The Blue Pickup

A charming story about a young girl who loves fixing automobiles with her grandfather on the warm grounds of Jamaica, Natasha Tripplett's debut picture book is a perfect pick for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle and The Old Truck.

Ju-Girl’s favorite days are the ones spent with Granddad in his garage, fixing cars and hearing stories about his old blue pickup.

Granddad used to drive the blue pickup all over the island, bringing happiness to many. And now it just sits in the driveway.

One day, Ju-Girl asks Granddad if he’d ever fix it, and he’s unsure at first. But the pair soon finds out just what it takes to restore the memory of the blue pickup and to create new stories along the way. 

This heartwarming layered tale, brought to life with lush illustrations by Monica Mikai (Thank a Farmer), reminds us about the joy of repairing things with our hands and preserving stories with our hearts.

A love letter to hard work and shared legacy. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A vibrant celebration of intergenerational connection, community, and the joy of a spin around the neighborhood, this cheerful picture book also has a sweet message about holding tight to old items and traditions, recognizing that everyday wear and tear (of both things and people) means a life well lived.  - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

[A]n affectionate intergenerational story about “the importance of taking care of old and forgotten things” as well as learning “just the right tools” to move forward. - Publishers Weekly

In Tripplett’s charming debut picture book, [this] warm intergenerational friendship shows that a purposeful partnership can revitalize treasured memories as well as machines. - Booklist

"A beautiful celebration of the bond between a grandfather and his grandchild, and the importance of preserving the past through storytelling" - School Library Journal