Small Walt

by Elizabeth Verdick, Marc Rosenthal (Illustrator)

My name is Walt,
I plow and I salt.
They say I’m small,
but I’ll show them all.

Small Walt and his driver, Gus, take on a blizzard! All the bigger snowplows doubt that Walt has what it takes to plow the roads in the storm, but Walt is determined to prove them wrong.

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

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Elizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children, now ages 13 and 8, are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents.

These days she writes books for toddlers to teens, and everything in between. She especially loves creating new board book series for toddlers—the latest series is Toddler Tools™, which helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). The Best Behavior™ series helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.

Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn™ series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social/emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary– and middle school years. Elizabeth lives with her family and five pets near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute, clearly alludes to the stories and illustration of Virginia Lee Burton. Cute as it is, I'd still go with Katy and the Big Snow, if I had to choose.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

As many have noted, the art style and color palette used here are very derivative of Virginia Lee Burton and her book Katy and the Big Snow. But vehicle books are always popular, and this will please the "Thomas" crowd.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

As others have noted, this has echoes of Virginia Lee Burton. Unlike Burton, however, who regularly features female trucks, houses, etc. all the characters here seem to be male, which I find annoying in this day and age.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upon first glance I thought this was a Virginia Lee Burton book with which I was unfamiliar. Although Small Walt has a striking resemblance, it was written by another author.
The tale itself is familiar, a sort of David meets Goliath in snowplow form. But the illustrations are pleasing, harkening well of winter and, above all, since my beloved father's name is Walt, I'm predestined towards partiality for this little picture book.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming illustrations *drive home* (pun intended) the story's positive message about believing in yourself and doing the best you can. Snow plow sound effects and Small Walt's confident tune make this a great story to read-aloud. I'm almost surprised that there's rain and not snow outside my window after reading this book! #picture books #winter #books

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Featured in a grandma reads session.

This read reminded me of the Little Engine that Could. . .all that "I think I can"ing transferred over to this story. . . and Mike Mulligan and Mary Ann. . . .

A quick read encouraging my guys that size matters, but that swings both ways. They got it. You just have to throw yourself in the race!

[Judy Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (and who isn’t), then you’re going to love Small Walt. Marc Rosenthal’s illustrations gave me the same cozy feeling I had as a kid reading Mike Mulligan, and author Elizabeth Verdick created a story with similar urgency. The little snow plow Walt has a big job to do in a short amount of time. Reading this book to small children is fun because they can join in with Small Walt’s sounds—shrugga rugga, vroom—and chants. The theme is universal. Determination and a big heart can take a small body far. This is the perfect book to read on a snowy winter evening when you’re snuggled up on the couch with your favorite little person.

[Ashley Lambert-Maberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. It looks like a classic from the 30s or 40s, which is probably intentional, and likely very much influenced by The Little Engine That Could. I imagine a small child is supposed to relate to Small Walt and gain some kind of ego boost from learning that other small types are able to accomplish big things.

But what does Small Walt actually do? He plows a tiny path along the streets, such that cars can't pass one another, so is essentially useless. The author could have written a story where the big plows can't do bike paths, and that's where Small Walt could shine, but no, it's just Walt on the road, not making the cleared bits big enough, and no one (but me) seems to realise this. He also goes up a hill: one of those 45 degree angle hills that exist in illustrations but not usually reality, and which only The Worst Urban Planner of All Time would put a road on, since it's far easier to wrap the road around. So it's kind of senseless as well.

Yes, I'm not the target market, but I'd be irked every time I had to re-read the story to a child. With luck, that wouldn't be so often, since the story's not that exciting—but apparently this is popular enough to have spawned a Small Walt 2 & 3 etc. so somebody must love it. Not me.

(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = really enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

10/15/2017 ** Small Walt is a familiar tale - a small machine has to prove himself against the larger machines. It begins with Walt hoping he's not the last chosen to go out on the night of a big storm, a feeling that will resonate with many children. Rosenthal's illustrations add to the feeling of a classic book, evoking Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (Burton).

New additions to a familiar feel: onomatopoeic words to illustrate tasks and brief rhymes after some of Walt's more challenging tasks. Before taking Walt out in the the storm, Gus (the driver) checks the equipment: "He inspects the salt spreader - switch, twist" (unpaged) and "His engine hums: My name is Walt. I plow and salt. I clear the snow so the cars can go!

Many young readers will appreciate this new addition to the family of books about large machines and difficult tasks. However, I was looking for a new twist - some task that Walt accomplished that the other trucks couldn't.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher at the trade show for Midwest and Great Lakes Independent Book Sellers: The Heartland Fall Forum.

[Mrs. Melaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In rhyming text, a cute little snowplow shows the bigger snowplows that his small size won’t keep him from doing a good job. When a blizzard starts, Walt is once again the last bulldozer chosen to head out into the storm with his driver, Gus. He gamely plows and salts mile after mile of slush and muck all night. Displaying grit, Walt and Gus even tackle a high, high hill, “We’re Gus and Walt. / We plow and we salt. / We’ll fight the snow. / Get ready – now GO!” The other plows are impressed, and Gus ends up showing his appreciation for his gutsy little buddy by hanging a blue ribbon made from his scarf onto Walt’s mirror. Examples of rhyme, alliteration, and onomatopoeia appear throughout the tale. For other appealing anthropomorphic vehicles, see Kate McMullan’s I Stink! (garbage truck) and I’m Smart! (school bus) and for smiliar can-do spirit, read Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walt is the smallest snowplow in the city’s fleet, so when the big storm arrives, no one wants to drive him. Soon the parking lot is empty with only Walt left behind. Then Gus arrives and merrily prepares to drive Walt into the storm. Walt works hard into the night to clear bridges and roads, trying to prove that he’s up to the big job. Then he reaches a big hill. They could leave it for a larger truck to handle, but Walt wants to try. He slips and slides all the way up, but getting down could be even worse! This picture book is a snowy riff on The Little Engine that Could, offering a bright red little hero willing to take on big challenges. The tone throughout is friendly and fun. Any little one who enjoys books about trucks will love curling up with this one during snow season. Appropriate for ages 3-6.

[Whatmykidsandiread Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Small Walt” is a sweet story where you find yourself rooting for the little guy, who in this particular case, is the smallest snow plow in the lot. With the help of his driver, Gus, Walt pushes through (😉) to show everyone that he can tackle even the iciest bridge and the steepest hill, just as well as the biggest plow.

Elizabeth Verdick has written a readaloud delight packed full of fun, noisy truck sounds and crisp language that will hook kids right away (we read it three times the night we got it). The vintage-inspired illustrations by Marc Rosenthal are charming, and bring the plows to life. This is definitely a giftable “snow” book. ❄️

[Vincent Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Small Walt" is a story about a small snowplow who faces trouble because of his size. In the beginning, he is picked last when drivers come to use the snow plows. He is also mocked by other drivers, they believe he can't do anything since he is so tiny. Despite all this, Walt charges on, with his driver Gus, helping him. He proves to everyone that you can be great despite your size. This book carries a strong message, it shows kids how you shouldn't let anyone tell you what you can or can't do and how determination can get you through harsh challenges. Fun read, I would recommend.

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book owes a lot to Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and The Little Engine That Could and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." So it's not the most original work of art, but it is delightful. It's also fun to read aloud because it's got a little of everything: rhythm, rhyme, onomatopoeia, assonance, alliteration. And the illustrations are--well, the word "friendly" comes to mind. This book would be perfect to read on a snowy day with a mug of hot chocolate.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book turned up on my desk and I was 100% sure I'd read it before, just with a different title.

Well, I was wrong, but can you blame me? It's such a familiar story - even the snowplow angle isn't new. About the only real "twist" is that the big machines didn't get stuck and need to be rescued. Which, on the whole, seems to be a more realistic telling - "the little guy did better than I thought" is hardly something to sneeze at!

[Roben · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a lot of snow falling all across the USA right now - so this is the perfect time to read the Small Walt stories! He's the smallest snow plow in the fleet - and the bigger snow plows make fun of him. But that doesn't keep Small Walt from getting the job done. I think they could have used a whole fleet of Small Walts in Virginia this week.
Read this one with Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this isn't a new concept for a book, this is an enjoyable version which will make a great read aloud. It has a repetitive phrase and a don't give up attitude.

The illustrations have an old timey look and remind me of Virginia Lee Burton look. Take off the jacket cover to reveal a slightly different look than the jacket.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

So like the Little Engine that Could but Walt is a snowplow with small engine and small size compared to all the others. Walt is able to do the job that others cannot and is important and helpful in the winter snows. Illustrations are similar to the ones in Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton and The Little House.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walt is the smallest snow plow in the fleet. No one wants to drive him because they don't think he can do the job. Gus takes him and they manage to plow one of the largest, steepest hills in town. The other trucks and drivers see him for who he is not who they thought he was.
Great to talk about appreciating others and their abilities.

[Jillian Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t wait to recommend this book to my boys who love books about trucks! They are going to love Small Walt. Great message for perseverance, bring small but mighty. Every child needs to hear books with this theme. Perfect to for a snow day! Maybe read after Blizzard by John Rocco! I can’t wait to read more in this series.

[Abbie Kane]

This was a fun book to read, I think that I would read this to my class on a day it was snowing or the day after a snow day so that they could get to understand what goes on throughout the day with the snow plows. I loved how the pictures were well drawn to what the roads really look like after it snows.

[H. L. Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son really enjoyed this one, ‘Small Walt’ about a snow plow that works hard to get the job done. I love how it displays the idea of perseverance and pushing the limits - seeing the results of working through the night, through harsh weather. Though the other snow plows looked bigger and better, Walt does his best, which is yet another great way for kids to learn through a fun read!

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute familiar Illustrations tell one of our favourite morals. Big things come in tiny packages, I think I can, I think I can! This never give up story of a small snowplow reminds children to keep plowing through life, be brave and perservere.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the Little Engine that Could, Small Walt has to work hard for his place among the bigger snowplows in town. Even when he gets scared, he pushes through to do the job that needs to get done. Great for fans of trucks.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it reminded me of the engine that could. A little snow plow Walt is teased because he is so small. He proves all the other snow trucks wrong when he does just as well plowing snow as the big plows. A great feel good story about being a underdog.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice addition to the vehicular picture book canon. Has a classic underdog plot, reads aloud well, charmingly illustrated, and you don't see that many books about snowplows. Highly recommended for ages 3-6.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern day reminisce of Mike Mulligan and His Steam shovel. My oldest grandson loves “big trucks” and large equipment so I will look forward to sharing this with him when he is just a little older.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walt the snowplow is the smallest of the plows. He doesn't let that stop him from doing his best. He doesn't quite when things get tough. Children will enjoy watching Walt take on the big, steep hill.

With illustrations reminiscent of Virginia Lee Burton, this is sure to become a classic.

[Dallin Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very reminiscent of The Little Engine That Could, and perfect for little boys who live and breathe trucks! Dallin loved Small Walt from beginning to end and I loved talking to Dallin about who even when we're small we can do BIG things.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has such a retro feel with a Little Engine That Could theme. The art is sweet--like Curious George style sweet. Great for those little ones who love trucks and machines but presented in a way others will like too.