I truck A big rig's epic trip

Following I Ship (2023) and I Fuel (2024), Schmitt and Dong hit the road with a red 18-wheeler traveling across the country. The truck, driven by a Black woman accompanied by her dog, narrates the journey, which begins as its trailer, filled with toys appealingly visible in a cutaway depiction, is attached. After completing a safety check, the rig is ready to make its deliveries. The illustrations, featuring bold colors, watercolor, and collage, present clear images perfect for conveying concepts to young readers. As the semi makes its way, several scenarios showcase the challenges of transporting goods across the country, such as weigh stations, difficult terrain, dangerous weather, weariness, and loneliness. Schmitt stresses the importance of getting the goods to their destination while keeping the tone fun by emphasizing onomatopoeic phrases ("DING!" "HONK!") in large text. Kids enamored with large vehicles will revel in the facts and details worked into the text and illustrations, neither of which gets bogged down by its educational load. The book concludes with information about the importance of 18-wheelers in our lives and the national economy, as well as facts about the people who do this important job. Other back matter highlights include a fun "Trucker Talk" glossary that offers CB-radio jargon and a two-page diagram showing the parts of trucks. Expect this big rig to rack up serious circulation miles.

Travel along with a big rig making an important delivery. A giant 18-wheeler semi backs up to the loading dock. What freight will it carry? Toys! Two previous books by this team--I Ship (2023) andI Fuel (2024)--had a global scope, while this "coast to coast" truck is "westbound" (but from where to where? There's no map). Lively verbs such asrumble,roll,tug, andlug, along with many surprise internal rhymes, propel the text forward. Through snow, wind, and treacherous black ice, Truck narrates and navigates. "Driver" is brown-skinned with a high bun, accompanied by a cute, vocal dog. At trip's end, Driver is reunited with a loving family. Like the earlier titles, this one works on two levels: It's a fun picture book with geometric shapes in bright primary color-blocks, while in-depth backmatter serves as a rich source of STEM information, with appreciation for the important work that truckers do. Also included are a "trucker talk" glossary and a detailed diagram of truck components. Dong's illustrations are reminiscent of those in Donald Crews' vehicle books and are just as appealing. A seek-and-find challenge finishes the book. An enticing tale of hitting the road that will hit the spot for transportation lovers.(Informational picture book. 5-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.