Tugga-Tugga Tugboat
PreSchool-K–In a book similar to theirChugga-Chugga Choo-Choo(Hyperion, 1999), Lewis and Kirk combine rhythmic text, descriptive language, and colorful pseudo-realistic artwork to depict the adventures of a toy tugboat. From early morning (Cast off!/Anchors aweigh./Aye, aye, Captain./Busy day!) to evening (Day is over. Moon shines bright./Engine rumbles through the night), the hardworking vessel scoots, splashes, pushes, and pulls through a busy day. Youngsters will appreciate the rhyming text and quickly learn the refrain, which changes slightly with each verse. Illustrations in bright primary colors and geometrical shapes match the playful verse. The toylike quality of the boats, cargo, and crew becomes more apparent with each page, so it is no surprise when the bathtub setting is revealed. In the end, a smiling, freshly washed, pajama-clad youngster is taken off to bed, while his still-dripping playthings rest contentedly at tubs edge. The simplicity of both narrative and pictures makes this story a strong choice for children.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.