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Mr. Norton’s New Truck By Huw Lewis Jones – YA Books Central
About This Book:
In this humorous story for children ages 3-7, Mr. Norton finds that a bear has borrowed his bicycle and accidentally ruined the wheels. How will Mr. Norton get to work now?
One Monday morning, Horace Norton finds that a bear has accidentally broken his bicycle, and now he doesn’t have a way to get to work.
As the week progresses, Mr. Norton tries different vehicles for his journey with limited success: The bus is too busy, his roller skates slip too much, his scooter is too small, and his little red wagon is too wobbly!
Luckily, Mr. Norton remembers that his grandfather’s old truck is in the barn. What could possibly go wrong . . .?
*Review Contributed By Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*
engaging picture book with good humor
MR. NORTON’S NEW TRUCK is a charming story of friendship. Mr. Norton’s week begins with a bad bike, because the bear had borrowed it. He is late to work due to it, and the week only continues to go more haywire as it goes on with other mishaps and trouble on the way to work. He soon finds a solution in the truck in the barn, but it needs a lot of fixing. Luckily, the animals come together and make it into something new that will get Mr. Norton to work – and allow them to tag along too.
What I loved: This is a cute book with a touch of humor that children will enjoy. The animals and their mishaps will make young readers giggle, and the ending shows the importance of friendship and helping to make things right. The ending vehicle is quite inventive and whimsical with a unique flourish that seems the perfect end to this amusing romp.
The illustrations have a retro feel that works so well for this silly and humorous story with Mr. Norton and the animals in focus. The story builds well through the week, and readers can understand and empathize with his frustration. The font is clear and easy to read throughout, even in lowlight settings like bedtime.
Final verdict: MR. NORTON’S NEW TRUCK is a sweet picture book read about friendship that is sure to make young readers giggle.