We are back with another Picture ebook Highlight, a series where we put the spotlight on an ebook that you can read at home, using the Free Library's Digital Media portal.

This time we are going to talk about a book published back in January 2020 – and it’s one of my favorite books of this year!

The Old Truck by Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey
When is an old truck something more? On a small, bustling farm, a resilient and steadfast pickup works tirelessly alongside the family that lives there and becomes a part of the dreams and ambitions of the family’s young daughter. After long days and years of hard work leave the old truck rusting in the weeds, it’s time for the girl to roll up her sleeves. Soon she is running her own busy farm, and in the midst of all the repairing and restoring, it may be time to bring her faithful childhood companion back to life.

There is much to love about this book, from the deceptively simple lines to the innovative art. The book begins and ends with the same line: "On a small farm, an old truck worked hard," but so much happens in between! This book was written and illustrated by two brothers – they worked together on the text and the art. The illustrations were done with homemade stamps – over 250 in all! Every element, from a little flower or chicken to the vast sky and clouds, was created with individual stamps. Amazing, isn’t it?

You can make stamps too! This instructional video by the authors teaches you how to create stamps at home. Give it a try!

Be sure to check Overdrive Kids eReading Room, for this title and many more being added!