Little Blue Truck makes a friend

Little Blue Truck and his amphibious sidekick persuade the local animals that they need not fear a newly arrived animal on the local scene. As Little Blue Truck and Toad meander through colorful, stylized, bucolic countryside, they are stopped by Hen, wings flapping and feathers a-flying: "Someone moved in / down the road-- / someone different, / Blue and Toad!" The rest of the story uses similar rhyme and rhythm, but, unfortunately, not all verses scan as easily. Toad at the wheel, Blue parks and listens to several barnyard animals relate the ways that the newcomer is different from each of them. Blue cheerfully asks, "What's all the fuss?" and insists that the animals pile into the back so they can all confront the newcomer together. When they arrive at a door in the earth marked "Woodchuck's House," Hen scoffs at the idea of life in a hole, but the ever positive Blue notes that the home seems cozy. The funniest part of the book consists of two double-page spreads in which the animals, panicked by the woodchuck's shadow, attempt to hide. True to the series, Blue and Toad are positive role models as they treat the woodchuck, named Chuck, with respect and kindness. Chuck's admission of shyness is a nice touch. The obvious lesson is enshrined in the fun of rhyming language and childlike animals. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Sweet and silly. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.