A Truck Named Travis

There's a hero in each of us

Children - Concept
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 06/24/2012
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Tim Shockley is a native Virginian, a graduate of Radford University, and a 33-year veteran of public service.

A pilot of sport aircraft and an avid student of colonial American history, his storytelling is inspired by early elementary school children who make up the audiences of his numerous “show and tell” exhibitions of public works heavy equipment.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite

"A Truck Named Travis," written by Tim Shockley and illustrated by Denis Proulx, is a well-written children's story highlighting the importance of every individual and every job, no matter how small or meaningless it may seem. Travis is a trash-collection truck and while he is a good worker and enjoys his job, he allows the negative things that other trucks that think they are better than trash-collecting trucks say. Travis allows the negativity to bring down his attitude and overpower the positive talks that his best friend Trisha, another trash-collection truck, gives him. One day, no workers arrive to start up the trash-collection trucks, and then days turn into weeks of not working. The trucks do not know what is going on; all they know is that the garbage is taking over the city and making people ill. Suddenly, running the trash-collection trucks is the number one priority and Travis learns just how important his job actually is.

Not only is this a great book to teach children about treating others kindly and pointing out to them how teasing and negative comments can hurt someone, but it is also a great book to use to teach the importance of public works jobs. Too often these jobs are taken for granted, overlooked or not respected and this is a great way for children to learn just how important each job or role a person plays is. I loved the illustrations that went along with the story. They are well-done, cute for children and filled with details! Also, the friendship between Travis and Trisha is a great addition to the story as it teaches children the importance of a true friend.

Anonymous

"A Truck Named Travis" is a very good book for kids. They are not only not willing to put it down, they are learning at the same time! I think that it teaches a very good lesson to children about self respect and confidence.