Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite

"A Truck Named Travis," written by Tim Shockley and illustrated by Denis Proulx, is a well-written children's story highlighting the importance of every individual and every job, no matter how small or meaningless it may seem. Travis is a trash-collection truck and while he is a good worker and enjoys his job, he allows the negative things that other trucks that think they are better than trash-collecting trucks say. Travis allows the negativity to bring down his attitude and overpower the positive talks that his best friend Trisha, another trash-collection truck, gives him. One day, no workers arrive to start up the trash-collection trucks, and then days turn into weeks of not working. The trucks do not know what is going on; all they know is that the garbage is taking over the city and making people ill. Suddenly, running the trash-collection trucks is the number one priority and Travis learns just how important his job actually is.

Not only is this a great book to teach children about treating others kindly and pointing out to them how teasing and negative comments can hurt someone, but it is also a great book to use to teach the importance of public works jobs. Too often these jobs are taken for granted, overlooked or not respected and this is a great way for children to learn just how important each job or role a person plays is. I loved the illustrations that went along with the story. They are well-done, cute for children and filled with details! Also, the friendship between Travis and Trisha is a great addition to the story as it teaches children the importance of a true friend.