The Bus Ride by Marianne Dubuc

Marianne Dubuc's deceptively simple, understated art offers a chance to explore both story and imagination and this new title is no exception.

Clara is very excited to be taking her first solo bus ride. As the bus travels, she quietly observes the changing scenery, including the different animals that get on and off the bus. As they pass through a tunnel, Clara interacts with new friends, and finally arrives at her destination, there many subtle changes in the scenery and passengers. A sharp-eyed reader will pick out the details, as well as the fairy tale hints in the various characters.

Dubuc's soft pastel pencils are enlivened with spots of color; red cheeks, clothes, an apple, and accessories. The rectangular design enforces each picture, which mostly take place on the bus itself. The simple background scenery is almost unchanging, focusing the reader's attention on the activity within the bus.

Verdict: The simple story and almost drab illustrations are unlikely to make this a storytime hit, but with a little more time and a thoughtful reader, the details and tiny shifts in the story shine through and will make this a favorite for a special child. An additional purchase if your budget is limited, but if you are looking to fill your quotient of special books for specific children, something I try to add a few of every year to balance out all the Pinkalicious and Disney, this should definitely be on that list.

ISBN: 9781771382090; Published 2015 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library