From Publishers Weekly
Making his debut, Santoro tells the story of Isaac, a bright pink ice cream truck with a big self-esteem problem: "He felt a little silly when he looked around and saw what great things the other trucks could do." Even though people always come running when they hear his cheery song (music is provided at the end of the book), it isn't until he provides much-needed refreshment for some weary firefighters that Isaac realizes his self-worth: "He could do something very, very specialAIsaac could make people happy!" Santoro's background in film animation shows in his sense of perspective, such as the fire-fighting scene's vertical thrust or the forward lean of a semi-truck carrying automobiles. The text at times lapses into a treacly verbosity, but Santoro's considerable visual acumen will likely appeal to truck and Good Humor fans alike. Ages 3-5. (May)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2Isaac is a hot-pink ice cream truck with an inferiority complex. He dreams about being a more impressive vehicle, such as a moving van, or a crane, or a delivery truck. But Im only an ice cream truck, he thought, and theres nothing important about an ice cream truck. One day, Isaac and his driver friend Paul are trapped on the street when a nearby building catches fire. Isaac looks on enviously, convinced that the fire trucks are the most magnificent vehicles he has ever seen. After the fire is successfully extinguished, a tired firefighter sees Isaac and exclaims, Well, if it isnt my lucky dayAn ice cream truck, just when you need it most! This story sends the valuable message that everyone is special in some way. In keeping with its whimsical tone, Santoro has personified the trucks in the colored-pencil artwork with eyes for headlights and mouth-shaped front grills. The words and musical score for Isaacs Song appear on the endpapers. Pair this book with Marjorie Sharmats Im Terrific (Holiday, 1977) for a storytime about self-esteem.Lisa Gangemi Krapp, formerly at Sousa Elementary School, Port Washington, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
