I'm Cool!

September 28, 2015
“I’m a blade-packing, ice-shaving, snow-eating, water-spraying, slush-slurping, towel-dragging, triple-tank truck,” boasts the McMullans’ latest big-talking picture-book hero, a Zamboni machine. “How do I do it? Crank up your x-ray vision and I’ll show ya how,” the truck continues as readers see cutaway views of the blades, augers, paddles, and spray tubes that help get the job done. Between sound effects, a cranky arena announcer, and the Zamboni’s wise-guy narration (“Shazamboni, baby. That’s right”), read-aloud sessions should be as smooth as ice. Ages 4–8. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties.

July 15, 2015
Adding to their list of many vehicular tributes, the McMullans take on an often overlooked large machine-the Zamboni. Full of bravado and swagger, the Zamboni zooms out after the hockey game's first period ready to smooth the ice. However, it has to compete with a big-talking announcer, who starts shouting on the title-page spread. "WHOA! / HE'S DOWN! / HE'S DOWN! / .... / Nobody can skate / on ice this rough." Not to worry. The Zamboni is here. The announcer continues to egg it on: "Zamboni machine, ya / move like a turtle. / Look-the clock's ticking! / Hit the gas! Finish up / so we can get back to the game!" A Zamboni's job can't be rushed. It needs to thoroughly check the ice before deciding how much to shave and then: SHAZAMBONI! The ice is clean again. The Zamboni explains all of its resurfacing components: the augers, the blade, the wash water, the vacuum, and more. But it's a race against the clock. The Zamboni only has 18 minutes to do the job. Luckily, it keeps its cool. Staccato, clipped quickness and plenty of onomatopoeia-"VZZZZZZZZZZT"-make this a read-aloud success. Who knew ice could be this much fun? (Picture book. 4-8)

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August 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-Our story begins with a sports commentator narrating a hockey game. A player trips on the rough ice, and a Zamboni has 18 minutes "to do his thing." Can he do it? Readers who've read any of the McMullans' odes to big rigs, like I'm Mighty! (2003) and I Stink! (2002, both HarperCollins), will already know the answer. Our hero takes the stage, stating, "Chill, Big Talker. I've got what it takes to go the job. "Cause I'm a blade-packing, ice-shaving, snow-eating, water-spraying, slush-slurping, towel-dragging triple-tank truck. Yup." He smooths the ice, and the game continues. "Coolest job in the world, right here, baby." The colorful, grinning Zamboni is whimsical but also informative, as he boasts about the blade and augers that make the job possible. VERDICT The authors are clearly still having fun with this format, and their young fans will, too.-Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

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