• Age: 0 to 3
• Grade: p to 12

A rhyming read-aloud perfect for bath and bedtime

Chuck loves everything about his firetruck. He plays with it nonstop: in the sandbox, the yard, and the mud. But after bath time, once Chuck is squeaky clean, his fire truck is nowhere to be seen!

Dumbstruck, Chuck hunts all over the house. Where is his truck?! Was it sucked up into the vacuum, now stuck? Finally, Chuck and his truck are reunited, just in time for bed.

Told not in verse but with plenty of fun rhyme and repetition, this story’s bright, cartoon-like art conveys Chuck’s full range of emotions. With humor and warmth, this new board book captures a child’s joy for their favorite toy.

ANNIKA DUNKLEE was born in Uppsala, Sweden, to a Scottish father and a Swedish mother. She is the award-winning author of many books, including My Name Is Elizabeth!, Me, Too! and Me, Me, Me. When she’s not writing, she’s busy eating cheese. She currently resides in Toronto, Ontario with her husband, two teens, a puppy and a cockatiel.

Annika Dunklee's profile page

Montréal-based artist Cathon makes children's books and comics. After self-publishing a couple of critically acclaimed zines, she published her first professional book, La liste des choses qui existent, in 2013 -- an absurd encyclopedia co-created with established cartoonist Iris. Her first solo book, Les ennuis de Lapinette, was published in April 2015 by Comme des géants. Vampire Cousins sees her exploring moodier territories, while still retaining her uninhibited drawing style.

Alexandre Fontaine Rousseau spends most of his time writing film reviews and comic books. His first graphic novel, Pinkerton, created in collaboration with François Samson-Dunlop, was nominated for a Joe Shuster Award. His second book, Poulet grain-grain, pondered the subjects of chickens and revolution. With Vampire Cousins, he conjures up a humorous homage to old-school Hammer horror and Jean Rollin's cult vampire classics.

Cathon's profile page

"Toddlers and preschoolers will all empathize and understand the love between a kid and his or her favorite toy. Cartoony illustrations are bold and bright and will get kids’ attention."

Mom Read It

"The book's low word count and simple language are sure to earn it accolades from parents and kids searching for fun, easy books. Certain to be a favorite among those young readers who've got a hankering for something red and shiny."

Kirkus Reviews

"The cartoon illustrations are colorful and vibrant. Recommended for general purchase for picture book collections, storytime favorites, and beginning readers."

School Library Journal