Five monster trucks prepare for a nighttime race. Suddenly, a "little blue bus" appears on the track "looking perky...and cute." The book goes beyond the simple underdog story, and the very end offers a clever Halloween-themed twist. Vivid colors and textures give the cartoony acrylic and digital illustrations a bold and lively look alongside the energetic rhyming text.

It-s a mash-up made in heaven (or maybe hell): ghoulish monsters and larger-than-life vehicles decked out with oversize tires, spikes, and menacing grins. After Denise (Baking Day at Grandma-s) gets introductions out of the way (-Frankentruck is first to arrive./ With a jump of his cables, He-s alive! He-s alive!-), the race is on. The competitors include Vampire Truck, Zombie Truck, and-what-s this?--a little blue bus looking perky... and cute.- The VW-bus-style newcomer quickly makes short work of the larger, fiercer racers, and a kicker reveals that she-s more than just a pretty fascia. Wragg (Elwood Bigfoot: Friends Wanted!) creates some wicked vehicular hybrids-Ghost Truck fittingly evokes an old Rolls Royce Phantom-and eerie green skies and yellow moonlight set the stage for full-throttle Halloween fun. Ages 4-8. Author-s agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management. Illustrator-s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (July)

PreS-Gr 1 On a "Spooky Speedway," a creepy collection of monster trucks assemble to race to the finish line. Bright, bold illustrations bring characters like Zombie Truck, Frankentruck, and Werewolf Truck to life. When a tiny VW-style van shows up to race, the big monster trucks think lunch has arrived. But Little Blue Bus has a spooky secret that will delight audiences as they cheer on the tiny underdog to the win. A good choice for a not too frightening read-aloud. VERDICT With lots of movement in the text and on the pages, this is a quick seasonal storytime selection that is sure to be popular around Halloween. Monstrous fun! Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh