‘Truck Stop’ is a perfect gift for young fans of vehicles

“TRUCK STOP,” by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Melissa Iwai, Viking, May 16, 2013, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 3-5)

Each morning, before the sun even comes up, a young boy and his parents head to their truck stop and prepare for customers. Soon, the trucks start rolling in with their bright lights and rumbling wheels.

Eighteen-Wheeler is the first to arrive. Next comes Milk Tank and Diligent Dan’s Moving Van. When Flatbed pulls in, the diner is near full. Coffee is brewing, bacon frying and eggs sizzling.

For the boy who helps his parents, there is nothing better than seeing all the trucks roll in. He knows every truck, and can tell when one is missing…

“Truck Stop” is one of those books you just know a child will want to pick up and read or have read to them — even my husband picked up my copy and flipped through it. The brightly colored illustrations are bold and exciting. And the story is both accessible and fun.

As an added bonus, illustrator Melissa Iwai has created corresponding activities for kids — including a coloring sheet for the littlest ones — on her website.