Supertruck

*Secret identities, superheroes, and trucks. What more is there to say? . . . this trash-hauler is one super truck.

In a city "full of brave trucks," writes Savage (Little Tug), the green bucket truck, red fire truck, and blue tow truck spend their days rescuing this and fixing that, all with can-do smiles. But the nebbishy, bespectacled garbage truck? He's not only colorless, "He just collects the trash." Of course, Clark Kent flew under the radar, too--and, sure enough, when a blizzard hits, that very same garbage truck emerges from his garage as the snow-plowing Supertruck. He "digs out the whole city" (as well as his snazzier counterparts), only to disappear without waiting for thanks: "The next morning, the trucks wonder about the mighty truck who saved them. Where could he be?" Savage's take on the superhero myth is terrific: there's no bullying or teasing of the garbage truck, which makes his Supertruck transformation a triumph pure and simple. And the images are as fun as they are gorgeous: Savage's vehicles exude a Golden Book sweetness, while his city scenes have both a crisp stylishness and an emotional punch. Ages 2-6. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Jan.)

PreS-K--Superpowers and vehicles collide in this tale of an unassuming garbage truck and his own alter ego. All city trucks have a mission; whether it's rescuing broken down buses, or fighting fires, they all help to save the day. One blustery evening when the snow piles up, the bespectacled garbage truck sneaks away to transform into Supertruck. In secret, he plows all the falling snow overnight but vanishes the next morning without a trace. The city dwellers and other four wheelers are all safe thanks to the powers of Supertruck. Savage creates an appealing hero that echoes another beloved character with a secret identity. Kids will chuckle at the truck's likeness to Clark Kent, and the minimal text will assist emerging readers in their own super abilities. Savage's distinct, graphic portrayal of the snowy metropolis sets the scene, while his use of perspective and color gradients allow readers to experience the blizzard firsthand. A superb addition to any library or storytime collection.--Claire Moore, Darien Library, CT