The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk

Motorized rickshaws are used around the world, and in India and other parts of Southeast Asia they are called tuk tuks. "Tuk tuk wala says 'Squish in together!' All through the town," write the Sehgals (A Bucket of Blessings), a mother-and-son team, in this lovely take on "The Wheels on the Bus," set in an Indian city. As an overstuffed tuk tuk makes its "bobble-bobble-bobble" way through town, "People in the street jump on and off," paying their fare with rupees that go "ching ching ching." Readers get a taste of Indian life as the book nods to Hindi beliefs and customs (the tuk tuk stops for a cow, and readers are taught the greeting "namaste-ji"), poppadoms, and the joyous festival of Diwali. Golden (Snow Dog, Sand Dog)--working in bright watercolors, pastels, and pencils with the texture and hues of Diwali color powder--portrays a busy, friendly metropolis where getting sprayed by an elephant can be par for the course. It's a wonderfully accessible introduction to daily life in another place. Ages 4-8. Illustrator's agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. (Jan.)

PreS-Gr 2--This adaptation of "The Wheels on the Bus" is set in a city in India aboard a tuk tuk, an auto rickshaw used by many for public transportation. The tuk tuk wala, or driver, travels throughout the city picking up more and more passengers as they travel to a Diwali celebration. Along the way, they encounter a cow blocking the street, a chanting yogi, an elephant decorated in paint, and some local fare, including papadoms and chai. The illustrations are vibrant with pastels and bright watercolors and the amalgam of people, animals, foods, and buildings blend together effectively to transport readers to a location with which many children will not be familiar. Every detail in the illustrations feels deliberate and organic to the locale. An author's note is included that shares a brief narrative from the events that inspired this adaptation, as well as a definition of some of the terms used in the story. VERDICT An enjoyable and original picture book that will allow readers to experience a different culture while maintaining the familiarity to a classic childhood song.--Matthew C. Winner, Ducketts Lane Elementary School, Elkridge, MD