The Day I Had a Bulldozer

The Day I Had a Bulldozer

Ashley Wall

"Former teacher Wall debuts with a rip-roaring celebration of construction machinery. When young Luke is interrupted at breakfast by his dog’s excited barking, he’s shocked to discover a bulldozer parked on his front lawn, complete with his name plastered on the side. That discovery kickstarts the “best day ever,” especially when Luke meets up with his three close friends—Noah, Mikey, and Emma—who have each been gifted their own piece of heavy equipment to play in for the day. The four set off to revel in their fortunes—and, though they meet up with some difficulties along the way, their exuberance is contagious.

More than just a fun construction equipment soiree, Wall’s story digs into some valuable lessons too. Luke’s friends are a diverse group, pictured with varying skin tones and a barrier-breaking image of a girl operating an excavator, and their day is more fun when they’re able to work together. The new ice cream store needs an accessible road, and with Emma’s urging, the boys help out by clearing trees and rocks and dumping the debris. Even when Mikey accidentally flattens the swing set with his steamroller, Luke reacts with empathy: “It’s okay, you just have to keep practicing” he says.

Most entertaining are Duck’s bright illustrations, depicting the group in various stages of disarray while they learn how to master their equipment. Luke’s dog, Bobo, is a welcome companion throughout, shown riding alongside Luke in his bulldozer, reveling in the dirt pile Noah creates, and hiding from Mikey’s steamrolling mishaps. Wall includes some fun facts as well, to wow younger readers: dump trucks can hold about 28,000 pounds, new roads improve travel, and steamrollers pack a serious punch. Despite their challenges, the group successfully helps the new ice cream shop open for business, and the ending hints at more fun in the future for Luke and his friends.

Takeaway: Delightful celebration of construction machinery."

-BookLife

"The Day I Had a Bulldozer is a picture book with a delightful message. A young boy finds a bulldozer with his name written on it in front of his house. There's only one thing to do—hop aboard and head for his friend's house to show off his delightful new acquisition. There, he finds an even bigger surprise.

As a series of delightful experiences evolve against all odds, a widening cast of kids explore their world armed with new devices, all of which receive engaging illustration by Vaughan Duck as each child absorbs new facts and learns to navigate their changed environments without destroying everything around them during the learning process.

Ashley Wall creates an engagingly fantastic story about kids who adopt new skills and information, sharing their fun together and helping each other problem-solving the ironic, lively conundrums that evolve from trying new things.

In the end, what the kids build together is far more important than any singular effort could be, teaching young readers about the importance of friendship, cooperation, and sharing new experiences.

Elementary-level libraries and parents seeking picture books that embrace fun and arrive with a delightful underlying message will find The Day I Had a Bulldozer a thought-provoking, powerful celebration of new discoveries, new skills, and friends who support one another through the process of adventure, discovery, and growth."

-D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"Wall’s picture book explores the possibilities of youngsters using construction equipment.

Young Luke is eating breakfast one morning when his dog begins to bark at something outside—a bulldozer with Luke’s name on it. After donning a helmet, the boy drives the vehicle to the home of his best friend, Noah, who’s driving a dump truck. The pair set about making a giant dirt pile until another friend, Mikey, rolls up in a steamroller. Mikey’s a bit clumsy with it, so the friends drive to a more spacious park. There, they find Emma, who’s driving a digger and making a path through debris to Mr. Popsicle’s ice cream shop. Some readers may wonder why the shop is open without any way for customers to approach it, but this is beside the point. The book’s clear lesson is that people should always use their gifts to help others. And at another point, Luke remembers his responsibility to get home for dinner on time. The text also includes numerous facts about construction equipment, as when and Noah tells Luke how much dirt a dump truck can hold. However, the side plot about the dirt pile seems extraneous. Duck’s colorful, well-executed cartoon illustrations feature foregrounds that are detailed and clear with sparser backgrounds.

A message-driven tale that will appeal most to young construction-vehicle enthusiasts. Our Verdict: Get it!"

-Kirkus