Publishers Weekly
★ 11/03/2014
In a city “full of brave trucks,” writes Savage (Little Tug), the green bucket truck, red fire truck, and blue tow truck spend their days rescuing this and fixing that, all with can-do smiles. But the nebbishy, bespectacled garbage truck? He’s not only colorless, “He just collects the trash.” Of course, Clark Kent flew under the radar, too—and, sure enough, when a blizzard hits, that very same garbage truck emerges from his garage as the snow-plowing Supertruck. He “digs out the whole city” (as well as his snazzier counterparts), only to disappear without waiting for thanks: “The next morning, the trucks wonder about the mighty truck who saved them. Where could he be?” Savage’s take on the superhero myth is terrific: there’s no bullying or teasing of the garbage truck, which makes his Supertruck transformation a triumph pure and simple. And the images are as fun as they are gorgeous: Savage’s vehicles exude a Golden Book sweetness, while his city scenes have both a crisp stylishness and an emotional punch. Ages 2–6. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
“*Secret identities, superheroes, and trucks. What more is there to say? . . . this trash-hauler is one super truck.” —The Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW
“*Just right for winter storytimes, this winning picture book will find an appreciate audience beyond just young truck lovers.” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
“*Savage exploits shapes and colors to create interesting imagery and atmospheric environments for the truck that show that collecting trash is just as heroic as powerfully plowing through snow. A serious treat for truck lovers.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
School Library Journal
★ 01/01/2015
PreS-K—Superpowers and vehicles collide in this tale of an unassuming garbage truck and his own alter ego. All city trucks have a mission; whether it's rescuing broken down buses, or fighting fires, they all help to save the day. One blustery evening when the snow piles up, the bespectacled garbage truck sneaks away to transform into Supertruck. In secret, he plows all the falling snow overnight but vanishes the next morning without a trace. The city dwellers and other four wheelers are all safe thanks to the powers of Supertruck. Savage creates an appealing hero that echoes another beloved character with a secret identity. Kids will chuckle at the truck's likeness to Clark Kent, and the minimal text will assist emerging readers in their own super abilities. Savage's distinct, graphic portrayal of the snowy metropolis sets the scene, while his use of perspective and color gradients allow readers to experience the blizzard firsthand. A superb addition to any library or storytime collection.—Claire Moore, Darien Library, CT
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2014-10-01
When a blizzard stops the mighty trucks of the city from working, it's Supertruck to the rescue! In this metropolis, a cadre of brave trucks fixes electrical lines, extinguishes fires, and tows buses in need. But the garbage truck? He "just collects the trash." That is, until a snowstorm hits the town and he becomes Supertruck. With his mighty snow plow, he clears the roads all through the night. And in the bright, clear morning, the other trucks are left to wonder about the identity of the "mighty truck who saved them." Exciting, one-sentence-per-spread text is reminiscent of a Superman cartoon narration. (This is no coincidence; in his secret identity, Supertruck wears Clark Kent-style glasses.) In combination with crisp graphics and bold colors, the text makes the story accessible to young readers, while the sophisticated digital illustrations will appeal to all. Using a cool palette, Savage exploits shapes and colors to create interesting imagery and atmospheric environments for the truck that show that collecting trash is just as heroic as powerfully plowing through snow. A serious treat for truck lovers. (Picture book. 2-6)
