Towed by Toad

Starred review from June 28, 2024

PreS-Gr 1-Toad and his tow truck spend a long day rescuing other animals whose vehicles have broken down. He declines his father's offers of breakfast and lunch, saying he is in too much of a hurry to be a "helper" to his neighbors. When Toad's own truck has a mechanical failure, he grows increasingly frustrated at his inability to "fix his own problem," and breaks down in tears before accepting that "Everyone needs help sometimes. Even the helpers." After Toad finally calls for assistance, his own father comes to the rescue in an even larger tow truck, and the two finally share a meal back home. The text is brief and Awan's digital illustrations are clear and easy to see from a distance, making this an excellent choice for story hours. The social-emotional lesson is direct without being heavy-handed, and Toad and his tow truck are sure to be popular with children who have an endless appetite for vehicle books. Large print, short sentences, and simple, rhyming vocabulary make this a good choice for newly independent readers as well. VERDICT A pitch-perfect picture book with broad appeal, ideal for both truck-obsessed toddlers and emerging readers.-Amy Reimann

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2024
Even helpers need help sometimes. Toad's job as a tow truck driver is so hectic that he doesn't have time to eat the breakfast his dad's prepared. "No time, Pop! Can't stop!" Toad calls, racing out the door. Toad gets caught in heavy traffic as other animals race to their destinations. When one of them breaks down, "that's where Toad comes in," giving the beleaguered driver and the car a lift and tow, respectively. "I'm happy to help!" he announces. Caring Dad's on the scene again, bringing Toad lunch. Toad's response? "No time, Pop! Can't stop!" As the day wears on, vehicular mishaps continue. Toad "answers the call" and "tows them all." Then--uh-oh--his own truck goes kaput! Worse yet, he can't fix it. What's a tow truck driver to do whenhe needs a tow truck driver? Who's Toad gonna call? Would you believe a great helper--Dad, a tow truck driver himself--comes to the rescue? Back at the family business's garage, Toad finally finds time to eat. This rollicking story "tows" kids along with its fast-paced humor; its message that everyone occasionally needs assistance will resonate. The clipped text, heightening the sense of on-the-go movement, is comprised of brief sentences and phrases that use basic phonemic elements, making this funny, sweet tale a fine choice for emergent readers. The comical digital illustrations, featuring an all-animal cast, incorporate onomatopoeic sound effects. Young readers will be pulled in by this humorous charmer.(Picture book. 4-7)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2024
Toad drives the tow truck for Pop's Garage, his dad's car repair shop. Toad is so busy that he bolts out the front door before the title page, skipping the insect his father has fried for him for breakfast. Vehicular calamities abound. "Catie cat has a flat. Davey dog hit a log. Mayor Hop forgot to stop. Stanley Snout's engine fell out." The punchy text uses short sentences and consistent rhythm with periodic bursts of rhyme, giving this a read-aloud cadence and momentum. The digital illustrations are a blend of spare, subtle, and energetic. Characters and vehicles appear as spot images in textured, relatively subdued hues on white backdrops, creating a warm, calm contrast to the nonstop accidents and Toad's frenzied activity level. When the tow truck breaks down, Toad insists he can handle it himself, but when his efforts end in his kicking the car in frustration ("Wait, Toad -- that's not going to help!"), Toad realizes it's time to call Pop. "Everyone needs help sometimes." With its clear plot, welcome predictability, and straightforward language, this book will be a smash with the preschool crowd while also satisfying the needs of beginning readers. Adrienne L. Pettinelli

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2024
Toad drives the tow truck for Pop's Garage, his dad's car repair shop. Toad is so busy that he bolts out the front door before the title page, skipping the insect his father has fried for him for breakfast. Vehicular calamities abound. "Catie cat has a flat. Davey dog hit a log. Mayor Hop forgot to stop. Stanley Snout's engine fell out." The punchy text uses short sentences and consistent rhythm with periodic bursts of rhyme, giving this a read-aloud cadence and momentum. The digital illustrations are a blend of spare, subtle, and energetic. Characters and vehicles appear as spot images in textured, relatively subdued hues on white backdrops, creating a warm, calm contrast to the nonstop accidents and Toad's frenzied activity level. When the tow truck breaks down, Toad insists he can handle it himself, but when his efforts end in his kicking the car in frustration ("Wait, Toad -- that's not going to help!"), Toad realizes it's time to call Pop. "Everyone needs help sometimes." With its clear plot, welcome predictability, and straightforward language, this book will be a smash with the preschool crowd while also satisfying the needs of beginning readers.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)