Tom the Truck Driver by Jess Carrigan. Illus. by Glen Singleton

Debut author Jess Carrigan lives in the Hunter Valley, Australia and with her husband runs an agricultural-based trucking company. Her knowledge of truck, truckies and what their work involves is evident in this soft cover picture book.

Tom is a likeable character who drives a large B Double truck and warmly shares his story with young readers. He is ready to collect a number of calves and cattle from a farmer and take them to market. It is a long journey and on the way Tom talks about his day, what he sees on his journey and how others help him at different times.

The full page illustrations are colourful and show detail. The accessible text is spread thoughtfully throughout and for those children who are fascinated by trucks and farming life, this will be an enjoyable read.

Themes: Trucks, Road Trains, Country Life, Jobs, Cattle, Farms, Australia.

Kathryn Beilby