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Reviewed by Rebecca Griffin. Teacher, Discovery School, Whitby
Opening sentence
There was a dinky little fire truck working at school.
Dusty the Digger is an exciting kids book that immediately captures young readers’ interest with its delightful rhymes and vibrant illustrations. The plot follows Nee Naw, the little fire truck, as he embarks on another day helping out at school. However, when a few characters start getting up to mischief, Nee Naw doesn’t hesitate to call on his friend Dusty the Digger to save the day.

The clever use of rhyme and cheeky elements throughout the story keeps children engaged and entertained, making it a joy to read aloud. Nee Naw’s well-developed character portrays a can-do attitude and an important lesson in seeking help when needed, which young readers can relate to and learn from.

The vibrant illustrations complement the narrative, creating a fantastic visual experience for kids. The concept of a rainbow coloured, jelly-filled pool adds a delightful touch of wonder to the story, making it even more captivating.

Dusty the Digger introduces an exciting new character to the Nee Naw and Friends series.

The fact that the story is also a song with an easy, sing-a-long melody, available for download or streaming, adds to its charm and appeal.

I recommend this story to young readers who love short, adventurous tales and enjoy engaging with picture books through both reading and music.
Author & Illustrator: Bruce Potter
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 9781775438120
Format: Paperback
Publication: April 2023
Ages: 3-6
Themes: Problem solving