Trash Truck: Trash Day

PreS-Gr 1–In this early reader based on a Netflix series, a child with blond hair named Hank waits longingly for his friend the trash truck, who doesn’t show up as expected. When the truck finally remembers to go to Hank’s house, the boy isn’t home. There’s no explanation for his absence, but as with most cartoon shows a happy ending is expected, and the boy and truck are reunited. Sound words like vroom, squeak, and honk, along with repetitive phrases like “Thanks, Trash Truck!” are suitable for this genre and may aid in reading readiness. The fact that young readers can practice skills with simple text is a positive feature. However, the story itself is uninspired and lacks originality in both text and illustrations. For a more inspired book about the love affair between children and trash trucks, check out Jashar Awan’s Every Monday Mabel.