Bulldozer Helps Out

May 1, 2017
Fleming and Rohmann subvert expectations several times in this handsomely illustrated follow-up to Bulldozer’s Big Day. Initially, it looks like a familiar too-small-to-help construction story. Then, after Bulldozer is asked to flatten out a section of terrain, it seems like he has fallen asleep on the job. The reality—that he’s protecting a mother cat and her kittens—comes as a tender surprise, which underscores the idea that talents come in all shapes and sizes. Many parents, meanwhile, will likely side with Dump Truck, who quips, “Taking care of babies? Now that’s a rough, tough job.” Ages 4–7. Agent: Ethan Ellenberg, Ethan Ellenberg Agency.

March 1, 2017
A little bulldozer makes a big difference in this story with an unexpected twist at the end.Bulldozer feels left out and overlooked on the construction site, where bigger vehicles such as Cement Mixer, Crane Truck, and Digger Truck (a backhoe), among others, are hard at work. "I can help," he tells them, hopefully, only to be brushed aside--at first. Then Crane suggests that an area off to the side needs to be cleared and flattened, and Bulldozer zooms into action. But all of a sudden, out of the others' sights, he pauses and just gives the pile of earth little nudges before "he hunkered down, hushed and watchful....Hours passed." When the big trucks find him they are dismayed to see that he's accomplished so little, until they look closer and see that he's been watching over a mother cat and six kittens, curled up together near Bulldozer's blade. They praise him, Dump Truck offering, "taking care of babies? Now that's a rough, tough job." Closing block-print illustrations of a beaming Bulldozer seem unfinished against empty white backgrounds as compared to the other spreads, which undermines the cohesion of this otherwise excellent picture book. A sure hit at storytime, bedtime, or any cozy reading time. (Picture book. 3-6)

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March 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 1-The cute yellow construction vehicle from Bulldozer's Big Day is back on the job. He's easy to relate to, like the smallest child on the playground who's not allowed to join the game. The other members of his group-Cement Mixer, Crane, Digger, Dump Truck, Roller, Scraper, and Grader-call the shots. On this busy day at the site, Bulldozer is the only one who doesn't have a task. When he asks to help, he's sent to clear a small grassy area strewn with metal and bricks. There, he comes face-to-face with a project that even the toughest truck would quail at. This is a wonderful second "Bulldozer" collaboration from Fleming and Rohmann. VERDICT With dramatic and captivating block print illustrations, a well-told and engaging story, and an all-star cast of vehicular characters, this is a must-have for preschoolers starting a love affair with things with wheels.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2017
Preschool-G The young hero from Bulldozer's Big Day (2015) returns seeking meaningful work. The construction area bustles with activity (Cement Mixer stirs, Crane Truck lifts, and Digger Truck scoops), but Bulldozer can only watch until Crane assigns him a job clearing a small lot adjacent to the new building. He approaches his task with joyful enthusiasm, but when the big guys return, they're upset that nothing has been done. Bulldozer reveals the reasona box of baby kittensso the softhearted construction vehicles give Bulldozer a new assignment: caring for the felines. Fleming's vivid prose makes good use of action verbs and teems with onomatopoeic creations that help the story come alive for young listeners. Rohmann's art employs reduction printing to good effect. Bold, black outlines and basic color choices for the vehicles will help young readers to discriminate the characters, and the use of distinctive facial expressions on the windshields both humanizes these machines and conveys their emotions. An appealing choice for motor-vehicle aficionados and fans of the earlier title.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)