Books Jack Reads

If you enjoy watching the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), then you've most likely heard of superstar wrestler and crowd favourite, John Cena. Now, John's written his first book for children, inspired by his own childhood growing up with four brothers.

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Meet Elbow Grease, a small monster truck with big dreams! Even though he's the smallest out of his four brothers, Tank, Pinball, Crash and Flash, he doesn't let that get him down.

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Elbow isn't as powerful as his brothers either, but he does have something they don't: gumption, meaning that win or lose, Elbow always tries his hardest and never gives up.

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When Mel the mechanic tells the trucks all about the upcoming Monster Truck Grand Prix, Elbow decides to enter, despite his brothers' teasing. Will he be able to make it across the finish line and show them what a little Elbow Grease can really do?

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If your kids are at that stage where they think that big machines are the best, then they'll enjoy this story.

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Kids will enjoy meeting Elbow and his four brothers, from the daredevil truck Crash, who gets his kicks from jumping through flaming hoops, to Elbow's biggest brother Tank, who's very tough but a bit slow (and I'm not talking about his speed...).

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There are also heaps of cool pictures from the talented illustrator Howard McWilliam, showing all the trucks in action, that kids will enjoy looking at as well (the double-page picture of the off-road Grand Prix track is my favourite).

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And it isn't just kids who'll enjoy this story, as parents will also appreciate its positive message about believing in yourself and never giving up.

 

Overall, this is a funny, action-packed first story by a promising new author, which will help both kids (and parents) learn that a little gumption can go a long way.