Book Review: Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis! by Paul Dekmetzian

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 12th January 2024 

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #6

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32 (softcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis!

Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis! is book 6 in The Adventures of Cargo series. In this book Cargo introduces his little brother and the different things they like. Cargo likes the cold, freezing weather and the mushy snow whilst Elvis prefers it nice and hot. Even though they liked different things they loved to catch up when they have their annual mechanical check-up. Sometimes they are apart for long periods but their friendship never changes.

 

Cargo and His Little Brother Elvis is another wonderful picture book filled with adventure as Elvis visits a crocodile and hippo park and a takes a family to the beach.

 

Large, bright full page illustrations and a fun storyline are sure to delight little car and truck enthusiasts.

 

 

All books in the Cargo series can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. There are even matching colouring in books to purchase.

 

My rating 5 /5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

Publisher recommended age: 4 -9 years

My recommendation 2 - 9 years 

 

 

Book Review: Cargo and His Mates! by Paul Dekmetzian

The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo and His Mates!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 19th July 2023

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #5

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26 (soft cover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Cargo and His Mates!

Cargo loves road trips with the other army trucks!

Book 5 introduces Cargo's vehicle friends. Tippy the tip truck, Shorty the land rover, Bella the rescue helicopter, Bevan the jeep and Big John the crane truck.

Bevan the jeep works in Italy, England, France and Australia. Famous landmarks are named in each country he visits.

Shorty the land rover was with the military police then he went to work on a farm.

Tippy the tip truck worked on the roads doing road repairs.

Bella the helicopter is busy flying sick children to hospital and rescuing lost hikers from a mountain top.

Big John is a crane truck and he can lift the heaviest loads.

Travel around the world with Cargo's friends as they tell you all about the places they have been and the important work they do.

This is another great addition to the Cargo series and is sure to be loved by little truck enthusiasts.

Beautifully illustrated with full colour spreads and an engaging storyline. 

 

All books in the Cargo series can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. There are even matching colouring in books to purchase.

 

My rating 5 /5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

Publisher recommended age: 4 -9 years

My recommendation 2 - 9 years

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Cargo's Furry Friends! by Paul Dekmetzian

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo's Furry Friends!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 10th February 2023

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #4

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26 (soft cover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: Cargo's Furry Friends

Cargo's Furry Friends is another beautifully illustrated picture book in the Cargo series. In book #4 we are introduced to Paul and Cargo's pets. Coco the golden Cocker Spaniel, Poppy the Cavoodle, Carmen the fluffy white cat, Percy the shiny black cat and Olivia a sandy-coloured Groodle. When they are all together there is lots of fun and even a little mischief!

 

Spend the day with the pets as they do some important jobs around the yard and have fun playing together. Beautifully illustrated with full colour spreads and an engaging storyline.

 

Cargo's Furry Friends is an uplifting and positive story about friendship. It's a lovely, fun read that will be enjoyed by all children, especially those who love trucks and animals. 

 

All books in the Cargo series can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. There are even matching colouring in books to purchase.

 

My rating 5 /5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

Publisher recommended age: 4 -9 years

My age recommendation 2 - 9 years

 

 

 

 

Book Review: The Long and Muddy Road by Paul Dekmetzian

The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

The Long and Muddy Road

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 26th April 2022

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #2

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26

Format: Softcover

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

Review: The Long and Muddy Road

Cargo is an old army truck with a new life delivering supplies around outback Australia.

In The Long and Muddy Road Cargo is preparing to deliver supplies to remote, outback Australian areas other trucks and cars find hard to access.

 

Cargo has all the equipment he needs to drive on muddy roads. Before Cargo came along all the supplies had to be delivered by plane when the roads were inaccessible.

Along the way Cargo meets a sheep farmer in need of help and a lost and hungry dog. Cargo is always happy to help whenever he can.

After a long and muddy trip Cargo makes it to town with a delivery of food, mail and essential supplies.

The Long and Muddy Road is beautifully illustrated with double page colour spreads. The story-line is engaging and is sure to appeal to all little car and truck enthusiasts.

My rating 5 / 5 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚

About the author

Paul Dekmetzian lives in Melbourne, Australia. Between 1973 and 1981, he was engaged with the Australian Army, first as a School Cadet and then as a young Private at Monash University Regiment. This involvement sparked the interest of a lifetime.

 

 As the grandfather of eleven and an active member of the Victorian Military Vehicle Corps (VMVC), Paul has witnessed firsthand how excited people of all ages get when they see these historic vehicles, both on the road and on display.

He believes that the positive effect of engaging with this history should not be underestimated and hopes that The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck will ignite the curiosity of a new generation of Australians.

 

 

Book Review: Cargo is Ready to Go! by Paul Dekmetzian

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo is Ready to Go!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

Publisher:SelfPublished

Publication date: 29th August 2022

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #3

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26

Format: Softcover

Source: Courtesy of the author

My review of Cargo is Ready to Go!

Cargo is Ready to Go is book 3 in the delightful and engaging Cargo series.

In book 3 Cargo teaches children about being prepared before any outing. Cargo always checks his oil, water, fuel and tyres before he goes out. What do you check before you go to school?

The stories are narrated by Cargo which gives him a personality of his own. The book offers a great opportunity to discuss being organised and prepared before you go out and ways you can be more prepared. 

What do you need for school, the beach, going fishing or camping? Filled with full spread illustrations to complement each setting. There is much to discuss in these gorgeous illustrations. 

Cargo also talks about what happened to him one day when he wasn't prepared.

I can see these stories as an on screen cartoon series the likes of Roary the Racing car, Finley the Fire Engine or Tayo the Little Bus. Cargo had the same fun life-like feel as these types of shows. 

If your child loves everything cars and trucks they are going to love Cargo the Army Truck.

 

My rating 5/5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Paul Dekmetzian lives in Melbourne, Australia. Between 1973 and 1981, he was engaged with the Australian Army, first as a School Cadet and then as a young Private at Monash University Regiment. This involvement sparked the interest of a lifetime.

 

 As the grandfather of eleven and an active member of the Victorian Military Vehicle Corps (VMVC), Paul has witnessed firsthand how excited people of all ages get when they see these historic vehicles, both on the road and on display.

He believes that the positive effect of engaging with this history should not be underestimated and hopes that The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck will ignite the curiosity of a new generation of Australians.

 

Book Review: The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck - Cargo Gets a New Job!

 The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck

Cargo Gets a New Job!

by

Paul Dekmetzian

 

Title: The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck: Cargo Gets a New Job!

Series: The Adventures of Cargo #1

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 8th March 2022 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 26

Format: Paperback 

Source: Courtesy of the author

 

 

My review of Cargo Gets a New Job!

 

If your child loves everything cars and trucks they are going to love Cargo the Army Truck.

 

Paul Dekmetzian has delivered a truly delightful and engaging series for young truck enthusiasts. In book one we are introduced to Cargo and how he worked as an army truck until he was retired. 

 

 

He was then bought by Billy and they delivered supplies to people in remote areas in outback Australia. Cargo and Billy could always be counted on to get the supplies to the people who needed them. 

 

 

When Billy retires Cargo meets is next owner, Paul.

 

We all loved this book and can't wait to start book 2 to see what adventures Cargo and Paul will have.

The stories are narrated by Cargo which makes him appear larger than life with a real personality of his own, strong and proud of the job he does to help people in remote localities.

 

I could see this story as an on screen cartoon series the likes of Roary the Racing car, Finley the Fire Engine or Tayo the Little Bus. Cargo had the same fun life-like feel as these types of shows. 

Beautifully illustrated with full colour spreads and an engaging storyline based on a true story. Cargo Gets a New Job! is sure to appeal to all little car and truck enthusiasts.

 

You can buy the book on Amazon

There is also a matching colouring-in book!

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Paul Dekmetzian lives in Melbourne, Australia. Between 1973 and 1981, he was engaged with the Australian Army, first as a School Cadet and then as a young Private at Monash University Regiment. This involvement sparked the interest of a lifetime.

 

 As the grandfather of eleven and an active member of the Victorian Military Vehicle Corps (VMVC), Paul has witnessed firsthand how excited people of all ages get when they see these historic vehicles, both on the road and on display.

He believes that the positive effect of engaging with this history should not be underestimated and hopes that The Adventures of Cargo the Army Truck will ignite the curiosity of a new generation of Australians.

 

Book Review: Lego City Building Site

 Lego City Building Site

 

A Push, Pull and Slide Book

 

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 10th August 2021

Genre: Children's Educational

Pages: 8

RRP: $9.99AU

Format: Boardbook

Source: Own purchase 

Our review of Lego City Building Site

 

Everybody get to work - let's knock down that wall.

 

Join the construction crew as they demolish the old building, clear the rubble and start on a new buiding.

 

What can it be? 

 

Work the cement mixer, clear the rubble and lift the heavy doors.

 

Turn the page to reveal what the workers are building!

 

Lego City Building Site is another hands on book for toddlers, rich in imaginative play and themes of working together. We loved matching the Lego pieces and making our own building site.

 

⬇️⬆️➡️⬅️ With tabs to push, pull and slide on every page it’s a fun way to enhance motor skills, develop hand-eye coordination and grow the imagination.  

 

Made in hardy board format with thick pages and tabs that won't easily be torn or ripped out ensuring hours and hours of play.

The Lego City is a fabulous collection of books and we are eager  to collect the whole series.

 

Recommended age - 18months to 5 years

Our rating 5 / 5 👷👷👷👷👷

 

 

Book Review: Make Tracks - Cars by Johnny Dyrander

 Make Tracks: Cars

by

Johnny Dyrander

 

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Publication date: 2nd August 2022

Series: Make Tracks #4 

Pages: 10

RRP: $19.99

Format read: Boardbook 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

My review of Make Tracks: Cars

Jay loves this fun board book that helps build hand eye coordination

This sturdy board book features five different styles of cars and each car has their own track and tiny car counter that you can manoeuvre around the track. Stop at the crossings, drive around the winding road, race around the track, drive a four wheel drive around the muddy lake and catch a taxi into the airport.

Each car has a large glossy picture with all their features labeled. 

 

This will be a much loved book by any little car enthusiast. 

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Recommended age: 2+ 

About the author

Johnny Dyrander is an illustrator based in Stockholm, Sweden. He was born and raised above the Arctic circle in northern Sweden and grew up surrounded by reindeer and northern light. He moved to Stockholm in his early twenties and began studying at various art schools. He's been working as an illustrator since he finished his studies at the University College of Arts, Crafts & Design in Stockholm.

When he's not spending time in his office illustrating, Johnny likes to travel, spend time with his family or drive down to his house in southern Sweden, pick up a hammer and saw and pretend to be a carpenter. He builds things in wood with quite mixed results.

 

 

Book Review: Trains, Trains, Trains! by Donna David

Trains, Trains, Trains!

by

Donna David

illustrated by Nina Pirhonen 

Find your favourite!

Publisher:  Pan Macmillan 

Imprint: Macmillan Children's Books

Publication date: 22/02/2022

Pages: 24

RRP: $14.99AUD

Format read: Softcover

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 My review: 

Trains, Trains, Trains! By @donnadavidauthor illustrated by @nina_pirhonen combines two of Jay’s favourite things; trains and counting.
 

🚂All aboard for a bright, bouncy, busy rhyming adventure.
🚞This is a colourful and fun rhyming book with simple text that rolls off the tongue.
🚆There are 50 trains to spot and count as they whizz along tracks and through tunnels.
🚉Trains in the day and trains in the dark.
The gorgeous cartoon style animal illustrations add an extra element of fun as you peer through windows to see who is inside. Jay has spent hours with this book. Making up his own words, looking at the pictures and counting the trains. There is a ‘did you spot’ section in the back and also tips for parents and carers. Trains, Trains, Trains! would be a much loved addition to any child’s bookshelf.  

About the author

Donna David grew up in the West Midlands in a house full of noisy siblings, fun parents, mad aunties and maggots (her dad is a fisherman). She’d often be found reading by torchlight way after bedtime and this love of reading has never left her. Donna has a degree in English from Loughborough University and currently works as an English coach at the local secondary school. She is married to an RAF pilot and she has worked closely with the charity Little Troopers on a series of picture books written for military children.

About the illustrator

Nina Pirhonen is a Finnish illustrator, designer and children's book author, with a bright, bold and distinctive contemporary style. She has created multiple picture books in Finland, including the popular Leo the Lion series, and her work includes fashion and textile design for Marimekko.