Trash Truck: Meet Hank
My First I Can Read Series
on Goodreads (58)
What’s inside...
Meet Hank and his best friend, Trash Truck, in this delightful early reader book inspired by the Netflix original series and a true story. Follow their exciting adventure through Hank's small town as they strive to keep the city clean. However, when Hank takes a wrong turn, he finds himself in a challenging situation that needs to be cleaned up. This book, perfect for shared reading with children, is based on real-life experiences of Max Keane, the show's creator, and his son’s fascination with garbage trucks. It includes a real-life photo of Max's son with a garbage truck and a note from the author. The animated series features six-year-old Hank and his fantastic adventures with his friends, capturing the hearts of young readers with big imaginations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Hank feels about being different from other trucks? Why?
What does Hank's friendship with Trash Truck teach us about friendships?
What would you do if you met someone like Trash Truck? How would you make them feel welcome?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Hank helps Trash Truck?
Why is it important to care for our neighborhood like Hank cares for his environment?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Hank’s unique traits and the significance of his actions.
Discuss the value of diversity and acceptance, relating it to Hank’s friendship with Trash Truck.
Create a dialogue about the importance of helping and caring for friends, drawing parallels from Hank’s supportive actions.
Promote empathy by asking your child how they would feel in similar situations faced by the characters.
Use examples from the book to talk about community care and environmental responsibility.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Hank the Trash Truck demonstrates the value of forming and maintaining friendships, showing kids how to be a good friend.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing inclusivity and kindness, and by offering support and companionship to their peers at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, Hank collaborates with other characters to solve problems, highlighting how teamwork can achieve goals that might be impossible alone.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to work together with siblings, friends, and classmates on projects or games, understanding that cooperation can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Hank faces various challenges but doesn’t give up. His resilience in overcoming obstacles teaches children the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in their own tasks, whether in learning a new skill, dealing with a personal setback, or tackling schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Hank, being a trash truck among other types of vehicles, shows that being different is valuable and that everyone has unique traits that contribute positively to the world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own uniqueness and feel confident in expressing who they are, promoting self-esteem and social acceptance.