Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-In this rollicking Fourth of July story, Grandma ends up driving the garbage truck because all three of her sons are down with the flu. The intrepid woman suits up and decides to pick up the trash according to schedule so that things are spic and span for the holiday celebration. Along with her young grandson Billy, she inadvertently picks up garlands of roses, a clothesline strung with apparel, and an American flag as she navigates the large truck through the narrow streets. When she steers the vehicle onto the parade route, she toots the horn and waves to the crowd, earning a ribbon for the "Most Creative Float." The bright and festive watercolors enhance this lighthearted tale that's perfect for reading aloud.-Alexa Sandmann, Kent State University, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
When Grandma's three sons become ill, she and grandson Billy undertake driving the garbage truck--the family business--to clean the town for the July 4th parade. Problems ensue, but the mishandled truck becomes a parade entry to create a somewhat improbable happy ending. Soft-edged illustrations featuring lots of action in red, white, and blue chronicle the small-town mayhem effectively. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
When her three sons call in sick on the day of the big Fourth of July parade, Billy's spunky Grandma takes on their job of driving the family garbage truck. Aiming primarily for humor, but falling short, Grandma and Billy's adventure proves perilous from the moment Grandma leaves the driveway, as she immediately plows through a mail box, rose beds, a flag and even a clothesline without noticing. In a twist, these items pile up on the garbage truck, transforming it into an award-winning float in the town's parade. Obviously, Clark hopes readers will see the humor in Grandma's blissful oblivion; however, there is a noticeable disconnect between Clark's levity and Huntington's realistic illustrations, which clearly picture the faces of those with property damage as anything but laughing. Off-target and maybe even offensive to those with older loved ones. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
