My Bus

In 2001, when Barton’s My Car was published, gas could be had for less than $2 per gallon, so it makes sense that he’s turned to public transportation in this companion book. Rather than explaining how his bus works, driver Joe is focused on telling readers about his animal passengers, whose pickups and drop-offs turn the book into an informal primer on addition and subtraction (“At my last stop, four dogs get on my bus. There are five dogs and five cats on my bus”). The lurid palette and elementally simple shapes of Barton’s digital artwork are made for grabbing eyeballs, and his chunky characters and vehicles give the impression of playroom toys come to life. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)