Trucks Go Pop

by: Bob Staake

Published by: Little, Brown and Company (July release)

Reviewed by Diane Snyder

This picture book for children ages 3 and up is such a visual joy that adults will also find themselves smiling as they look it. Trucks Go Pop has taken the pop-up book to a whole new level. As each of the six pages is opened, an explosion of bright primary colors and activity is presented in an amazing feat of folds and motion. Each of the six layouts is modern, crisp and captivating-my favorite being the last one, the truck wash.

Trucks has a heavy cardboard cover that is about 9 inches square and when opened, folds flat or stands up completely to show the panoramic scene of trucks with faces and their quirky drivers. It is even environmentally conscious with one scene being of a green recycle truck at the recycle center. The trucks fold out to show all four sides and top and even though it is heavy paper a strong little hand could tear it.

Enclosed with the book is a three-and-half-foot activity poster of the city of Truckopolis and on the back is a “Can you find?”-a monster celebrating his birthday; a smiling, two-fanged vampire and more. They are there in Truckopolis just waiting to be found!

Trucks Go Pop is great way to enhance language skills and learn colors while having fun. Entertaining, exciting and educational-all in one!

Bob Staake was awarded The New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of 2006 for The Red Lemon. His web site is as delightful as his books.

Armchair Interviews says: Check out all of Staake’s books.

Author’s Web site: http://www.BobStaake.com