Little Taco Truck
by Tanya Valentine, Illustrated by Jorge Martin
Schwartz & Wade (April 2, 2019)
Fiction * Transportation * Food Trucks
Audience: PreK to 2nd grade
Indiebound | Worldcat
Description on GoodReads: Little Taco Truck serves up tasty treats to the hungry workers on Union Street . . . until one day, Miss Falafel shows up with her baked pita bread and crunchy chickpea fritters--and parks in his space. The next day, Miss Falafel is there again, and this time she's brought Gumbo Jumbo and Annie Arepas with her. Little Taco Truck's headlights dim. What if people like Gumbo Jumbo's spicy stew and Annie Arepas's warm cornbread cakes more than they like his tacos? When more trucks arrive the following day and there's no space left for Little Taco Truck, he swishes his wipers to hide his tears and heads home. At last, with some ingenuity and help from new friends, Little Taco Truck wins back his coveted parking spot. And guess what? There is room enough for everyone!
Packed with flavor and savory smells, this irresistible read-aloud about friendship and determination is perfect for even the youngest truck and taco fans.
Quick thoughts on the book:
Some books can be somewhat deceptive. A catchy title and a cute cover may be passed over for a book with that hints at something deeper. And yet, Little Taco Truck, seems like just the right message for our world today.
There is something fun about a book featuring a taco truck, and the foodie in me loved the additional of other food trucks with their diverse food options representing cultural groups from all over.
As other trucks arrive, Little Taco Truck begins to wonder if people will prefer falafels or gumbo more than tacos. The arrival of the other trucks also physically begin to push out the little truck. Of course, the book doesn’t end there. Little Taco Truck is determined to regain his spot on the street and with the help of the other trucks, it turns out that there is enough room for everyone to be included.
Food is a great starting place to talk about culture and inclusiveness with young children. The lesson learned by Little Taco Truck is more than just an act of kindness by the other trucks. The message is very much one of belonging and that everyone belongs. Look for Little Taco Truck at your local indie bookstore or public library.