I TRUCK

Travel along with a big rig making an important delivery.

A giant 18-wheeler semi backs up to the loading dock. What freight will it carry? Toys! Two previous books by this team—I Ship (2023) and I Fuel (2024)—had a global scope, while this “coast to coast” truck is “westbound” (but from where to where? There’s no map). Lively verbs such as rumble, roll, tug, and lug, along with many surprise internal rhymes, propel the text forward. Through snow, wind, and treacherous black ice, Truck narrates and navigates. “Driver” is brown-skinned with a high bun, accompanied by a cute, vocal dog. At trip’s end, Driver is reunited with a loving family. Like the earlier titles, this one works on two levels: It’s a fun picture book with geometric shapes in bright primary color-blocks, while in-depth backmatter serves as a rich source of STEM information, with appreciation for the important work that truckers do. Also included are a “trucker talk” glossary and a detailed diagram of truck components. Dong’s illustrations are reminiscent of those in Donald Crews’ vehicle books and are just as appealing. A seek-and-find challenge finishes the book.

An enticing tale of hitting the road that will hit the spot for transportation lovers.