Mister Norton's New Truck - by Huw Lewis Jones (Hardcover)

About the Book

When a bear borrows Mr. Norton's bicycle and breaks a wheel, Mr. Norton tries new, various ways of getting to work, with limited success, until he remembers his grandfather's old truck in the barn

Book Synopsis

In this humorous story for children ages 3-7, Mr. Norton finds that a bear has borrowed his bicycle and accidentally ruined the wheels. How will Mr. Norton get to work now?

One Monday morning, Horace Norton finds that a bear has accidentally broken his bicycle, and now he doesn't have a way to get to work.

As the week progresses, Mr. Norton tries different vehicles for his journey with limited success: The bus is too busy, his roller skates slip too much, his scooter is too small, and his little red wagon is too wobbly!

Luckily, Mr. Norton remembers that his grandfather's old truck is in the barn. What could possibly go wrong . . .?

Review Quotes

"One Monday morning, Horace Norton found...that a bear had been on his bicycle." The bear left a nice note, but both wheels are damaged (and honey drips from the bike's basket). Mr. Norton has to get to work, so, never one to make a fuss, he does his best, though it's slow going. On Tuesday, he tries the bus. It's packed with critters, and he ends up disembarking and walking through the rain, with some animals from the bus clinging to his arms and legs. Taking a scooter (with the aforementioned animals hitching a ride) on Wednesday, he is late for work, "because the scooter was small, the bus was too busy, and the bear had been on his bicycle." He tries other options, but nothing works...until he hits upon a new idea while soaking in the bath on Saturday: his grandfather's old truck. Unfortunately, the vehicle's in poor shape, but some friends--including the bear--sneak into the barn to do Mr. Norton a good turn. And in the morning, a "new" truck awaits. Lewis Jones and Egbert team up for another silly cumulative tale, following Mister Norton's New Hat (2025). The use of repetition is deft, and youngsters will eagerly chime in. Egbert's cartoon illustrations will elicit giggles; expressive Mr. Norton's grimaces and winces as his journey so often goes wrong are delightful--as is his eventual triumph. A sweet story of persistence and friendship. (Picture book. 4-6) --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Huw Lewis Jones teaches by day, writes by night, and leads expeditions to the North Pole on his vacations. He makes books for adults about maps and explorers, while for children it's mostly been apples and badgers so far.

Corey Egbert is an illustrator based in Virginia. He believes in creating imaginative and hopeful art that empowers young people to make their world better. He lives with his wife, son, and three cats in a little house by the woods.