Review by Booklist Review
The second book in this series tells a charming story that will resonate with children who are nervous about starting school or facing new experiences. In this story, Bulldozer is anxious about his first day of school. He worries about making new friends and about making mistakes. His friend Millie tries to encourage him, but Bulldozer's nerves only grow as things start to go wrong in the classroom. After breaking a table during circle time and mixing up the toys during pickup time, Bulldozer's first day seems like a disaster. Things take a turn when Bulldozer's day turns around in a surprising way during recess. The story teaches kids that it's OK to be nervous, that mistakes are part of learning, and that sometimes the most special moments happen when you least expect them. With simple language, a relatable story, and playful illustrations, this is a delightful read that will help kids feel more confident about school and remind them that everyone has a first day--even the bulldozer!
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--Bulldozer, who lives with his human parents in an everyday human world, will be starting school. He is very worried about it and wonders if he will fit in. When he tries to find ways to get out of going, his parents, along with his friend and neighbor Millie, reply with encouragement. At school the first day, Bulldozer makes a number of clumsy mistakes and fears that he will never fit in. The day is redeemed when the opportunity to help his classmates build a clubhouse-castle calls for Bulldozer's strength and skill, and he is rewarded with feelings of pride and belonging. The use of a bulldozer as a protagonist seems appropriate in scenes where clumsy mistakes, misunderstandings, and shyness may make a child feel different and out of place in a new situation. This deceptively simple story successfully addresses the fears and worries of young children and offers positive solutions that will encourage the resilience needed to overcome them. The five chapters use simple vocabulary that makes the story accessible to young readers. A collection of creative word play activities in the back helps students build and enhance their reading skills. This book was reviewed from an uncorrected proof with unfinished illustrations; the finished illustrations will likely match the art in the first book, which included simple black-and-white line drawings shaded in orange, yellow, and gray that beautifully captured the heart of the story. VERDICT Sure to be a hit with vehicle lovers, this engaging title for early chapter book readers cleverly uses a bulldozer child protagonist to address social fears about new situations and friendships. Highly recommended.--Carole Phillips
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
School has started, and with it comes an avalanche of anxiety for Bulldozer. Despite reassurances from Mom and Dad (who are human like everyone else in the cast, except for the titular character), Bulldozer has a stomachache. But he spots a familiar face--his next-door neighbor Millie Patel. The other kids giggle when he knocks over a bookcase while putting away his lunchbox; at circle time, he can't sit "crisscross applesauce" like everyone else; and, when urged by Millie to show off one of his "tricks" (backing up while beeping), he accidentally breaks a table. At recess, Bulldozer's mood improves as he, Millie, and new friend Ryan--joined by others--build a clubhouse. Back in the classroom, he resumes worrying, but he's buoyed by feelings of acceptance and an opportunity to help clean up. In the first book in the series, Bulldozer's hesitations were related to his shyness; here, his physical difficulties loom larger. Never obvious or overdone, with expertly matched orange-tinged artwork, this early reader series engages again. Bulldozer's refreshingly honest assessments ("School is…not great, but it's okay," he decides), his often-warring desires to be true to his own needs and to fit in, and his small but deeply satisfying triumphs make him an authentic hero for anyone who's ever felt a bit insecure. Mom and Dad are light-skinned, Millie is cued South Asian, and the class is diverse. Sensitive, relatable, and sweet. (wordplay activities)(Chapter book. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
