THE OLD TRUCK
Norton Young Readers | January 7, 2020
Description
When is an old truck something more? On a small, bustling farm, a resilient and steadfast pickup works tirelessly alongside the family that lives there, and becomes a part of the dreams and ambitions of the family's young daughter.
After long days and years of hard work leave the old truck rusting in the weeds, it's time for the girl to roll up her sleeves. Soon she is running her own busy farm, and in the midst of all the repairing and restoring, it may be time to bring her faithful childhood companion back to life.
With an eye-catching retro design and cleverly nuanced illustrations, The Old Truck celebrates the rewards of determination and the value of imagination.
Available everywhere books are sold.
- "This heartfelt celebration of resilience in the face of change, with a determined black woman at its center, packs a powerful punch. As the old truck stays with its family, this charming book will stay with readers."–Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
- "This affectionate, pithy, and eloquent homage to farm life—and, quietly, Black families running farms, a rare sight in picture books—is uncommonly charming and rewards repeat readings."–Booklist (starred review)
- "A celebration of diligence and grit, the quiet text conjures a cyclical Giving Tree–reminiscent relationship, but with a healthier, deeply loving dynamic."–Publishers Weekly (starred review)
- "The simple text in this gentle chronicle of years blazes with the power of family, determination, and perseverance."–School Library Journal (starred review)
- "An instant classic, updating tried and true picture book themes for a diverse modern audience."–BookPage (starred review)
- "A quietly powerful ode to hard work and perseverance...Place this beauty on a low shelf with easy access. It will likely be in regular circulation among discerning young readers."–Shelf Awareness (starred review)
- "The Pumphreys allow their retro, earth-toned illustrations room to breathe in an uncluttered, gently paced presentation. The illustrations are infused with cheer and playfulness."–Horn Book Magazine (starred review)
NPR’s 100 Favorite Books for Young Readers
Jerome Pumphrey was driving through central Texas to visit his brother Jarrett, and along the way he kept seeing old trucks sitting out in the fields. He began to wonder what stories those old trucks could tell — the result, created by both brothers together, is this story, illustrated by hundreds of hand-carved stamps, of a farm family and their beloved pickup.
The Best Kids' Books of 2020 So Far
“The illustrations of The Old Truck were created using handcrafted stamps and they are stunning. The visual beauty pairs perfectly with a story about a family, persistence, and renewal. A touching and beautiful picture book with the potential to become a modern classic.”
—Siera Wilson, Editors’ Picks, Amazon Book Review
Picture Books That Set a Child’s Imagination Free
“This charming debut is…a simple, beautifully constructed story about continuity and ingenuity…The Pumphreys have created a book that’s both timeless and au courant.”
—Maria Russo, The New York Times Book Review
7-Imp’s 7 Kicks #660: Featuring Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey
“I’m happy to host Jarrett Pumphrey and his brother Jerome Pumphrey here at 7-Imp today. Their debut picture book (as both authors and illustrators), The Old Truck, will be on shelves in January (Norton Young Readers), and it’s the story of a truck that lives on a small farm and the girl who grows up with it. The story is a celebration of family, persistence, and female badassery.”
—Julie Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
