Fleming, Meg. Ready, Set, Build! illus. by Jarvis. 32p. little bee. Apr. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781499801750. POP

PreS-K–A blue dog sets out for a day of construction work. He begins with a plan before getting to work and uses a variety of tools and construction vehicles, with a little green bird as a coworker. The dog and bird take a short break for lunch and then are back to work, until finally they have completed their project for the day, a big blue “Dog and Bird House” with a green roof. The dog and bird head home to get some rest so they can return to work the next day, which promises to be “twice as fun.” Fleming offers a sprightly picture book that will appeal to young readers, particularly those with an interest in construction. She writes in simple rhymes, and her text reflects the enthusiasm of the dog and the bird, both of whom truly enjoy their work. Jarvis’s use of bold, solid colors pairs well with the energy and exuberance of Fleming’s text. The blue dog is depicted with large, cartoonlike features, and the bird is drawn with simple circular shapes, and both are eye-catching. Fleming’s short, bouncy rhymes coupled with Jarvis’s big, bright illustrations make this an excellent choice for a read-aloud in a group setting. VERDICT A definite winner for construction-themed storytimes and for readers looking for a fun and vibrant picture book. Expect high circulation.–Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NY

Greene, Rhonda Growler. Push! Dig! Scoop!: A Construction Counting Rhyme. illus. by Daniel Kirk. 32p. Bloomsbury. Oct. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780802735065. POP

PreS-K–A clever reimagining of “Over in the Meadow” featuring different families of construction trucks busy attending the daily shores by a dirt pile. Parent trucks must show the little ones the important tasks they all have at the construction site. Mama bulldozer shows her little dozer the ropes: “ ‘Push!’ says the mama. ‘I push!’ says the one./So they push oosh oosh in the sizzling summer sun.” Papa excavator shows his two little excavators how to dig. The assignments differ as papa wheel loader shows his three little loaders how to scoop, mama dump truck teaches her four little dumpers that they must spill, etc. It is a great learning experience for all the little trucks, who, after a long and arduous day of work, are ready for some lullabies and then to say good night. Greene is in tune with preschoolers and has created a sensitive rhyming and counting book with an asymmetrical composition that plays with the organization of the text’s layout and the illustrations. The text flows naturally, providing enough repetition for an interactive setting and abundant vocabulary to enrich preschoolers’ language skills. Additionally, the expressive, bright illustrations, made with a fusion of black ink drawings and digitally added colors, relate to the text and will inspire children’s imagination. VERDICT This appealing picture book will work well in classrooms and storytimes and as a bedtime read. Bound to circulate often.–Kathia Ibacache, Simi Valley Public Library, CA

Rinker, Sherri Duskey. Mighty, Mighty Construction Site. illus. by Tom Lichtenheld. 40p. ebook available. Chronicle. Feb. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781452152165. POP

PreS-Gr 1–In this follow-up to the wildly popular Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, the trucks are back, working together to get the job done. This task is a bit too big for the old crew, though, and some new friends make an appearance, including a skid steer loader, a backhoe, a flatbed, a pumper truck, and a front-end loader. Fans of the first title, and vehicle lovers in general, will adore this story that’s perfect for reading anytime of day. Filled with vibrant illustrations and rich vocabulary, this rhyming tale is sure to make readers grin as brightly as the smiling vehicles in the book! VERDICT A solid addition for storytimes and one-on-one sharing. Expect high circulation.–Emily E. Lazio, The New York Public Library

Shoulders, Michael. D Is for Dump Truck: A Construction Alphabet. illus. by Kent Culotta. 32p. glossary. Sleeping Bear. Oct. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781585369751.

PreS-Gr 1–D is for “dump truck” and T is for “tape measure” in this A–Z journey to build a backyard tree house. Each letter of the alphabet describes a different part of the construction process with a rhyming verse and full-color illustrations. This is not your typical alphabet picture book, as Q is for “quad-axle truck,” and the text is detailed and includes vocabulary that may be unfamiliar to young children. A glossary of potentially unfamiliar terms is appended. This book will appeal to children who have an interest in learning factual information about the construction process. A few of the selections are less than inspiring. For example, A is for “alarm”: “Alarm goes off. Hip-hip-hooray!/The wait is over. Today’s the day.” And G is for “grab”: “ ‘Grab a hard hat,’ the foreman says./‘We need protection for our heads.’ ” VERDICT Recommended for additional purchase, this book is suitable for young vehicle and construction enthusiasts.–Kristen Todd-Wurm, Middle Country Public Library, NY