This post is sponsored by Davon Miller. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
MY REVIEW
So here’s the setup: Three zebra kids. One bus driver. And a school bus that suddenly runs out of gas—stranding them in the middle of nowhere.
This isn’t your average ABC book.
In A Bus Can’t Drive Empty, author Davon Miller takes you on an alphabetical joyride packed with pirates, kangaroos, volcanoes—even octopuses. Every page bursts with wild, tongue-twisting alliteration like “jump joyfully for a jolly jubilant journey!” It’s the kind of wordplay that makes kids giggle—and us grownups can’t help but smile at the clever chaos.
When their bus runs out of gas, this fearless foursome sets off on an adventure the old-fashioned way—on foot. What starts as a simple hike home unexpectedly turns into a wild journey: over lakes, through mountains, across deserts, past quiet villages, onto a pirate ship, and ultimately… to a zoo.
The illustrations? They look like they were drawn during recess with crayons and a big imagination. It works. The whole thing feels like one giant recess party that somehow teaches you the alphabet along the way.
BookLife Reviews calls it “inventive and funny”—and they’re right. It’s got clever wordplay, a bright tone, and that rare magic trick every children’s author hopes for: kids learn without realizing they’re learning.
So if you like your alphabet books with a splash of chaos, a dash of silliness, and a whole lot of zebras, hop aboard. This bus may have run out of gas—but the fun never stops!
A joyful, high-energy ride through the alphabet—with clever wordplay, chaotic charm, and enough surprises to keep even adults entertained.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a copy of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure by Davon Miller!
One grand prize winner will receive the ultimate prize pack, including:
- A playful sticker from Davon’s first book series
- A copy of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty
- All five books from the Mr. Tickety-Toc Clock series
- A Mr. Tickety-Toc Clock toddler t-shirt
- An adult Mr. Tickety-Toc Clock t-shirt
- A themed coloring sheet
Click here for the entry form: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/a-bus-cant-drive-empty-an-alphaballiteration-adventure-awareness-tour/
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure
Written by Davon Miller
Ages: 4-6 | 52 Pages
Publisher: Picture Novels (2025) | ISBN: 979-8992264708
Publisher’s Book Summary: It’s the end of the school day and three zebra friends are taking the school bus home when it runs out of gas, oh no! But when Chris, the bus driver, cleverly thinks of ways to continue on their jubilant journey, they have an adventure through the mountains, in a gondola, on a log, and on a pirate ship. Will the zebras finally make it home?
This vibrant and whimsical story is a fun and silly read-aloud for families and educators of young children, featuring a playful combination of alliteration and alphabet learning, with individual letters used in rhythmic text across each spread.
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Davon Miller is an author and illustrator who published his first book at the age of eleven. Starting as a child drawing with crayons, Davon has spent over a decade writing and illustrating children’s books, further allowing his art to inspire children to craft their own stories. Davon holds a B.A. in English for Creative Writing from the University of Central Florida. He became a Sunshine Ambassador for St. Petersburg, Florida, for his philanthropic efforts that support literacy. Davon and his works have been highlighted and included in the Tampa Bay Rays reading program “Reading with the Rays.”
For more information, visit davonmiller.com.
https://www.facebook.com/authordavonmiller
https://www.instagram.com/authordavonmiller
https://www.youtube.com/@picturenovelsbooks
TOUR SCHEDULE
| Week One |
| Wednesday, July 30, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Thursday, July 31, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Friday, August 1, 2025@avainbooklandInstagram Post about A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Week Two |
| Monday, August 4, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Tuesday, August 5, 2025@nissa_the.bookwormInstagram Post about A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Thursday, August 7, 2025Bookish_MeaghanInstagram Post about A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Friday, August 8, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Week Three |
| Monday, August 11, 2025One More ExclamationBook Review of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Tuesday, August 12, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Thursday, August 14, 2025Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Friday, August 15, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Week Four |
| Monday, August 18, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Davon Miller |
| Tuesday, August 19, 2025A Blue Box Full of BooksInstagram Post about A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
| Thursday, August 21, 2025Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Davon Miller |
| Friday, August 22, 2025Mrs Makes Reading FunBook Review of A Bus Can’t Drive Empty: An Alphaballiteration Adventure |
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