The Blue Pickup

Natasha Tripplett, Monica Mikai (Illustrator)

$19.99

Publication Date: February 6th, 2024

Publisher:

HarperCollins

ISBN:

9780063159877

Pages:

Usually Ships in 1 to 5 Days

Description

A charming story about a young girl who loves fixing automobiles with her grandfather on the warm grounds of Jamaica, Natasha Tripplett's debut picture book is a perfect pick for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle and The Old Truck.

Ju-Girl’s favorite days are the ones spent with Granddad in his garage, fixing cars and hearing stories about his old blue pickup.

Granddad used to drive the blue pickup all over the island, bringing happiness to many. And now it just sits in the driveway.

One day, Ju-Girl asks Granddad if he’d ever fix it, and he’s unsure at first. But the pair soon finds out just what it takes to restore the memory of the blue pickup and to create new stories along the way.

This heartwarming layered tale, brought to life with lush illustrations by Monica Mikai (Thank a Farmer), reminds us about the joy of repairing things with our hands and preserving stories with our hearts.

About the Author

Natasha Tripplett lives in Northern California, where she writes from a treehouse perched in a sycamore tree. Natasha is a Jamaican Jewish American author who is passionate about cultural representation in children’s literature. She bubbles with excitement over antiques, chocolate, coffee on the front porch, and cozy movie nights in front of the fireplace with her husband and four children. You can visit her at natashabooks.com.

Monica Mikai is an author and illustrator of books for children. She is passionate about creating beautiful stories and illustrations that inspire the reader to see life from a new perspective. She has a BA from Rider University and received her MFA in painting from the New York Studio School. She lives in Virginia Beach with her husband and two sons. Books Monica has illustrated include Build a House, My Name Is a Story, Thank a Farmer, and more.

Praise for The Blue Pickup

A love letter to hard work and shared legacy. — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A vibrant celebration of intergenerational connection, community, and the joy of a spin around the neighborhood, this cheerful picture book also has a sweet message about holding tight to old items and traditions, recognizing that everyday wear and tear (of both things and people) means a life well lived. — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

[A]n affectionate intergenerational story about “the importance of taking care of old and forgotten things” as well as learning “just the right tools” to move forward. — Publishers Weekly

In Tripplett’s charming debut picture book, [this] warm intergenerational friendship shows that a purposeful partnership can revitalize treasured memories as well as machines. — Booklist