This book was, above all, didactic. I can't tell if it's the device I was reading on or what, but I do not see any of my kids actually reading this title. Dan was unrelatable for kids and a flat character to boot.

The illustrations in this book were not engaging to children. The story could have been more exciting.

An enjoyable children's story. I would recommend it.

Dan the Biggest Dump Truck by Chris Adams and Illustrated by James Donahower is a quick reading book that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. As I often do, I read this copy with my kindergarten grandson. He has a high interest in books dealing with construction so he is more of an expert than me on the subject. However, you did not need a lot of construction background for this story.

He enjoyed the story of the mega and good natured dump truck, Dan, giving it a thumbs ups. We liked the illustrations especially the color emphasis for Dan, along with the detail black and white drawings. Of course, there is a happy ending which is always a plus for the young at heart. It is easy to identify with Dan wanting to find his useful place in the world. I appreciate the positive tone of the story even as Dan met resistant. The ideas of believing in yourself, acceptance and forgiveness are easily seen in the story as well as the idea that differences can be a purposeful strength.

The repetition and use of simple wording made this a perfect book for a novice reader. Still it would not be considered a leveled book. While there were many words a beginning reader would find difficult, my grandson was able to read much of it by himself. Another plus.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

This is a funny and cute book that I can easily imagine other children making noises right along with Dan. There are some vocabulary terms that can be learned through this book. It is just a great time.

Dan the Biggest Dump Truck is a picture book written by Chris Adams and illustrated by James Donahower. It is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2017. Dan is the biggest dump truck in the whole wide world. He can fit one hundred elephants in his tipper, and his horn is louder than thunder! Dan wants more than anything to be helpful and work on a construction site, but he’s far too big to help build houses, and he’s even too big to build a bridge. Come ride with Dan in search of new friends and his perfect job.

Dan the Biggest Dump Truck is a picture book with a story about finding your place and your strengths. Dan is a giant dump trunk, too big for most construction jobs that he finds. However, his persistence pays off and he saves the day wen a big project goes wrong. I think most children, and adults, know what it is like not to fit in, or to be too something to be accepted. Dan feels bad about it, but he does not give up the search for the perfect job. I do not like that he really cannot work at any of the jobs he is turned down for, rather than trying and just not being good at it. I think this gives the idea that it might be okay to exclude someone because they are too something, rather than letting them try, but we are talking construction rather than playground games so hopefully that will not carry over.

Dan the Biggest Dump Truck did a good job getting its story across, and the illustrations are nicely matched to the story. However, it did not blow me it. It was good, and will definitely appeal to many young readers, it just did not stand out as spectacular in a market that has been increasingly populated with great picture books.