Tag: Sharon Chriscoe

Fire Truck Dreams (Sharon Chriscoe)

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Hello, friends! Our book today is Fire Truck Dreams, written by Sharon Chriscoe and illustrated by Dave Mottram, third in Chriscoe’s series of big-machine bedtime stories.

Following the same beats as the previous installments – Race Car Dreams and Bulldozer Dreams, – a fire truck finishes his busy day of rescuing kittens and putting out fires, heading home and keeping a proud, watchful eye over his neighborhood. After a refreshing wash and a story from the Rescue Readers Library, he nestles into his parking bay with his trusty Dalmatian and settles into sleep. When he dreams, it’s of saving the day at a bonfire and treated to a parade in his honor, appreciated for all the good that he does.

Very sweet. Once again, Chriscoe uses fluid, cheerful yet subdued rhymes to show how a sentient big vehicle ends its day just the same way the reader does, a treat for any young lover of big machines. The colorful art uses twilight color and lighting to set a peaceful tone that makes for a good bedtime read, adorable and visually interesting but not overly stimulating. There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking in the way the story is presented, especially considering how much it shares with the preceding books in the series, but there’s something quite soothing in its simplicity – this is just the type of book that a little fire truck enthusiast would adore reading to wind down their day. The length is good, and JJ enjoyed it, so we can definitely say that this one is Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the author in exchange for an honest review.)

Race Car Dreams & Bulldozer Dreams (Sharon Chriscoe)

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Hello, friends! Our books today are Race Car Dreams and Bulldozer Dreams, written by Sharon Chriscoe and illustrated by Dave Mottram and John Joven, respectively.

Both stories follow the same beats: after a long and fun-filled day, the titular vehicle readies for bed, getting cleaned up, having a yummy meal, reading a book, then snuggling in for a good night’s sleep. After falling asleep, we follow each to dreamland to see what little vehicles dream of as they rest up for the next big day.

Very cute. “Getting ready for bed” books can often seem like a dime a dozen, and while they often employ a theme or gimmick, it has to be a good one to stand out. While I was a little surprised that the stories were so similar for both books, I understand the appeal: some kids like race cars, and some like construction vehicles. Beyond that, it’s the bouncy rhyming text and warm, cheerful illustrations that give these books their charm, and both have it in spades. From details like the race car snuggling his wrench for bed, the bulldozer dreaming of building a playground for smiling children, down to the living objects that populate their worlds, there’s a wealth of fun to be had for little bookworms who love things that go. The length of both is perfect for a bedtime story, and JJ (who is not normally a big vehicle enthusiast) really loved these and smiled from ear to ear as we read. Adorable bedtime fun, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved.

(Note: A copy of both books were provided to The Baby Bookworm by the author in exchange for an honest review.)