Are you looking for a book that will help your son (or daughter) embrace his (or her) love of trucks and dirt? Look no further than, I'm Dirty! written by Kate McMullan and illustrated by Jim McMullan. I'm Dirty! tells the story of a backhoe loader as he cleans up a messy lot full of garbage, a stump, and lots of dirt. This book has specialized vocabulary in simple sentences so children learn the parts of a backhoe loader without getting bogged down with boring explanations. As the loader cleans up the lot it counts down using alliteration (repeated sounds in words) from "10 torn-up truck tires" to "1 wonky washing machine" incorporating number concepts into reading. The book also contains many fun sound words (onomatopoeia) like "BANG!" "CLANK!" and "Rattle!" At the end of the job the hardworking backhoe loader enjoys a nice mud bath.

It's really fun to read aloud. When I read it to my son I put on my best rough and tough truck voice. He LOVES this book and always says, "Read it again! Read it again!" when it's over (okay so he says that to pretty much every book I read). As far as interest level this book probably appeals to children ages 3-7. I typically use it as a read aloud; however, I found various reading level information placing it's readability from a middle of first grade level to beginning of second grade level. I would place it closer to end of first grade because of some of the subject specific vocabulary (hydraulic, maximized, stabilizer) if it's child read. Overall this is fun book that any truck and dirt loving child will enjoy!