Book Review: Little Blue Truck Farm Sticker Fun!
Little Blue Truck Farm Sticker Fun! by Alice Schertle: A Delightful Interactive Adventure for Young Readers
Introduction: A Charming Ride Through the Farm
If you’re looking for a book that combines storytelling, interactive play, and early learning, Little Blue Truck Farm Sticker Fun! by Alice Schertle is a must-have. This delightful sticker book, part of the beloved Little Blue Truck series, invites young readers to engage with the story in a hands-on way. Whether your child is already a fan of the friendly blue pickup or new to the series, this book offers a fresh, engaging experience that blends reading with creativity.
As a parent, educator, or caregiver, you’ll appreciate how Schertle’s rhythmic storytelling pairs perfectly with the interactive sticker elements, making it an excellent choice for toddlers and preschoolers. But does it live up to the charm of the original Little Blue Truck books? Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this book special—and whether it deserves a spot on your little one’s bookshelf.
Plot Summary: A Farm-Filled Adventure
Little Blue Truck Farm Sticker Fun! follows the titular Little Blue Truck as it journeys through a lively farm, meeting various animals along the way. Unlike traditional storybooks, this edition incorporates reusable stickers, allowing children to place animals and objects in different scenes as they follow the narrative.
The story is simple yet engaging: Little Blue Truck greets farm animals (cows, pigs, sheep, and more) while encouraging young readers to match stickers to the correct spots. The book reinforces early concepts like animal sounds, counting, and farm vocabulary, all while maintaining the series’ signature warmth and rhythm.
While the plot isn’t as deep as a full-length picture book, the interactive format keeps kids actively involved, turning reading into a playful, participatory experience.
Character Analysis: Familiar Friends with Added Fun
Little Blue Truck remains the kind, helpful protagonist we know and love, reinforcing themes of friendship and cooperation. The farm animals—each with their own distinct personality—add humor and familiarity.
What sets this book apart is how the sticker format allows children to interact with these characters. Kids aren’t just passive listeners; they become part of the storytelling process by placing animals in scenes, making choices, and even creating their own mini-adventures.
For parents who’ve read the original Little Blue Truck, this book offers a fresh way to revisit favorite characters while introducing a new layer of engagement.
Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Rhythmic, Playful, and Interactive
Alice Schertle’s signature rhyming text shines in this book, making it perfect for read-aloud sessions. The rhythm is catchy, the language simple yet vivid, and the pacing ideal for young attention spans.
The real standout, however, is the interactive sticker component. Unlike some sticker books that feel tacked-on, this one integrates stickers seamlessly into the story. Each page prompts children to place animals in specific spots (e.g., “Put the cow in the barn!”), reinforcing comprehension and fine motor skills.
The stickers are reusable, meaning kids can rearrange them, encouraging creativity and repeat play—a huge plus for parents tired of single-use activity books.
Thematic Exploration: Learning Through Play
Beyond the fun, Little Blue Truck Farm Sticker Fun! subtly teaches:
- Animal recognition & sounds (“Moo! Oink! Baa!”)
- Early counting (How many ducks are in the pond?)
- Fine motor skills (Peeling and placing stickers)
- Following instructions (Matching stickers to prompts)
The book also reinforces the series’ core themes of kindness and community, as Little Blue Truck greets each animal with warmth.
Personal Reading Experience: Why My Toddler Loves It
As a parent, I’ve read countless sticker books, and this one stands out. My toddler loves the bright, cheerful illustrations by Jill McElmurry and the freedom to move stickers around. Unlike flimsy sticker pads, the pages are sturdy, and the stickers adhere well without tearing.
The biggest win? It holds attention longer than a standard storybook. Because kids are doing something as they listen, they stay engaged—perfect for car rides or quiet time.
Comparison to Other Books in the Genre
Compared to other interactive children’s books (like Press Here by Hervé Tullet or Poke-a-Dot books), Little Blue Truck Farm Sticker Fun! offers a unique blend of storytelling + hands-on play. It’s more structured than open-ended sticker books but less rigid than traditional picture books.
Fans of the Little Blue Truck series will appreciate the familiar tone, while newcomers will find it an easy entry point.
Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
✅ Pros:
- High-quality, reusable stickers
- Engaging, rhythmic text
- Encourages learning through play
- Durable construction
❌ Cons:
- Stickers may lose stickiness over time (though they hold up well with gentle use)
- Story is simpler than full Little Blue Truck books (by design, given the interactive focus)
Target Audience: Who Will Love This Book?
- Ages 2-5 (toddlers & preschoolers)
- Fans of the Little Blue Truck series
- Parents seeking interactive, educational books
- Educators looking for engaging classroom activities
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Little Readers
Little Blue Truck Farm Sticker Fun! is a wonderful addition to any child’s library. It blends storytelling, play, and early learning in a way that feels fresh and fun. While it’s not a replacement for the full Little Blue Truck stories, it’s a fantastic companion that encourages active participation.
If you’re looking for a book that will entertain, educate, and inspire creativity, this is it.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Discussion Questions for Parents & Educators:
- How does your child engage with the stickers? Do they follow the prompts or create their own stories?
- Have you noticed improvements in fine motor skills or vocabulary after using this book?
- What other Little Blue Truck books does your family enjoy?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Happy reading (and sticking)! 🚜🐄
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