Colonel Trash Truck Hardcover – May 1, 2009

What a nice little book this is to teach children the importance of keeping our environment, town and home clean. In an era where we seem to be drowning in trash and plastic garbage, this message is becoming more and more important and we simply cannot begin the process of teaching our children and grandchildren this concept soon enough.The story centers around an army of trash trucks, led by Colonel Trash Truck, whose duty is to keep our streets and environment clean. The ever vigilant army does not miss a beat in their never ending war against litter and mess. They are here to make a better world for us.The author has used trash trucks; making them the central characters in the war on trash. I thought it was a very nice thing to give the lowly trash truck its place in the spotlight for a change. The book is filled with clear illustrations which are quite eye catching and plenty of buzz words; the kind of words children of the age this book is targeted for, simply love...loogies, boogies and other gross little comments are certain to bring out giggles. The expression on the faces of the characters; both human and nonhuman are great and tell as much about the happenings in the story as the text.There are a couple of aspects of this work that need addressed. First is the verse from the author has chosen. As several other reviewers have pointed out, Ms. Crawley has used a six line format with lines 1 and two rhyming and three and six along with four and five. This format or style is deceptively sophisticated for a book targeted for this age group and unless you are familiar with it, the reader should probably read it to themselves a couple of times before the present it to a group. It can be quite effective in certain situations (I use it myself with some of my work), but it can be difficult to read without practice.The problem, if problem it is, of being gender slanted has been brought up. Perhaps it is as all the main characters are indeed male. I personally do not feel there is anything wrong with this on two different levels. First, if indeed it is leaning toward the male taste, there is really nothing wrong in that. Many good works are now being completely spoiled in our frantic effort to make everything gender general rather than gender specific. I must say though that I have not noted a problem in this area with kids. The era where little girls are not suppose to know anything of mechanics is long gone. These days little girls can identify with heavy machinery, cars, trucks and the like just as well as boys. I personally do not see a weakness in this work in that area.The art work in this one is nice and crisp and pleasing to the eye...it is well executed. The colors work well and pop from the page in a mellow sort of way.I am giving this one five stars simply because of the strong and important message the book sends and due to the fact that each page gives the adult reader a golden opportunity to expound and expand on the message with the child.Don BlankenshipThe Ozarks

Kathleen Crawley spins a humorous and educational tale about litter and recycling in "Colonel Trash Truck." This rhyming story focuses on Colonel Trash Truck, who sweeps through the neighborhood picking up trash and defending the planet against litterbugs.The rhythm of the story keeps a steady pace with just a few stumbling blocks. The Colonel teaches children how to separate recyclables and how to throw away all sorts of trash.The illustrations are very vibrant, and illustrator Manuel Conde emphasizes deep greens and wonderful blues to make each page pop with color. My two-year-old son really enjoyed looking at the illustrations as I read the story to him. He's really into trucks right now (especially trash trucks) and loved each and every page of the book.The only problem I have with the book is a short lesson on cleaning up rooms, making the bed and using tissues to clean your nose. While the lesson itself is a good one, I felt that these particular passages in the book threw off the rhythm set by the Colonel's trash chomping message.With only this miscue, "Colonel Trash Truck" is a fun tale that teaches youngsters how to be responsible with waste. The book claims to be printed on the highest percentage of post consumer waste allowed by technology. At least they are attempting to practice what they preach, which is a lot more than I can say for many other companies and individuals who are using the "green" movement to fill their pockets with another type of "green."Recommended to families with young children interested in trucks and any child who enjoys vibrant illustrations.

All of us should be concerned about the world we live in. Just how will it be for our grandchildren if we don't all take the time to consider how to protect planet earth. In this little book we meet, Colonel Trash Truck, his entire purpose is to keep the world clean and he wants all children to help.The story, told in rhyme, encourages children to be aware of how they can help. Pick up your bags, throw trash where it belongs and recycle please. I loved the illustrations that were big and bold and the expressions on the the Colonel's face were outstanding. There were some chuckles along the way when some advise was given about not picking your nose, or how the Colonel and his crew pick up dog and cat doo doo. Now you just have to laugh and what a better way to get someone's attention in a story, especially a child.This book is certainly a winner and shows the importance of keeping our planet clean and how children can help. Well written, great illustrations and a fun learning story. All around a great read, fun and educational.

If ever we are to correct the direction of salvaging the Green Planet, best to start with children. Kathleen Crawley wears a number of hats - sociologist, advertising executive, environmentalist - and now she reveals another aspect of her involvment with children and with her conviction of the importance of teaching pertinent values to the young reader. She has successfully entered the field of children's literature with a snappy little book featureing a character (with the excellent illustrative assistance of Manuel Conde) called COLONEL TRASH TRUCK.Written for readers ages 3 - 6 years this colorful tale is told in clever rhyming rhythms and relates the importance of the service a trash truck performs. Indeed, she expands her trash gathering trucks into a brigade that teaches the importnace of recycling, of informing children how to separate trash in seperate containers, and in general starts a parade for keeping the planet green and free of those nasty litterbugs!This is a charming book, written with a joyful manner that will delight the age group for which it is intended AND remind the adult readers of a very siginifcant challenge to each of us. Grady Harp, September 09