Little Blue Truck Leads the Way isn’t just another kids’ book—it’s a tiny life coach in truck form. Alice Shertle (who also wrote the original Little Blue Truck—you know, the farm one?) drops our hero into a honking, hectic city this time. Think Madeline meets Cars, but with more animal noises.

The story’s magic is in how it sneaks lessons into giggles. When a limo and taxi start arguing (classic city drama), Little Blue Truck doesn’t just beep—he leads. The illustrations, all vibrant streets and expressive animal faces, remind me of Lucy Cousins’ Maisy books but with extra zoom.

Fun fact: Teachers love using this for “community helpers” units. There’s even a Little Blue Truck plush that kids hug while reading—total heart-melter. The rhythm’s got that Dr. Seuss bounce without the tongue-twisters (“Honk! Beep! Vroom!” is basically toddler crack).

Downside? You’ll read it approximately 9,000 times. But hey, at least it’s not Frozen. Pro tip: Check the endpapers for hidden story bits—Shertle’s illustrator (Jill McElmurry) hid a duck on every page like Where’s Waldo? for preschoolers.