The Wheelbarrow Express by Sue Whiting, Cate James (illustrator) Published by Walker Books Australia on 05/07/2023
Genres: Picture Book
Format: Hardcover
Source: Personal book collection
It’s Tommy’s last day visiting his Pa’s farm. His mum is almost there to pick him up, but there is time for one last ride on the Wheelbarrow Express. Tommy and his Pa visit the pigs, chickens, goats and dam, collecting treasures for Tommy to take home as they go.
The Wheelbarrow Express by Sue Whiting and Cate James (Walker Books, 2023) celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren (specifically grandfather and grandson) and the many sights and sounds of farm life.
Younger children will enjoy the sounds of the story, the repeated ‘Toot! Toot! Choo-choo-choo-choo’ as the Wheelbarrow Express moved between locations, the various animals, and spotting the farm dog on each double page spread (and the front and back covers and end pages).
For pre-school and older children there are a variety of animals and details of farm life to enjoy. The text is very sensory, with numerous sounds, colours and movements mentioned. The illustrations are excellent, and It is interesting to note that Tommy and his baby sister Ruby are both portrayed as having darker skin than the grandfather and mother.
The Wheelbarrow Express is an engaging picture book, with plenty to notice and enjoy in both the text and illustrations. It’s a lovely story about connection between grandparent and grandchild, shared through a fun adventure as Tommy says goodbye to his favourite animals and places at his grandfather’s farm.
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