GRANDMA DROVE THE GARBAGE TRUCK

When her three sons call in sick on the day of the big Fourth of July parade, Billy’s spunky Grandma takes on their job of driving the family garbage truck. Aiming primarily for humor, but falling short, Grandma and Billy’s adventure proves perilous from the moment Grandma leaves the driveway, as she immediately plows through a mail box, rose beds, a flag and even a clothesline without noticing. In a twist, these items pile up on the garbage truck, transforming it into an award-winning float in the town’s parade. Obviously, Clark hopes readers will see the humor in Grandma’s blissful oblivion; however, there is a noticeable disconnect between Clark’s levity and Huntington’s realistic illustrations, which clearly picture the faces of those with property damage as anything but laughing. Off-target and maybe even offensive to those with older loved ones. (Picture book. 4-6)