Fleming, Candace. Bulldozer Helps Out. Illustrated by Eric Rohmann. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2017. $17.99. ISBN 9781481458948. UNP. Ages 4-7. P8 Q8
Bulldozer wants to help, but is smaller and younger than all the other construction equipment at the worksite. After being told that he isn’t strong enough to be helpful, Bulldozer finds an important job that he is perfectly suited for. This truck tale is traditional in its use of action words (lifting, stirring, scooping..) and sound effects; but the ending of this story about anthropomorphic construction equipment questions conventional understandings of strength and what it means to be tough. The book is illustrated by Caldecott Award winning artist Eric Rohmann in his easily recognizable block print style with full page artwork and bold black lines.
Verdict: This book will be a popular addition to public libraries and is a great read-aloud book for the classroom. Books about trucks and heavy equipment are well-liked by young children and this book’s take on traditionally male-associated values gives it a modern edge. I highly recommend it.
October 2017 review by Lillian Curanzy.
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