The Blue Pickup

PreS-Gr 1–A young girl spends the day with her grandfather in Jamaica. He is a car repairman, and his granddaughter, who he affectionately calls Ju-Girl, is eager to help. She assists him checking the oil, changing batteries, and fixing radiators. The two take a break for “Ting Time,” sharing bottles of Ting soda and sitting on the old blue pickup. At the behest of Ju-Girl, Granddad decides to repair the truck. They spend an afternoon in the blue pickup riding through town. As they drive, Granddad reminisces and tells Ju-Girl stories from his childhood. Finally, they arrive at a tool shop, where granddad surprises Ju-Girl with her very own socket wrench, engraved with the phrase “Ting Time.” On the way home, the blue pickup won’t start, and Ju-Girl uses her new wrench to get the truck back on the road. Tripplett expertly captures a close bond between grandparent and child, inspired by her own relationship with her grandfather. This book is a sweet and nostalgic ode to the importance of taking care of “old forgotten things” and reconnecting with the past. Mikai’s warm and colorful illustrations of the Jamaican scenery set a cheerful and comforting tone for the story. The detail and expressiveness of each scene help readers connect to the characters. This is a perfect pick for children with a fascination for cars or mechanics.