WHOSE? Book Series

Whose Big Rig

by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Ramon Olivera
ISBN: 9781419742200
Abrams Appleseed, 2021

Learn about six different construction vehicles in this guessing-game board book.

This nonfiction follow-up to Whose Truck? features six kinds of specialized rigs used to construct a light-rail system—a tunnel borer, an excavator, a bulldozer, a tie dragon, a tamping machine, and a bucket truck—with five different parts of each rig properly labeled. The answer to each inquiring refrain of “Whose rig is this?” is revealed under a gatefold, engaging the reader in an informative guessing game about construction machines and their operators. With lyrical (and factual!) rhyming text by New York Times bestselling author Toni Buzzeo, and the expertly stylized art of Ramon Olivera, this sturdily constructed board book is perfect for curious and playful young readers.

Reviews:

“Caution! Here’s a board book designed for hard-core machine aficionados. Tidy illustrations provide readers with clear snapshots of the various machines, and workers are made up of racially and gender diverse crews. The final flap, showing small children playing with a toy train set who have “come to help,” is satisfying. A dream for true big-rig fans.” ~ Kirkus

“This is the kind of book that you’ll learn from as much as your equipment obsessed tiny tot. A marvelous new addition to a superior series.” ~ Elizabeth Bird, School Library Journal

“This is definitely a book to put on your shelf if you have a child who loves building, construction work, big machines, or is just curious about how things work.” ~ The Reading Tub

Teaching Resources:

Whose Boat?

by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Tom Froese

ISBN: 9781419728358

Abrams Appleseed, 2018

Smoke billows up. Cool water flows. Whose boat is that? Do you know?

This nonfiction ode to boats features six kinds of workers and their boats—a patrol boat, a tugboat, a car ferry, a lobster boat, a lifeboat, and a fireboat—with important parts properly labeled. The answer to each inquiring refrain lies under a gatefold, engaging the reader in an informative guessing game. With lyrical (and factual!) text by New York Times bestselling author Toni Buzzeo, and the stylized art of Tom Froese, this sturdy board book is perfect for curious and playful young readers.

Reviews:

This book, the third in a fantastic series, is a must for any little lover of all things that go. The illustrations are bright and engaging and the fact boxes provide that kind of extra information kids crave. Whose Boat? is the perfect book to take on a trip or keep tucked in the backseat. There’s a lot going on to keep kids busy.” ~ books4yourkids.com

Awards & Honors:

  • Target Summer Vacation Endcap Promotion

Teaching Resources:

Whose Truck?

by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Jim Datz

ISBN: 9781419716126

Abrams Appleseed, 2015

This nonfiction follow-up to Whose Tools? features six kinds of trucks—a utility truck, a fire truck, a snowplow, an ambulance, a crane, and a broadcasting truck—with five different parts of each truck properly labeled. The answer to each inquiring refrain of “Whose truck is this?” is revealed under a gatefold, engaging the reader in an informative guessing game about trucks and their operators. With lyrical (and factual!) text by New York Times bestselling author Toni Buzzeo, and the expertly stylized art of Jim Datz, this sturdily constructed board book is perfect for curious and playful young readers.

Reviews:

The crisp, colorful illustrations feature a diverse cast of characters and include line workers, firefighters, highway maintenance workers, EMTs, crane operators, and a broadcast crew. Interactive and educational, this one is a must for toddlers and preschoolers fascinated by trucks and the people who operate them.” ~ ★ Kirkus

“Datz includes a solid mix of male and female workers in a variety of skin colors. A last-page twist reminds readers that toy trucks can be just as fun as the real thing.” ~ Publishers Weekly

Awards & Honors:

  • 2015 Atlanta Parent Best Book
  • 2016 A Baker’s Dozen: The Best Children’s Books for Family Literacy (PA Center for the Book)
  • 2015 ABC Best Book for Young Readers

Teaching Resources:

Whose Tools?

by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Jim Datz

ISBN: 9781419714313

Abrams Appleseed, 2015

This nonfiction ode to building a house from the ground up features six kinds of craftsmen and the 24 tools they use, accurately labeled. The answer to each inquiring refrain is revealed under a gatefold, seven in all, engaging the reader in an informative guessing game. With lyrical (and factual!) text by New York Times bestselling author Toni Buzzeo, and the expertly stylized art of illustrator and designer Jim Datz, this sturdily constructed board book is perfect for curious and playful young readers.

Reviews:

This delightful guessing game–style board book introduces 24 tools and the tradespeople who use them . . . Women are well represented among Datz’s carpenters, roofers, electricians, plumbers, and painters (who are drawn in a range of skin tones), providing a subtle “you could do this, too” message that is cemented in a closing scene of two children playing with blocks in the finished house.” ~ ★ Publishers Weekly

“Little ones really into construction will appreciate the number and variety of tools featured here, and they will enjoy learning their names as well as which workers put them to use. A nifty, unexpectedly sophisticated exploration of the tools and professions connected to the world of construction.” ~ Kirkus

“The precise language paired with smiling, cartoon renderings of each tool make this an accessible and fun approach to learning.” ~ Booklist

Awards & Honors:

  • 2015 unPrison Project Nursery Library Selection
  • 2015 Atlanta Parent Best Book
  • 2015 ABC Best Book for Young Readers

Teaching Resources:

Paintings by Lynne Neuman

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