PreS-Gr 1--Little Blue Truck sees the yellow school bus and wishes that he could drive the farm animals to school. The bus reminds him that although he is a tough little truck and very friendly, he is not built for the job; the bus is long and shiny and has lots of seats and windows. Dejectedly Blue trundles off in the other direction, when he sees Piggy at the side of the road--Piggy has overslept and missed the bus. The determined Little Blue Truck will get Piggy to school on time, and he knows a shortcut through the woods. Young readers will cheer for the eager little truck as he barrels through the forest, going where the big school bus can't venture; through streams and over bumpy terrain and along narrow paths. Preschoolers will have a blast anticipating the sounds of the domesticated animals, "Little goat said, "Maaa!" Little horse said, "Neigh!"" and spotting the shy denizens of the forest. Soft gouache paintings of farmland and woods lend an old-fashioned 1940s feel to the story. (The title page notes that Joseph has illustrated the book in the style of the late Jill McElmurry.) Schertle's rhyming text adds a delightful pacing and rhythm that matches the images; a frog leaping out of the way as Blue splashes through the water. VERDICT A charming tale of an endearing little truck on a mission. Perfect for story times.--Sarah Webb, City and Country Sch. Lib., NY

Little Blue Truck learns that he can be as important as the big yellow school bus. Little Blue Truck is driving along the country road early one morning when he and driver friend Toad come across a big, yellow, shiny school bus. The school bus is friendly, and so are her animal passengers, but when Little Blue Truck wishes aloud he could do an important job like hers, the school bus says only a bus of her size and features can do this job. Little Blue Truck continues along, a bit envious, and finds Piggy crying by the side of the road, having missed the bus. Little Blue tells Piggy to climb in and takes a creative path to the school--one the bus couldn't navigate--and with an adventurous spirit, gets Piggy there right on time. The simple, rhyming text opens the story with a sweet, fresh, old-fashioned tone and continues with effortlessly rhythmical lines throughout. Little Blue is a brave, helpful, and hopeful character young readers will root for. Adults will feel a rush of nostalgia and delight in sharing this story with children as the animated vehicles and animals in innocent, colorful countryside scenes evoke wholesome character traits and values of growth, grit, and self-acceptance. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A terrific choice for the preschool crowd. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Captivated by the sight of a big yellow school bus, Little Blue Truck immediately wishes he had the important job of carrying pupils (an assortment of young farm animals) to school each day. But as the friendly bus points out to him, she has lots of seats, windows, and space for passengers. Driving a little farther, the little truck sees a piglet in tears after missing the bus. "Beep! Beep! Don't cry, / Said little Blue / Climb in. Let's see / What I can do." After a bumpy shortcut through the woods and across the stream, they arrive at school just before the bus. And everyone cheers, "Good job, Blue!" Written in bouncy couplets that read aloud well, the simple story creates a bit of tension, which will make the school bus' final acknowledgment of Blue's achievement all the more satisfying for young children. The illustrations, created with rounded forms and rich colors, reflect the story's cheerful tone. The latest volume in a popular series, this picture book will brighten any back-to-school display.