Big Rigs

Children's Literature - Beverly Kobrin

Big rigs, or the mostly diesel-burning eighteen-wheelers, are the largest trucks on the highway. There are "reefer" refrigerated vans, "possum belly" livestock haulers, "gooseneck" low-to-the-ground heavy-haulers, and more. Crisp portraits of the various tractors, trailers, and their logos; a simple descriptive narrative; and a two-page glossary of truckers' CB radio terms comprise this super photoessay.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-This new edition of Big Rigs is just what would-be truckers are looking for. Its photographs are now in full color; also, it includes updated information on safety features, diesel engines, women drivers, and vehicles used in the Gulf War. Though the book is not divided into chapters, it has three distinct sections. The first describes the rigs in general and their various parts. Unfamiliar terms are defined in the text. The second part features specific types of rigs and their uses. The third section discusses several of the better-known manufacturers of tractors, their trademarks, and offers a sentence or two about each. The text talks directly to readers with age-appropriate vocabulary. Large, clear, colorful photos fill each page, with details shown in excellent closeups. Three to six sentences accompany each picture. The text concludes with a list of CB radio terms. With its bold, attention-grabbing cover, this title won't be parked on the shelf for long.-Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS