The Bus Ride. Marianne Dubuc. Translated by Yvette Ghione. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2015. 40 pp., hardcover, $16.95. ISBN 978-1-77138-209-0. Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 3-7. Review by Chasity Findlay. *** /4

excerpt:

This is the first time I’m taking the bus by myself.

Mom packed me a snack—and had me bring my sweater in case I get cold.

But I won’t get cold. I never do.

I wonder how many stops the bus will make. Maybe I’ll count them...

The Bus Ride details a young girl’s journey to her grandmother’s house on the bus. This ride marks Clara’s first time taking the bus by herself. Clara is a very independent and brave young girl. On this adventure, she meets several animal characters that make the ride interesting for her.

     This picture book includes several ideas that could be viewed as controversial for some readers. Not only does Clara ride on public transportation by herself, she also talks to strangers, shares cookies with new people, and confronts a pickpocketer. In the end, everything works out just fine for Clara, but some parents might want to pre-read the book to make sure they are comfortable with the content. I think that this book would be best supported by some discussion about interacting with strangers and what it means to be independent.

      The artwork in The Bus Ride book is particularly well done. The double-page spreads are extremely detailed, and I found myself reading the book multiple times and catching new details with each read. It was interesting going back and forth to see what the characters were up to as the bus rolled on. The illustrations, which were drawn and shaded in mainly soft, muted colours, are charming and inviting for readers. That each double-page spread is paired with one or two lines of text makes the book enjoyable and accessible for young readers and will allow them to focus on the detail in the illustrations.

      The Bus Ride will help readers learn about independence and trying new things. With some discussion with parents, young readers will learn about talking to strangers, making new friends, and being brave in new situations. The Bus Ride is a book that will be enjoyed time and time again by many young readers.

Recommended.

Chasity Findlay is a high school English teacher and a graduate student at the University of Manitoba.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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