TruckDogs

by Graeme Base

Graeme Base ---whose picture books have sold millions of copies worldwide -- has turned his creative talents to writing fiction. He and Molly, his Labrador friend and collaborator on this project, have written a dog story of epic proportions. In a far-off desert world, evolution has taken an unexpected turn. The dominant life form is a creature covered in fur with steel panels beneath. It gnaws on bones and sniffs lampposts but fills up on oil, brake fluid, and petrol to keep running. And it's wonderfully clever with its wheels and side-view mirrors -- able to do just about anything, in fact -- which is lucky since it doesn't have arms or legs. It's an animal with an engine. Or is it a machine with floppy ears and a wet nose? Either way, it's known as a TruckDog. And this is the story of how the world of TruckDogs was saved by a most young and unlikely hero.

Genres: Dogs, Childrens, Picture Books

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Graeme Rowland Base is a British-Australian author and artist of picture books. He is perhaps best known for his second book, Animalia published in 1986, and third book The Eleventh Hour which was released in 1989.

Reviews

[Anna Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book with a sound good vs evil storyline. A story where the main characters are an unbelievable cross between cars and dogs isn't normally up my alley, but this was enjoyable nonetheless. Looking forward to comparing notes with the students in my class who have read this one.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graeme Base is amazing as an illustrator so I was wary of a book from him that was more novel than graphics. At $1.75 for a near perfect copy from a local op shop I couldn't go wrong though, and as soon as I got it home the young boy grabbed it from me and read it from cover to cover several times.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kids did not survive this one. I read the last half on my own.

[Harry W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it’s book was really good, it had great character development and setting. It was action-packed and meaningful. I think anyone who like animals and cars will love this book.

[Jade Rendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering how fast I read this, it is no surprise I give it 5 stars. This was a childhood favourite of mine and it still holds up well today. It is fast-paced and a amazing story.

[Jbrown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truckdogs is a book that has some interesting characters in it. In a far off desert world there are new creations of animals. All of the characters are half dog and half truck, car, etc. All of the dogs are best friends. Almost every 8 pages there is a profile of a dog that you meet in the previous chapter. There are four parts in the book, Bite 1, Bite 2, Bite 3 and Bite 4. It is a very fun book to read. This story is how the creatures of that planet was saved by the most young and most unlikely hero.I would recommend this book to anyone but especially dog lovers. this was one of my favorite summer reading books.

[Matthew Quinones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Truck Dogs was kind of a a good book, isn't one I would recommend to anyone over 11. The book is about a town of dogs who are also cars and other types of automobiles. The main character is named Sparky and his good quiet life in his town gets turned upside down when the evil RottWheeler gang takes over his town and throws Sparky and his friends out into the desert to die. Sparky and the gang need to get back to the village before he RottWheeler gang takes over and hurts the people. The book is kind of boring because nothing really exciting happens that wants you to keep reading. I almost put the book down in the middle of the book multiple times.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trucks and dogs are the best of friends in real life - And come together in a unique and fun way in this book. I loved it from the fist time I picked it up and have visited it's pages frequently ever since. Sparky is the best kind of hero - Fun, excitable, brave and bouncy he's delightful in every way. Every character, from the cautious Mrs. Mayor to Clutch adds an extra level of depth to the story and none of them are hatable or boring. Purely a funny, witty story which you can't help but love until long after you've turned the final page.

[Farhan Attamimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I read this book in the third grade and i found it interesting at that time when you are more creative. But when you are getting older it seems less interesting to you because you think it becomes stupid or dumb because you know that nothing like this would ever happen. Anyways the book is about dogs that are trucks, obviously. If i remember correctly there were a few gangs so it made it more interesting and theres a sort of fight at the end and thats about all i remember.

[Leslie Fisher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Graeme Base's books, but this one just didn't do it for me. The concept of truck/dog hybrids seems like it would appeal to little kids, but the book's storyline doesn't appeal to kids - the subject matter seems to be more mature.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way before Pixar's Cars movie, Graeme Base was kind of wondering about the secret life of cars... but his cars were dog-car hybrids!!! Cooler than Cool-- Ka-Chow!

[Misty]

what a concept! mix trucks and dogs (and also truck/bugs, trucks/sheep, etc). illustrate the book beautifully, and it's a real winner! of course the boys are fascinated.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graeme Base is one of my most respected artists His style is detailed yet playful, and this book is so much fun!

[Ronni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great, fun story for kids. A bit of bit of excitement. A bit of danger! Nothing over the top. Loved it. I'm guessing for kids from about 9+ Especially boys who like dogs and cars. Lots of fun.

[michael willians · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fuck yeah