Trusty Bus

Weiss Verdick’s rhythmic onomatopoeia-filled lines narrate yellow school bus Trusty’s jam-packed workday in this safety-oriented picture book. After an opening systems check, Driver Dee, a brown bear, takes Trusty out on his route picking up various fully anthropomorphized critters. Throughout, italicized text gives voice to the bus’s pride-filled perspective: “I’m a hustling-bustling trusty bus! Count on me.” Though a late student and ducklings at a crosswalk slow the group’s journey, “Trusty keeps safety in mind. His caution lights shine,” and the group manages to arrive in time. Later, a stop for gas, tire air, and “a wash from top to tailpipe—scrub-scrub!” prepares Trusty for the reverse route as well as concluding appreciations from adoring riders. Harter’s digital renderings and mottled textures convey a New England neighborhood vibe. Ages 4–8. (June)