Books
About
A Truck Named Tony
Written by M. Jane Hawkins
Illustrated by David Barrow
Doodle and Peck Publishing, 2018
Tony lives on the showroom floor of a car dealership and longs to go outside. He spends his days watching trucks go by and wishing he could have the fun that he imagines they are having. His favorite is a purple truck with huge tires, a shiny bumper with a winch, and yellow, flashing lights.
Tony gets excited when he is taken outside for test drives, but is disappointed every time he is returned to the showroom. When Tony is the most discouraged, his friend Mikey the sports car cheers him up and tells him that his turn will come.
Finally, a young family comes in and buys Tony, but more disappointment lies ahead. Not until the boy grows up will Tony's dream of going over bumpy roads, up hills and down valleys, and though tall grass come true.
Also available from:
Reviews:
In Hawkins’ first book, the truck longs for a driver to adopt him from the showroom so that he can drive over bumpy roads, climb hills and go down valleys. Children will respond to the attachment that Tony the truck has to his family, especially the boy, and how the boy doesn’t give up on his old friend.
Tulsa Kids Magazine
A Truck Named Tony is an excellent children’s picture book about a red truck that gets sad and discouraged after being rejected by potential buyers. His friend encourages him not to give up. The illustrations are bright and colorful. A very good read that is certain to hold a child’s attention from beginning to end. I recommend it for children Pre- K through 3rd grade, and for public and elementary school libraries.
J. Johnson
Children’s Librarian
A Truck Named Tony is a delightful story that children will enjoy hearing over and over again. Children will easily identify with the characters and dilemma facing Tony. They will be cheering Tony on as his dream comes true and will be encouraged to be like Tony when faced with similar situations of feeling left out or going unnoticed. Fun, bright illustrations accompany this tale of friendship and perseverance.
Amazon Customer
Teacher Activity Kit
Download a Teacher Activity Kit pdf for A Truck Named Tony
About
Tony the Truck and the Christmas Delivery
Written by M. Jane Hawkins
Illustrated by David Barrow
Doodle and Peck Publishing, 2022
Tony loves to help. He delivers groceries and firewood, and even helps vehicles stuck in the snow. This year, he gets to deliver a Christmas tree to the Children’s Hospital. But when heavy snow traps Tony in the garage, he tries to jump over the snow, push through it, and finally, squeeze around it. Nothing works.
Then he hears the RUMBLE RUMBLE of his friends, Sarah the snowplow, Felicity the front loader, and Road Assistant Rosco. With a little help from his pals, Tony escapes the garage delivers the tree to the Children’s Hospital in time for Christmas..
Also available from:
Reviews:
Tony’s friends come to his rescue after a big snowstorm. The book’s theme of finding help from your friends when needed is a favorite of children and can be used as a teaching opportunity. The theme reminds me of classic books like Charlotte’s Web and The Little Engine That Could. The book is full of colorful vocabulary that enhances this perfect read-aloud for the holiday season.
Shirley Richardson
MLIS, M.Ed
Classroom teacher and school librarian
When twenty 3-5 year olds clap at the end of a story, you know it’s a keeper! Tony the truck and his friends took our class on a delightful journey as they worked together to save Christmas for the Children’s Hospital. With each rumble and beep, Tony’s big heart touched our young scholars, leaving them cheering for more. The world needs Tony now more than ever!
Montessori teacher
As with the first book, A Truck Named Tony, children love the inclusive characters, both in gender and ethnicity. Tony the Truck and the Christmas Delivery is a wonderful springboard into discussions of trust, helpfulness, and community. And although it is about Christmas, every major religion has a version of the “golden rule.” As Mr. Rogers taught us for generations, “Thank you, helpers.”
M. Margrave
Early Childhood educator