Dinotrux Series, Book 1

Starred review from May 11, 2009
Combine dinosaurs and trucks and what do you get? In Gall's (There's Nothing to Do on Mars
) case, a passel of grateful readers, especially those of the young male variety. With comically overheated narration and typography (think History Channel meets Ripley's Believe It or Not!), fire-roasted settings and hilariously imagined creatures that suggest the offspring of R. Crumb creations and the Transformers, Gall posits that today's trucks are really the descendants of hulking truck-dinosaur hybrids that “ruled the world” and struck fear into the hearts of cave people. Among the species: the fire truck–like Firesaurus (“SO hot tempered, he snacked on raw lava!”) and Rollodon (“he NEVER watches where he's going”), who leaves a trail of flattened reptiles in his wake (to the delight of a caveman who snacks on one, declaring it “Delicious!”). While a “flash of light and a terrible storm” wiped out many of these terrifying creatures, the survivors evolved to become the handy vehicles we all know. And now, thanks to Gall, there are even more reasons to love them. Ages 3–6.

Starred review from June 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 2-What if the prehistoric ancestors of today's mega-utility trucks and 18-wheelers were really dinosaurs? This zany and riotous ride spoofs the evolutionary roots of contemporary trucks. Gall's posterlike spreads, rendered in strong black line and fiery, bold colors, use every square inch of space to convey the energy and witty detail of a dangerous ancient world in which part truck, part dinosaur creatures ruled. Chomping, digging, honking, and rolling, such fearsome creatures as "Craneosaurus," "Dumploducus," and "Blacktopadon" were huge, hungry, and decidedly unhelpful, scaring every caveman and cavewoman in sight. A million years later, a terrible storm doomed these crossbreed vehicles to a slow, rusty decline, sending a few hardy survivors on their way south in search of better weather and a more cooperative way of life. Modern-day descendants of the ancient "dinotrux" are on the job in many helpful waysbut a visual joke on the last page underscores that those in museum displays might not be so extinct after all. Blending the endless appeal of dinosaurs and trucks in one hilarious volume, this title will be hard to keep on the shelves."Kathleen Finn, St. Francis Xavier School, Winooski, VT"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2009
Preschool-G Millions of years ago prehistoric trucks roamed the earth. . . . But they werent helpful like they are today. In this raucous fantasy, transformer-like vehicles with distinct dino characteristics terrorize the prehistoric world. Each spread introduces a different species, from the fierce Craneosaurus (He was always sticking his nose where it didnt belong) to the bully of the jungle, Tyrannosaurus Trux. Gall stretches his clever premise a bit thin, and kids may lose interest during the long catalogue of ferocious machines. In addition, some of the puns behind the dinotrux names may elude younger kids. But giant trucks and dinosaurs seem like a cant-lose blend of preschooler passions, and many kids will delight in the comedy, including some potty jokes, and the explosive energy in Galls scenes, a few of which open out into gatefolds. Dont be surprised if little ones come up with their own amalgamations of rampaging beasts after finishing this wildly imagined tale. Combine this with Kate McMullans I Stink! (2002) and its sequels for more stories about trucks with serious attitude.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)