Farmer Dales Red Pickup Truck

Farmer Dales Red Pickup Truck

Product Description Farmer Dale is hauling a load of hay into town when, one by one, he meets some bossy barnyard animals looking for a lift. The kindly farmer lets them all squeeze in, but then his trusty truck breaks down and everyone is stranded. That is, until they get over their differences and pull together to get that old red rig moooooving again. Full of raucous, rhythmic language, this exuberant story is certain to become a read-aloud favorite with families and children everywhere. From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 2Rhyming text and large watercolor-and-pencil-crayon illustrations tell the story of Farmer Dale, his old red truck, and animals on their way to a talent show in town. An accommodating dog, the farmer stops to give everyone a lift, no matter the creatures disposition or size. First he meets a bossy cow who demands that he Mooove over! Next to join them is a singing sheep, and then a skating pig and an accordion-playing goat. At last the load proves too much for the old pickup. The commotion over what to do is settled when Bossy Cow jumps behind the wheel and Farmer Dale pushes the overloaded vehicle. Eventually everyone helps, and the bovine admits that Farmer Dale should steer. Once again the loaded truck rumbles on down to town. With quick brush-and-pencil strokes, the illustrations portray the not-always-flattering human characteristics of the animals, painting additional humor into the story. Particularly revealing is the spread showing the arguing animals crowding next to the thoughtful Farmer Dale. This book will entertain children both at storytimes and one-on-one. Carolyn Janssen, Childrens Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From Booklist PreS-Gr. 1. The cozy always room for one more theme never seems to get old, and Wheelers jolly, rhythmic text sets a fine pace for the story of Farmer Dales truck that takes a cow, sheep, pig, and goat on board before it breaks down: Farmer Dales red pickup truck / stood stranded in the road. / It seems you have a problem, / a cocky rooster crowed. Indeed. Fortunately, all the animals pitch in and get the truck moving again: The pickup bounced and shimmied. / It groaned and squeaked and wheezed. / It spit a thankful cloud of smoke / and started with a sneeze. Farmer Dale eventually makes it into town with his load of hay--and the talent contest banner on the last page explains what all the town-bound farm animals were doing with accordions, skates, and the like. Bates expressive, action-packed watercolor illustrations of the overloaded rig recall those of the popular Sheep in a Jeep series, and youngsters may be equally captivated by this familiar, cheerful ride. Karin Snelson Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved About the Author LISA WHEELER has written many picture books, including her first collaboration with Ivan Bates, One Dark Night. She lives near Detroit, Michigan. IVAN BATES is the illustrator of Lisa Wheelers One Dark Night, as well as Just You and Me and The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, both by Sam McBratney. He lives in England.