Isaac the Ice-Cream Truck

by Scott Santoro

Every day Isaac the Ice Cream Truck drives through the streets, singing his song and bringing ice cream to the people of the city. Even though he makes everyone happy, Isaac begins to doubt himself. He's not the biggest truck or the fastest truck or the strongest truck. Isaac wishes that he were special too.

This is a warmhearted story with a satisfying ending, when Isaac learns that even a small ice cream truck can make a big difference. The music and lyrics for Isaac's ice cream song are printed on the book's last page.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Food, Trucks, Childrens, Transport, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Christine Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ice Cream Story Time. I liked it but the kids didn't. I probably wouldn't use it again.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isaac feels small and insignificant but learns that everyone has a part to play. A decent, but not outstanding, group read.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A truck with an inferiority complex discovers his value, when in fact he was loved all along. Includes musical notation and lyrics for a song. Meh.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story. (Ha ha. Funny me.) I love the illustrations with the use of colored pencil. And I know plenty of nephews who would love this book filled with cars and trucks. I like that Isaac learns that he is important for who he is and that making others happy is very important. It's a great lesson for all of us. I don't think I would be very good at reading this aloud in a storytime, but I hope I have a chance to booktalk it.

[Breana Vining · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very cute. It is about an ice-cream truck that does not feel as special as the dump truck and the fire truck and the pick up truck. He feels really sad, until children come running up to him and ask for ice cream. He sees how happy he makes the kids! This book is great to use to teach acceptance.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isaac feels kind of silly when he compares his job to the hard work that all of the other trucks do. Then after a fire, the firemen are all really happy to see him after a fire. Isaac gains confidence and learns to think of his job as important to!

Fun book. Bright colors and the music and lyrics for the happy ice cream truck song are included as well.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this to Ian, I used to sing the Ice Cream Truck Song from the book. One time, at a library story time, he piped up. "You should sing the song, like my Mom does." He then volunteered me to sing the song, so they would know how to read the book correctly.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story about an ice cream whose learns to appreciate himself.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Checked it out b/c I have an Isaac of my own. Basic little-guy-think-he's-not-important-then-learns-he's-loved story.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay story of how even if you don't feel you're big or important in the world, do what you can because in the end, you matter.

Illustrations are pretty standard.

[The Book Box]

Mama brought this home from her school library for us to read since I love all different kinds of trucks so much. It was a really cute book.