Merry Christmas, Red Truck

October 6, 2023

PreS-A tow truck operator in his Red Truck, the hero of the story, rescues a medical professional whose car gets stuck on an icy street on Christmas Eve. The healthcare worker is shown with her hands on her face and a look of shock as her car appears entrenched in the snow. Accompanying text reads, "Oh no! Help me, Red Truck!" The operator puts chains on Red Truck's tires and slowly and safely continues on the road to the healthcare worker, passing other cars who are also slipping on the ice. But as the Red Truck gets closer, he needs help, too. A plow driver pitches in to assist by moving snow so Red Truck can help the medical professional. The incident wraps up on a happy note, with the medical professional at home hugging her children. Text is short and simple and includes many sounds such as thunk, clunk, crunch, grip, zooms, and whooosshhh. Illustrations are bright and colorful. Text and illustrations work well together to convey the message of the story. For example, when Red Truck and the operator go to help the medical professional, the text on the page reads, "Brave, STRONG, and shining bright, Red Truck ROOOARS into the night!" The story ends saying, "Thank you, helpers everywhere!" Although it tries to promote different types of heroes, this story may read as a tale about a damsel in distress to some people. VERDICT This supplemental purchase is a unique Christmas story that shows different kinds of heroes.-Robin Sofge

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