Konnecke, Ole. Diggers, Dozers, and Dumpers: Small Stories About Big Machines. Ole Konnecke, Illus. Translated from the German by Melody Shaw. Gecko, 05/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 979-8765667552.GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
This unusual picture book celebrates thirteen different large vehicles, from cement mixers to bulldozers, by describing each in a humorous story that covers a two-page spread. In one, Cordula Cow uses a telescopic crane to move a piano out to the pasture for a concert. The cartoon artwork is set on white backgrounds, featuring a variety of clothes-wearing animals, reminiscent of the work of Caldecott Award winner William Steig. This will work well as a readaloud or a book that many first through third graders can read without much help. The text includes both the vignettes as well as clear descriptions of what that machine does. Originally published in German in 2023, this English version was translated by Melody Shaw.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool