I'm Smart!

The latest of the McMullans' tough-things-that-go books (I Stink!, rev. 5/02, and sequels) stars the school bus. "Who am I? SMARTER than a ROCKET SCIENTIST, MORE POWERFUL than a MONSTER TRUCK, able to HALT TRAFFIC with the FLICK of a SWITCH." While the title and the school bus itself (a braggart, to be sure) call attention to the bus's intelligence, the book focuses equally on its role as protector and caretaker: "Takes BRAINS to do my job--drive you to SCHOOL and keep you SAFE!" A double-page spread shows the bus will need to make three stops ("Count 'em!") and then embarks on the route ("Wheels, let's roll!"). Throughout the ride, the bus uses and explains laws and safety features unique to school buses on the road. Traffic must slow for flashing "amber" lights and stop for flashing red lights and for the stop paddle. When a car ignores the rules, it gets a ticket. The bus makes a point to greet students by name and keep them safe while boarding and exiting as well as while on board, using creativity to address (minor) behavior problems. Watercolor illustrations use loose lines and shapes for the bus and other vehicles, making them seem as human as the passengers, who are thoughtfully differentiated. Like other vehicles in the series, the bus is proud of its job and accomplishments and is more than happy to show off for an audience. julie roach