICT A fun choice for any child getting a new toy or puppy.--Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH

"Adopting a dump truck is a big responsibility"; fortunately, though, the comic team behind How to Eat an Airplane offers this no-nonsense manual. "Everyone knows that dump trucks make the best pets," a knowledgeable narrator intones, proceeding with practical advice on everything from finding a "forever truck" to selecting a leash to working through gratuitous noise ("If your dump truck honks too much, say 'No!' in a firm voice"). Also recommended: a trip to the truck park to play "Haul the Dirt." And when your truck's emotional tank is empty? Let it snuggle at the foot of the bed. Catusanu's attractive digital collages include photo elements and feature trucks with doglike mannerisms. Appended, an eight-question quiz--"Dog or Dump Truck?"-- reveals some surprising similarities between the two, emphasizing the book's engaging combination of the serious and the silly. Ages 4-8. (June)