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katykelly's review
5.0
I've loved Schmidt titles previously, and have been hugely surprised to love the translated children's books that have been making their way over to the UK in the last few years. Some unknown gems!
This is a lovely story about a boy and his tow-truck. Part fantasy, part wish-fulfilment, little Pluck is looking for somewhere to live and is directed to an empty flat after meeting a friendly pigeon. He soon finds himself getting involved with the residents (some nice, some not so nice), and doing his best to save the trees outside from being chopped down to make way for a 'tidy' paved area.
His handy tow-truck will be just the thing to help as he scoots around saving the day.
A very sweet little story, lots of mini-adventures with Pluck and his new friends (some human, some talking animal), with some minor villainy.
Very readable, great for bedtime reading with parents or solo readers aged 7 and above, if confident. The illustrations are rather nostalgic looking in both colour and style but I don't think would put young readers off. They rather suit the timeless nature of the story, about a smart child out-thinking the grown-ups and bringing everyone together to win through.
With thanks to Edelweiss for the advance reading copy.
This is a lovely story about a boy and his tow-truck. Part fantasy, part wish-fulfilment, little Pluck is looking for somewhere to live and is directed to an empty flat after meeting a friendly pigeon. He soon finds himself getting involved with the residents (some nice, some not so nice), and doing his best to save the trees outside from being chopped down to make way for a 'tidy' paved area.
His handy tow-truck will be just the thing to help as he scoots around saving the day.
A very sweet little story, lots of mini-adventures with Pluck and his new friends (some human, some talking animal), with some minor villainy.
Very readable, great for bedtime reading with parents or solo readers aged 7 and above, if confident. The illustrations are rather nostalgic looking in both colour and style but I don't think would put young readers off. They rather suit the timeless nature of the story, about a smart child out-thinking the grown-ups and bringing everyone together to win through.
With thanks to Edelweiss for the advance reading copy.
itzthatweirdo's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment and Bullying
melissageerars's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lena_heynen's review against another edition
4.0
Ongetwijfeld een van de beste Nederlandse kinderboeken allertijden! Lezen in Pluk van de Petteflet voelt aan als een warm dekentje van herinneringen aan je kindertijd. En bovendien weet de bij tijden ironische humor ook de volwassen lezer te boeien. Kortom, je hoeft geen kind of nostalgicus te zijn om van dit boek te kunnen genieten :)
caat010's review against another edition
5.0
Must read voor ieder kind. Een van de beste kinderboeken ooit.
yvo_about_books's review
5.0
Finished reading: October 18th 2016
“And he skipped off... That was strange because he hadn't eaten any berries. But it does happen... Some people don't need hassle berries to skip and play, it just comes naturally.”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Pushkin Children's Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I came across this copy of the English translation of what has to be one of my absolute childhood favorites. I grew up with the Annie M.G. Schmidt books and her stories were probably among the first I read all by myself. Tow-Truck Pluck with its lovely illustrations by Fiep Westendorp (the same as the original Dutch version) is without doubt a book to treasure with your children and a title I cannot praise high enough. The English translation is well done and doesn't feel awkward or loses its original charm. Pluck is a delightful character and his adventures will appeal to most young readers. Simple, but full of charismatic characters, animals that can talk and illustrations to enjoy; Tow-Truck Pluck is the perfect choice if you are looking for a new title to read with or to the little ones. They will want to reread it many times!
If you are looking for a book to read to or with young children, I cannot recommend Tow-Truck Pluck high enough. The prose is easy to read and entertaining for children, and they will love the illustrations as well. Pluck is a very likeable character as well as his many (animal) friends. Each chapter has a new adventure, so they work perfectly as bedtime stories. More than recommended!
lifewithastrid's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0