Parents' Guide to

Bus Route to Boston

By Susan Fitzgerald, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Bus driver takes riders home after a busy day.

Book Maryann Cocca-Leffler Travel 2000
Bus Route to Boston Poster Image

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What's the Story?

For some kids and their mother, the bus is their chariot to the city of Boston, where they shop at Filene's, buy the freshest fruits and vegetables, and eat enormous ice cream sundaes. Along the way, they meet Bill the bus driver, Alberto the butcher, Vinnie at the market, and Rosina at the bakery.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Maryann Cocca-Leffler uses natural language effectively to describe the sights. "The butcher shop floor was covered with sawdust. We sat on the step stool and played with the cat while Mom and Alberto talked in Italian." And no young reader can hold in a giggle as "ladies in their underwear crowded around the tiny mirror trying on their clothes."

The author/illustrator grew up near Boston, and it's obvious from her painting of the row houses, complete with kickball-playing children. The food in the bakery is deliciously enticing. The story ends as it began, with friendly bus driver Bill taking his passengers home after a busy day.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the sights and sounds along one of their own favorite familiar routes. How has that route changed over time?

Book Details

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