Supertruck

With a powerful yet friendly voice, George Newbern exudes respect and pride in detailing the jobs of various trucks in the city. For example, he affects a distraught tone when a snowstorm arrives. But as the garbage truck takes on his secret, helpful mission, Newbern nearly bursts with pride. Given the book's final page--a simple illustration that obviously is not part of the narration--listeners should be sure to take a look at the print version to enjoy the surprise. The production includes a conversation with the author/illustrator in which he details his youth, his longtime interest in creating, his current artistic endeavors, and the pleasure he receives from interactions with his audience. A.R. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

Starred review from November 3, 2014
In a city “full of brave trucks,” writes Savage (Little Tug), the green bucket truck, red fire truck, and blue tow truck spend their days rescuing this and fixing that, all with can-do smiles. But the nebbishy, bespectacled garbage truck? He’s not only colorless, “He just collects the trash.” Of course, Clark Kent flew under the radar, too—and, sure enough, when a blizzard hits, that very same garbage truck emerges from his garage as the snow-plowing Supertruck. He “digs out the whole city” (as well as his snazzier counterparts), only to disappear without waiting for thanks: “The next morning, the trucks wonder about the mighty truck who saved them. Where could he be?” Savage’s take on the superhero myth is terrific: there’s no bullying or teasing of the garbage truck, which makes his Supertruck transformation a triumph pure and simple. And the images are as fun as they are gorgeous: Savage’s vehicles exude a Golden Book sweetness, while his city scenes have both a crisp stylishness and an emotional punch. Ages 2–6. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.