A little garbage truck finds that doing a good job has its own rewards.

Buster is a sweet little garbage truck. He can't wait to grow up to be a big truck, just like his father. Buster practices driving and lifting and beeping with his friend, Kitty. There's one small problem. Loud noises frighten Buster. When his father takes him to the truck yard to meet the other vehicles, their air-horn blasts and roaring engines send Buster skidding away to hide. He wants to be big and brave, but how can he work with Daddy and his friends when their loud sounds scare him? Buster feels terrible. When Kitty gets into trouble, little Buster musters up his courage to save her.

Describes a garbage truck used to dump garbage in a landfill as well as a truck that carries garbage that can be recycled.

The Happy Little Garbage Truck is the first book in a series of social skills and literacy-based picture books. The program was created for primary grade students (ages 3-8). This first book introduces its main character and explores the topic of self-esteem. The little truck loves cleaning and doing a good job in his little community. However, as the little community grows into a big city, the truck is out-sized by newer, bigger trucks that are able to carry larger loads. The little truck becomes sad when it is placed in a garage, unable to do the work he loves so much. However, one day, a friendly man, who has been observing the little truck at work, discovers it in the garage. He has been in search of a small truck for his small community. He selects the little garbage truck and takes him back to his community, where they work happily ever after keeping the neighborhoods tidy and clean. Future titles will address other social skills (following directions, impulse control, managing behaviors and taking responsibility).

Shy Henry eagerly waits to see his "buddy" on the garbage truck every time it comes--and finally manages to speak on a day when there is a small emergency.