Want to Play Trucks?
Age 3+
Picture Storybooks
Jack likes trucks. Alex likes dolls. Just what will they play together?
Jack and Alex meet almost every morning in the sandbox at the playground. Jack likes trucks – big ones. Alex likes dolls – pink ones, with sparkles. And tutus. But Jack doesn’t want to play dolls, and Alex doesn’t want to play trucks. Luckily for Jack and Alex, the day is saved with a little bit of compromise and the easy acceptance that characterizes true friendship... What about dolls who drive trucks?
From Ann Stott and Bob Graham, the multi award-winning creator of Silver Buttons and A Bus Called Heaven, comes a story of friendship, perfect for any child who does not conform to traditional gender stereotypes.
Creators
Ann Stott is the author of What to Do When You’re Sent to Your Room, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin, and Always and I’ll Be There, both illustrated by Matt Phelan. She is also an art director and children’s book designer. Ann Stott lives in Massachusetts, USA.
Bob Graham is a Kate Greenaway-winning author-illustrator who has written and illustrated many acclaimed children's picture books including How to Heal a Broken Wing, How the Sun Got to Coco's House, Max, Jethro Byrde: Fairy Child and April Underhill: Tooth Fairy and, most recently, The Poesy Ring. A Bus Called Heaven is endorsed by Amnesty International UK and was the winner of the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award – a prize Bob has won an unprecedented six times. Silver Buttons was awarded a prestigious Prime Minister's Literary Award in Australia. Bob lives in Melbourne.
Reviews
In an age where discussions of gender stereotypes can feel contrived and almost over done in school, this is a story that simply speaks of difference and acceptance.
Trevor Cairney Blog
I am very impressed with Stott as an author. She has written a tale rich in spare and believable dialogue. Graham contributes his trademark illustrations with details that will become more apparent on a second re-telling. This is a lovely picture book to choose for a read-aloud and has lots of fodder for discussion with kids.
The Book Chook
So many little details and a diverse range of side characters, this book is worth the pennies just for perusing the pictures.
The Golden Adventures
Want to Play Trucks is a great reminder of the simplicity of childhood.
Blog of Dad
There are clearly some subtle messages in ‘Want to Play Trucks?’ around ethnicity and gender stereotypes, but rather than whack the reader over the head with a few token images or lines of text, Stott and Graham blend these ideas as part of a wider story celebrating the power of play in the life of a child.
Children's Books Daily
What a wonderful story to encourage discussion about friendship and compromise, about disagreements and coming together.
ReadPlus
A wonderful story for parents to encourage understanding of diversity, or support non-gender specific play.
Kids' Book Review
