Honk Honk Beep Beep Putter Putt
A Picture Book By Rukhsana Khan
Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
Ibraheem and his cat, Mitu, join Baba on a rickshaw trip through the big city, where vehicles of all sorts and sizes have their own language to help them navigate the busy streets.
Published by Tundra, a division of Penguin Random House Canada,
Fall 2024
32 pg
ISBN 978-1-77488-264-1
Resources
Rukhsana’s Book Talk/Tutorial for how best to use this book in the classroom
Reviews
“PreS-Gr 3–Readers join Ibraheem and his cat Mitu as they explore the breathtaking landscape of Pakistan while riding in Baba’s rickshaw. Through bright and vibrant illustrations, Prabhat invites readers in to experience the beauty that can be found every day in Pakistan. The rhythmic text creates an opening for children to clap, stomp, and sing along on the journey throughout the city: “Baba taps his horn, BEEP BEEP! Thanks, Aunty! MEOW MEOW says Mitu. Wheee I say.” The pairing of the rhythmic text and the vibrant pictures is sure to intrigue readers of all ages to explore a culture and way of life that they may not be as familiar with, or revisit a place where they or relatives have lived.VERDICT With a wide range of skin tones and clothing, this is a welcome addition to the story hour roster."
School Library Journal Starred Review
"A young child goes on a noisy trip around town.
Ibraheem and Mitu the cat join Baba as he makes a delivery in his autorickshaw. Baba attempts to maneuver the vehicle into traffic while oncoming cars speed past with impatient beeps. He sticks out his leg and beeps his own horn. A car behind them responds with a honk: “Okay, fine! Go ahead.” The drivers have a language all their own, communicating through beeps and toots. Baba reminds Ibraheem that “big and small, short and tall, everyone shares the road”—words that serve as a refrain throughout. As the vehicles drive along a river, the truck driver spots a toad on the road and comes to a screeching halt. The others stop, too, and Mitu chases the grateful toad off the road. The fast-paced story comes alive with jam-packed illustrations that depict the hustle and bustle of a busy city. Brightly embellished art on buses and trucks, clothes drying on a balcony, street vendors hawking their wares, curvy electricity wires, and people playing cricket on the street all add to the lively backdrop. Though the location isn’t specified in the story, hints in the art imply a South Asian setting, and in her author’s note, Khan mentions drawing inspiration from many countries, including Pakistan, where she was born.
A playful and fun slice of life story that underlines a lesson in road safety. (Author note) (Picture book. 3-8)"
Kirkus Reviews