Dump Truck Duck, written by Megan E. Bryant, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Udbhav V.
Summary: “Dump Truck Duck” is a story about a duck working in a construction site. Part way through the work day, Dump Truck Duck’s truck breaks down, but the other ducks help him fix it. Eventually, they finish their work on the construction site, and turn it into something special. Then, they go off to find another construction site to work in because they love doing their jobs. The art is done on a somewhat textured canvas with watercolor paint, using pencil for outlining. The artist finds a way to add color into the illustrations despite the rather bland setting of a construction site. There are colorful backgrounds and clothes that the ducks wear. One of the themes of the book is teamwork. Dump Truck Duck works as part of a team with Dozer Duck and Digger Duck. Each of them serves a specific purpose on the construction site, and all the other ducks help Dump Truck Duck out when his truck breaks. The book takes the reader on an emotional journey; the first half of the book is very happy and joyful. However, two thirds of the way through, Dump Truck Duck’s truck breaks down, and the reader feels bad for Dump Truck Duck. Then, the truck gets fixed, and the reader feels happy again.

Straight Talk for Librarians: It can be used as a read-aloud book for emerging readers because of the use of rhyme and rhythm in the book. The entire story is made up of rhyming couplets, and the lines have a certain rhythm to them that makes it fun to read. The book is intended to help emerging readers learn how to rhyme and develop an appreciation for construction workers. The book can also be used to emphasize the importance of teamwork and fulfilling your role within the workplace to the readers. It would be perfect on a truck or duck book display.