Over the holidays, two new reviews came in for my upcoming picture book Fire Truck vs. Dragon, which is illustrated by Shanda McCloskey and will be published on March 10 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Booklist says:

Barton’s energetic day-in-the-life story of an unlikely pair of friends, Fire Truck and Dragon, teaches young readers quite literally to look beyond a book’s cover. … McCloskey’s vibrant illustrations implement a striking primary color palette with expressive characters and fun, roughshod linework to match the liveliness of the plot. This book teaches readers to express and appreciate differences, value unlikely and unexpected friendships, and be proud of yourself and your loved ones for things you succeed at.

In its review, School Library Journal brings up those same themes:

Despite the two titular characters going head-to-head as depicted on the cover … [t]his companion to Barton’s Shark vs. Train is not only good fun, but also shows children that people with differences can still be friends.

Taken with the previous reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly (a star!), the welcome awaiting Fire Truck vs. Dragon sure feels like a warm one. I can’t wait for you to see it for yourself.