Big Stuff Dozer, Excavator, Mixer & More!

February 15, 2023
Up close with construction vehicles. On the verso of each spread, a different machine offers a short, rhyming, enthusiastic description of itself ("I'm a busy, busy BACKHOE. My tires are tough and black"), accompanied by a labeled illustration. While the labels are helpful, less obvious ones such as motor winch and chassis go undefined. On each recto, the vehicle goes into more detail explaining how it works; "Big Fun" or "Big History" sidebars are also included. The images are accurate renderings of the machines with a few fun additions like eyes and a mouth or a construction hat on top. The illustrations are appealing and depict racially diverse workers. While the dense text may be overwhelming for some young readers, curious little ones who crave more information about concrete mixers, haul trucks, bulldozers, and more will be thrilled with the level of detail. Many of the machines invite participation through imaginative play ("I'm super-tall TOWER CRANE! Will you be my operator?"). The final pages provide a fascinating outline of the future of construction vehicles, with information about autonomous construction robots and remote-controlled machines. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Jam-packed with text, this is an enticing read for fans of all things construction. (Board book. 3-5)

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