Horn Book Guide Reviews
Return to the world of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site with the same dedicated trucks and action-packed rhymes--now with holiday cheer. The smiling construction trucks each find a Christmas gift from the crew, and thanks to the trucks' efforts, the fire trucks have a star-bedecked new home for Christmas Eve. The characteristic illustrations (now done by Ford) in wax oil crayon consist of bold lines and plenty of color. Copyright 2019 Horn Book Guide Reviews.
Horn Book Magazine Reviews
Return to the world of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site with the same dedicated trucks and action-packed rhymes—now with a bit of holiday cheer thrown in. As the smiling construction trucks complete "the last big project of the year," with as much enthusiasm as ever, they each find a Christmas gift from the crew (e.g., a shiny new scoop, candy cane–striped gear). The trucks' hard work is rewarded with all sorts of surprises, and thanks to their efforts, the fire trucks have a star-bedecked new home for Christmas Eve. The construction site's characteristic illustrations (by Ford, taking over from Tom Lichtenheld) in wax oil crayon consisting of bold lines and plenty of red, orange, yellow, and blue here contain a seasonal touch: patches of white snow. colleen shea Copyright 2018 Horn Book Magazine Reviews.
Kirkus Reviews
A jolly team of trucks rushes to build a firehouse in time for Christmas.With a big-city skyline in the background, Bulldozer clears the way for Excavator to dig the foundation. Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, and Crane Truck all do their parts for a brand-new fire station. As each ends his day (not one of these anthropomorphized trucks is gendered female, unfortunately), a special gift just for him awaits, with a thank-you card attached from the trucks' unseen human crew. Rinker tells the story in rhyming couplets set in sans serif type that moves along with the trucks: "An icy wind blows in his face / but Dump Truck revs to keep the pace. / His back is sore, his tires are shot, / but Dump Truck gives it all he's got…." Emulating Tom Lichtenheld's style for this companion to the perennial bestseller, Ford's colored-pencil illustrations in soft, rich tones vary between full double-page spreads and framed insets, shifting focus from each truck's individual effort to the overal l task at hand. The entire story is framed by spreads front and back that show the trucks asleep, ending with the words that are repeated throughout: "Merry Christmas! And…goodnight." A crescent moon smiles benevolently above all. A lovely book that ties the Christmas message of friendship and generosity to the satisfaction of a job well-done. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus 2018 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.
Publishers Weekly Reviews
Christmas has arrived at the construction site, and the trucks are finishing up their hard work building a special house. As night comes and snow falls, each truck receives a special gift. Writing in upbeat couplets, Rinker describes each truck's duties. "Cement Mixer has concrete to pour:/ he lays the foundation, walls, and floor." By introducing the trucks individually, Rinker allows the excitement of each finding their gifts to resonate every time. Finally, their work is done, and fire trucks roll into "a new home, built just right." Ford's oil crayon renderings of the trucks are gently expressive. Truck lovers will gladly welcome the friendly rigs for Christmas. Ages 3–5. (Oct.)
Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly.School Library Journal Reviews