Wreck the halls

Toddler-PreS--It's Christmas time, and the tow truck, or "Wrecker" is "really great at decking the halls." The Wrecker helps to load the trees with bulbs and hanging lights, pull carts of gifts, and wrap presents. Singing carols and towing cookies for Santa are also on the agenda. "But after all that, when push comes to pull, Wreckers remember what makes Christmas full." This board book will be a big hit with young fans of vehicles. Colorful and fun illustrations highlight the message of helping friends and the Christmas spirit that comes from doing rather than getting. VERDICT An adorable addition to most board book collections, especially those in need of uplifting holiday stories.--Shana Shea

A tow truck shows off their holiday preparation skills. This Christmas board book features many different types of vehicles, but when it comes to superior decorating and merrymaking skills, the wrecker takes top prize. There are holiday puns galore here: "Boats buoy spirits / in low or yuletide." "Taxis fare well / at making things merry." Young readers who adore all things with wheels will be pleased to see buses, race cars, semis, and trains, among others. The wrecker really takes center stage in this story, proving helpful at stringing Christmas lights, towing Santa's cookies, and hanging ornaments on a tree. While many of the wrecker's jobs make sense given its build and tools, not all do. Is a wrecker really better at caroling than a train that can whistle? Still, young readers will be delighted to see the wrecker in action. The book wraps up with the expected sentiment: Christmas is about "the love that we share." Each vehicle has eyes on their windshield and a mouth on the grill, giving them humanlike expressions. The illustrations feature familiar board-book elements such as bright colors, simple drawings, and minimal detail. This one blends child-favorite trucks with a Christmas theme; nothing here is novel or refreshing, but there's really nothing wrong with that either. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Full of what little readers love. (Board book. 1-3) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.