All three of my kids have loved cars and trucks… and usually, the bigger, the better! The truth is, all kinds of kids love trucks and big machines. So I am always on the look out for books about trucks that show all kinds of kids.
You may also enjoy this list of 101 Diverse Picture Books!
These books about trucks, cars, construction equipment, and other things that go show men and women, boys and girls, and people from all cultures driving big vehicles and doing important jobs. Gender and culture aren’t the focus of these books, but they have made an intentional choice to feature all kinds of people, which is why I love them!
I hope your family enjoys these board books and picture books about trucks as much as we do.
13 Diverse Books About Trucks
Book links are Amazon referral links.
Good Morning, Snowplow! by Deborah Bruss — If you have a little one who loves big trucks and machines, this book is a must-read! While the rest of the world is heading to bed, a man and his dog are getting ready to work. They head out into the cold winter night to clear the roads and keep people safe. The rhyming text makes this a perfect read-aloud, and the illustrations are gorgeous. It’s great for kids ages 2 and up.
Machines at Work by Byron Barton – This board book gets read so much at my house, we’re on our second copy! Toddlers will love following a diverse group of construction workers as they dig, lift, pave, take a lunch break, and then get back to work. I highly recommend this book for kids ages 3 and under.
I Am a Garbage Truck by Ace Landers – This board book follows a garbage truck (driven by a woman!) as it does its job of picking up garbage and taking it to the landfill. A recycling truck is also featured, and readers will learn the difference between garbage and recycling, and why recycling is important. Perfect for reading with kids ages 5 and under.
The Little Fire Truck by Margery Cuyler – The entire Little Vehicles series from Margery Cuyler is fantastic, and this book is one of my favorites. Firefighter Jill drives the fire truck all over town, putting out fires and keeping people safe. She is helped out by a diverse group of fellow firefighters, who all work together to save the day. This inclusive book (and the whole series!) is great for kids ages 2 to 6.
Other books in the series
Digger, Dozer, Dumper by Hope Vestergard – This delightful picture book is the perfect way to introduce young children to poetry. The poems in this book each highlight a different “big machine” and how it does its job. The illustrations feature a diverse group of children exploring the big trucks and machines and trying them out for themselves. Ideal for ages 2 to 6, this book is especially fun to read aloud.
Vroom! by Barbara McClintock — Annie is a little girl with a BIG imagination! One day, Annie puts on her helmet and her racing gloves and “vrooms” out of the house in her super-fast race car. Young readers will love following Annie as she zips and zooms through all kinds of environments, before returning safely home again. This book is one of my favorites, and it’s perfect for reading aloud to kids ages 3 to 7.
Little Taco Truck by Tanya Valentine – I have absolutely fallen in love with this unique take on traditional “truck books” for kids! Little Taco Truck loves nothing more than feeding the hungry workers who visit his truck every day. But one day, he arrives to find that another truck, Miss Falafel, is parked in his spot! Soon, trucks like Annie Arepas and Gumbo Joe are parking on Little Taco Truck’s street as well. What’s a food truck to do? This adorable book not only introduces kids to a variety of international cuisine, it also teaches how there’s room for all different kinds of cuisine — and people — in a community. I recommend this book for kids ages 3 and up.
Five Trucks by Brian Flocka – This simple rhyming story follows five women and men driving five different kinds of trucks. All of these drivers and trucks work together to get airplanes ready to fly. As travelers hurry to get to their gates on time, this hard-working crew also hurries to get their work done, so the plaines they service can safely take off on time. Truck lovers ages 3 and up will love this unique book!
Sunny’s Tow Truck Saves the Day by Anne Marie Pace – A multicultural family is packing up and heading out to a picnic! Sadly, a flat tire derails their plans. Who can help them? Sunny and her tow truck, of course! As the family waits for Sunny to arrive, they watch diggers digging, cranes lifting, and pavers paving. Will Sunny arrive in time to help the family get to their picnic? This rhyming story is so much fun to read with kids ages 2 and up.
Stop That Garbage Truck! by Linda Glaser – Henry is a sweet, shy boy who loves watching the garbage man, Jackson, pick up their trash every week. However, one week, someone forgets to put their garbage cans out! Henry is normally shy, but he summons his courage to flag down his friend Jackson to ask for help. Henry’s initiative saves the day! This sweet story about moving outside of one’s comfort zone is perfect for kids ages 4 to 7.
The Christmas Truck by J. B. Blankenship – This book is the only Christmas book I’ve found that features a family with two dads. It’s a lovely story about a family that comes together to help a child they’ve never met at Christmas time. They purchase a gift for a child on a “wish tree,” but when the gift is broken, they have to work together to make things right. The orientation of the parents in this story is not the focus in any way, but it’s a special detail that will show kids all kinds of families can enjoy the holiday season. I recommend this book for kids ages 4 to 9.
Tap-Tap by Karen Lynn Williams – Sasifi is making her first trip to the marketplace to sell fruit with her mother. The walk is long and hot, and Sasifi wishes that they could take the tap-tap, a Haitian taxi. However, her mother cannot afford such a luxury. Sasifi works hard all day, helping her mother sell fruit, and she’s rewarded with a few coins for her dedication. Sasifi decides to use her money to treat her mother to a tap-tap ride. This sweet story is an excellent choice for ages 5 and up.
The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Seghal and Surishtha Seghal — This book is a fun take on the classic “Wheels on the Bus” song. A tuk tuk (Indian taxi) takes the reader through a busy Indian street, and points out the sights along the way. The people, animals, and excitement make for a fun journey!
For more awesome, multicultural books, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!
