Troto and the Trucks

Little car Troto drives into Cactusville. He's hassled by the Big Trucks who live there; undaunted, he challenges them to a race. At first Troto falls behind, but some lucky breaks send him nimbly around, over, and through the others, earning their respect. The illustrations' bold outlines, rounded shapes, and vibrant Southwest setting combine with a snappy text in this underdog story.

Part Western, part “Tortoise and the Hare,” part monster-truck event, this vehicle story starts with a happy little car named Troto who drives into a town called Cactusville (complete with a “Gas Saloon”). The trucks who live there are as prickly as the town’s name, and they immediately start hassling the newcomer: “‘Hey, guys, what’s that little thing?’ asked Big Red. ‘It’s a bug on wheels,’ said Big Blue.” Undaunted, Troto challenges the Big Trucks to a race through the desert at high noon. A couple of wordless spreads full of canyons and cacti show small Troto bringing up the rear, but a few lucky breaks send him nimbly around, over, and through all the others, earning their congratulations and respect. Bold outlines, rounded shapes, and a vibrant Southwest setting (warm orange, purple, and turquoise watercolor-y hues) in the illustrations combine with a snappy text to create an underdog story that small listeners can follow and cheer. julie roach