Tugga-Tugga Tugboat

October 9, 2006
In its title and subject matter, this book recalls this team's Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo
. With a "Toot! Toot!," a spunky little tugboat shows how it's the hero of the harbor, whether helping the big ships ("Giant tanker needs a nudge./ Propeller spin.../ But will it budge?/ Tugga-tugga tugboat./ Grab and guide and float, boat") or putting out fires ("Tugga-tugga tugboat./ Splash and spray and float, boat"). The action is even more fun because readers quickly realize that the harbor is not quite what it seems. The cargo on the wharf looks a lot like bars of soap; the ducks appear to be more of the rubber than the feather variety; and the ocean is positively bubbly. The final pages reveal why: the tug's hard work has been the fantasy play of a boy in a bubble bath. Although the portrait of the human hero pales next to the toys, the early scenes find Kirk in top form. The smooth, bright surfaces and chunky objects will remind readers of their own toys, while the dramatic, dynamic perspectives exude just the right amount of brought-to-life magic. Ages 2-5.

September 1, 2006
PreS-K -In a book similar to their "Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo" (Hyperion, 1999), Lewis and Kirk combine rhythmic text, descriptive language, and colorful pseudo-realistic artwork to depict the adventures of a toy tugboat. From early morning ( -Cast off!/Anchor -s aweigh./Aye, aye, Captain./Busy day! -) to evening ( -Day is over. Moon shines bright./Engine rumbles through the night -), the hardworking vessel scoots, splashes, pushes, and pulls through a busy day. Youngsters will appreciate the rhyming text and quickly learn the refrain, which changes slightly with each verse. Illustrations in bright primary colors and geometrical shapes match the playful verse. The toylike quality of the boats, cargo, and crew becomes more apparent with each page, so it is no surprise when the bathtub setting is revealed. In the end, a smiling, freshly washed, pajama-clad youngster is taken off to bed, while his still-dripping playthings rest contentedly at tub -s edge. The simplicity of both narrative and pictures makes this story a strong choice for children." -Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.