There are hundreds of books about cars, trains, trucks and various construction vehicles in the market. But have you ever read one about a Tuk Tuk? Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and Tayo the Bus will discover a new friend in this book, in a setting both exotic and exciting. Roo is a little Tuk Tuk. Join Roo as he recalls the many ups and downs of his life on the roads of Colombo (the commercial … commercial capital of Sri Lanka). From road races, to Polo tournaments, to animal rescues, this little vehicle has lived life to its fullest. Experience the joys and perils of Tuk Tuks on the streets, and learn many life lessons along the way with this courageous Tuk Tuk who is always ready to lend a helping hand and spread some cheer. You are never too little to make a difference…
Also known as tri-shaws or three wheelers, Tuk Tuks are a common sight in the eastern world. All foreign visitors are encouraged to ride a Tuk Tuk at least once when they visit Sri Lanka : but the recommendation also goes with a warning to HOLD ON TIGHT!
All the incidents in this book are adapted from news stories and Facebook posts of real life Tuk Tuk drivers who are unafraid to be more than just a means of transportation.
So, (I’d say ‘buckle your seatbelt’ but there are no seatbelts in Tuk Tuks…!), enjoy some of the sights and sounds of beautiful Colombo and its wonderful people as you read this book that also teaches you – you are never too little to make a difference!
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An absolutely charming little book. I adored the storyline and the illustrations matched the book really well. It is beautifully formatted and illustrated and would be a wonderful addition to any child’s book collection.
I have grandsons who are obsessed with vehicles. They love cars, trucks, tractors, and all construction equipment, so I’m excited to introduce them to Roo The Little Red Tuk Tuk. This delightful book is sure to be a new favorite read along.
I enjoyed learning a bit about another culture as well as the adventures the little tuk-tuk has over his lifetime. I love the happy ending Roo finds with young children.
The illustrations by Privanka Fonseka are delightful, brightly colored, and very well done.
I recommend this picture book to parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone needing a gift for a child ages one to six. Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk, is an excellent addition to every young child’s library.
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: ROO, THE LITTLE RED TUK TUK
Author: Nadishka Aloysius, ill. by Privanka Fonseka
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 16 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I loved the little Tuk Tuk. I didn’t know there were Tuk Tuks until I read this book. I enjoyed seeing what happens to him in Sri Lanka. I checked out where Sri Lanka is with my teacher.’ Boy, aged 8
‘What a delightful story. Also, it’s very different to many picture books in terms of setting. The writing style is light, fun, with age-appropriate words. I even liked the illustrations.’ Primary teacher, aged 54
‘This Tuk Tuk has had a very exciting life. I thought everything that happened was funny and exciting too. I think we should have a Tuk Tuk to play with in our school playground.’ Girl, aged 7 – with a little help from her teacher
‘This is the first picture I have discovered set in Sri Lanka. It’s so wonderful to have a book that will introduce children to another culture. Now they both want to go there!’ Parent of twins, aged 7
To Sum It Up:
‘This is a sweetly illustrated picture that’s fun and exciting for younger children to enjoy. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk by Nadishka Aloysius is a delightful story about an adorable little Tuk Tuk vehicle who reminisces about his life filled with adventure, excitement, fun and service through his love for helping others.
This is such a unique and charming picture book for young children. Before I read this wonderful book, I had the notion that “Tuk Tuk” was a cute word the author, Nadishka Aloysius cleverly came up with for the book in order to make it extra special and appealing to kids. I was amazed to discover that it is an actual vehicle used in Colombo, Sri Lanka to transport people. What a nice and surprising experience for children to enjoy a story filled with fun and adventure while learning something new. Roo is a little Tuk Tuk who has had an exciting and meaningful life full of interesting and fun experiences. Giving people rides and hauling books to help for charity are just some of the many important things Roo has had the pleasure of doing in his little Tuk Tuk life. Roo is red, sweet, kind and loves to help others. Now he is older and ready to rest and retire. What will become of Roo the little red Tuk Tuk who has spent a lifetime of service, whizzing around while helping and caring about others? Children will be delighted at the happy ending of this endearing, lovable and original picture book. Nadishka Aloysius has done a remarkable job of creating a wonderful imaginative story. She has written it so very young children will understand the meaningful narrative, and be thrilled with the storyline. The pictures, created by Illustrator, Privanka Fonseka are lively, vivid and captivating. I read Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk to my young granddaughters, ages 2, 3 and 5. They were excited and thrilled by all of the action, adventure, bright colors – and the sweet and engaging story of little Roo. They delighted in the colorful pictures, and loved all the many different sounds that Roo made while he buzzed around the city. Now, they want it read to them often, and this book has helped to further teach them the meaning and importance of caring about, and helping others.
Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk is a must read book and story for all young children, and I am certain they will love totally love it! It is so special, adventuresome and delightful! Artisan Book Reviews recommends Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk: Picture Book about a Spunky Vehicle for Children age 2 – 6 by Nadishka Aloysius to all parents, grandparents and caregivers for those special little ones in your life. And don’t forget, it comes with a cute jig saw puzzle for kids to have fun and play with, as well.
My kids found this book fascinating! It’s a really cute story with fun illustrations. Our version of the ebook did have the illustrations on separate pages from the text, so we would read the text, and then swipe to the illustration. That was a little distracting for my toddler, but otherwise not a big issue, and they both wanted me to read it again and again.
I loved this children’s book. It’s so cute and such a pretty tuk tuk.. I was wondering what a fun til was and I thought it was so cute. The story was cute and very fun to read. Even the adventures the time til had was so sweet. We need more children book writers.
I got a free copy of the book and is voluntarily leaving a review