DUMP TRUCK DISCO

Disco is dead? Try telling that to these late-night Samaritans.

Who knew? In the dark of night, abandoned urban lots may be converted into playgrounds by an upbeat troop of do-gooding trucks. Led by Dump Truck Daisy, each vehicle has a job to do, whether it’s clearing, mixing, or building. When the humans wake up in the morning, they discover their new neighborhood amenity, and the trucks move on to further missions. Backmatter includes information on each truck as well as a directive to come up with a different dance for each as they listen to the accompanying CD (with vocals by Audra Mariel). Putting aside the fact that for many young readers “disco” is as archaic a subject as ancient Rome, the story is bound to appeal. Even without musical accompaniment, the text scans perfectly on its own. A tip of the hat to Silver is due for the abundance of trucks with typically female monikers as well as such ethnic names as Esteban, Kazuo, and Beatriz. Likewise, the widely diverse array of people milling about the pages is a delight to behold. Eye-popping acrylics mixed with watercolors and digital collage render each page a colorful cacophony that defies the dark of night. The appearance of a wrecking disco ball is just the icing on the cake.

Expect construction-loving kids to be dancing to this funkytown night fever hustle.