Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/01/2021 Captivated by the sight of a big yellow school bus, Little Blue Truck immediately wishes he had the important job of carrying pupils (an assortment of young farm animals) to school each day. But as the friendly bus points out to him, she has lots of seats, windows, and space for passengers. Driving a little farther, the little truck sees a piglet in tears after missing the bus. “Beep! Beep! Don’t cry, / Said little Blue / Climb in. Let’s see / What I can do.” After a bumpy shortcut through the woods and across the stream, they arrive at school just before the bus. And everyone cheers, “Good job, Blue!” Written in bouncy couplets that read aloud well, the simple story creates a bit of tension, which will make the school bus’ final acknowledgment of Blue’s achievement all the more satisfying for young children. The illustrations, created with rounded forms and rich colors, reflect the story’s cheerful tone. The latest volume in a popular series, this picture book will brighten any back-to-school display. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 08/01/2021 PreS-Gr 1—Little Blue Truck sees the yellow school bus and wishes that he could drive the farm animals to school. The bus reminds him that although he is a tough little truck and very friendly, he is not built for the job; the bus is long and shiny and has lots of seats and windows. Dejectedly Blue trundles off in the other direction, when he sees Piggy at the side of the road—Piggy has overslept and missed the bus. The determined Little Blue Truck will get Piggy to school on time, and he knows a shortcut through the woods. Young readers will cheer for the eager little truck as he barrels through the forest, going where the big school bus can't venture; through streams and over bumpy terrain and along narrow paths. Preschoolers will have a blast anticipating the sounds of the domesticated animals, "Little goat said, "Maaa!" Little horse said, "Neigh!"" and spotting the shy denizens of the forest. Soft gouache paintings of farmland and woods lend an old-fashioned 1940s feel to the story. (The title page notes that Joseph has illustrated the book in the style of the late Jill McElmurry.) Schertle's rhyming text adds a delightful pacing and rhythm that matches the images; a frog leaping out of the way as Blue splashes through the water. VERDICT A charming tale of an endearing little truck on a mission. Perfect for story times.—Sarah Webb, City and Country Sch. Lib., NY - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.