The Wheels on the Bus - Hardcover

PreSchool-Grade 1 The essence of the traditional children's song is aptly captured in this picture book adaptation that retains the exuberance and rollicking action of the song. Kovalski builds a humorous original story around the traditional verse. A long wait at the bus stop precipitates a suggestion from a grandmother that she and her two grandchildren pass the time by singing ``The Wheels on the Bus.'' When grandma and the girls get carried away with their song, missing their bus, ever-resourceful grandma hails a cab. Kovalski expertly conveys the spirit with which people sing this song; indeed, this grandmother and these children become so involved that bus scenes are vividly recreated in their minds and on the pages of this book. The action of the song is followed through in detail, flowing from page to page with a cast of assorted characters depicted in watercolor with pencil illustrations. Musical notation accompanies the first verse. Good fun for young children and parents. Susan Nemeth McCarthy, Arlington County Public Library, Va.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Kovalski's frolicsome adaptation of the traditional song is an ebullient account of a grandmother taking her granddaughters into town to buy new winter coats. The girls emerge from the store in coats at least two sizes too large for them, and one can almost hear Grandma say, "plenty of room for sweaters and maybe you'll get another season out of them." But the real fun begins when they pass time till the bus comes, singing "the wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish . . . ," etc. Kovalski's mixed-media illustrations are wonderfully alive. Her characterizations of Grandma and the girls are animated; pink cheeks and three sets of excited eyes peer out beneath a fetching assortment of hats. This dauntless trio turns a potentially bleak cityscape into a terrific adventure. The perfect ending shows grandma snuggled in the back seat of a cab with a granddaughter on each side. A top choice for the preschool set. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.