Alex and Jack each bring their favorite toys to their daily play date in the park: sparkly tutu-clad dolls for Alex, a collection of toy trucks for Jack. When Jack wants to play trucks, and Alex wants to play dolls, the two friends play dolls that drive trucks. But when Jack brings out a toy crane, it sparks an argument. Crane drivers, Jack asserts, cannot wear tutus. Alex disagrees. It becomes a shouting match before Jack explains that a tutu “wouldn’t fit in the driver’s seat.” They calmly discuss how best to continue their game before buying a treat from a passing ice cream truck. (They fully agree that ice cream is delicious.) Bob Graham’s illustrations bring additional joy and detail to this story about communication and cooperation: Jack’s and Alex’s mothers are talking animatedly on a park bench in the background, and diverse community members pass on the street. Jack’s and Alex’s genders are not indicated; both are shown with short hair, wearing blue jeans and white shirts. (Ages 2–5)

Jack likes trucks. Alex likes dolls. What will they play together? Their new favorite game, of course!

Jack and Alex meet almost every morning in the sandbox at the playground. Jack likes trucks — big ones, the kind that can wreck things. Alex likes dolls — pink ones, with sparkles. And tutus. But Jack doesn’t want to play dolls, and Alex doesn’t want to play trucks. Readers will smile at the quintessential playground squabble on display in this amusing, relatable tale from Ann Stott and Bob Graham. Luckily for Jack and Alex, the day is saved with a little bit of compromise — what about dolls who drive trucks? — and the easy acceptance that characterizes the youngest of friendships. Not to mention a familiar jingle from nearby that reminds Jack and Alex of something else they both like: ice cream!