This is one book in a series of book that are part of what Jon Scieszka calls Trucktown. This particular book is about Melvin the cement mixer who is constantly worrying about everything. Melvin and his friends are working on fixing a bridge and to get to the other side of the busted bridge the vehicles must fly down a huge hill and soar over to the other side. At first Melvin is apprehensive about trying to fly over the bridge, but his friend Rita gets stuck which results in Melvin getting enough courage to go and save Rita. This book reminded me a lot of The Little Engine That Could, so it brought back memories of that story. I liked this book because it contained a couple of components that the books I've read thus far do not have.
At one part of the story you when Melvin is driving down the hill to fly over the bridge to read the story you have to turn the book upwards and it looks as if Melvin really is driving down hill. Also, When Melvin is soaring over the broken bridge the books pages open up and it looks like scene clips side by side. This is a book that would useful for younger children, the illustrations are childlike and would be most appealing to a younger audience. The added features in this book create the opportunity to show the students how they have to pay attention to text location and illustrations. The story would also be useful in teaching students about self-esteem and motivation. When Melvin gained self-esteem and motivation he was able to do things he never thought he could do.
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