Garbage Trucks

Several workhorses of the vehicle world join the ranks of the Wild about Wheels series with these new installments. Each book presents its subject in three brief chapters, composed of short, easy-to-read sentences, that introduce what its vehicle does and its key features, inside and out. Colorful headings and bolded, glossary-defined vocabulary help young readers navigate the text, while stock photos add visual interest and support on every page. In City Buses, readers learn about three different kinds of buses (diesel, hybrid, and electric), though the frequent use of bus images from other countries may raise some questions. Vans and box trucks appear in Delivery Trucks, which interestingly touches on how drivers plan their routes and organize packages. Garbage Trucks rumbles into view with satisfying descriptions of side- and rear-loaders and their tough-as-nails construction. Whether blasting through blizzards or spreading salt and sand on icy roads, Snowplows highlights plows' two main blade types (curved and v-shaped) and special tires for driving on snow and ice. In each volume, a two-page, labeled diagram follows the main text, reviewing its vehicle's primary features (cab, compactor, blade, etc.), after which a simple activity prompts readers to synthesize what they've learned by drawing or conducting an experiment. These solid, nonfiction texts offer more information than many similarly focused series.--Julia Smith "Booklist"
Readers eager to study up on vehicles they see around their community will enjoy this series. Filled with vibrant illustrations, each title describes a day in the life of a helper vehicle. While some (city buses) transport people, others (delivery trucks, snowplows, garbage trucks, and tow trucks) move things. Safety vehicles (fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars) round out the solid series with descriptions of their purpose, as well as views inside and outside of each. Prompts in the back encourage readers to try their hand at designing vehicles or the routes vehicles might take through a city. The best prompt, in Snowplows, encourages readers to experiment with how the blades on a snowplow work. Filled with pictures of these well-known vehicles, each volume offers readers an opportunity to get well acquainted with the transportation they admire. VERDICT Fine additions to your collection if you're lacking in books about vehicles for this age group.--Abby Bussen, Muskego P.L., WI "School Library Journal"