DATTCO, a family-owned bus company operating more than 1,600 school buses across Connecticut and Rhode Island, has taken an unexpected step outside of transportation. The company recently released a children’s book designed to help young students feel more at ease before their first ride to school.
The book, titled The Big Yellow Adventure, is already generating attention from parents, teachers, and community leaders.
(Source: Bus and Motorcoach News) DATTCO President and CEO Don DeVivo reads the book, “The Big Yellow Adventure, to students.
A new way to prepare kids for the bus
“This is very out of the box,” said Kyle DeVivo, chief operating officer of DATTCO. “It was a creative idea that grew into something much bigger. We’ve had schools asking for copies to hand out at kindergarten orientations, and libraries are requesting them, too. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
The story uses bright illustrations and simple language to walk children through what to expect on the school bus, weaving in safety tips to reassure both kids and parents. Healthcare professionals at OPTIMUS reviewed the book to confirm it was appropriate and helpful for families.
“It’s something families can read together,” DeVivo added. “Putting your child on a bus for the first time can be stressful for both parents and kids. This gives everyone a way to talk about it.”
How the project came together
The idea came from DATTCO’s ongoing commitment to connecting with its communities. The book was written by Paul Mayer, the company’s vice president of marketing and communications, with illustrations by Nancy Ingenito.
“When transportation companies take this kind of proactive approach to child welfare, it demonstrates a commitment that goes far beyond their core service,” said Brianna Whitlock, LCSW, of OPTIMUS Healthcare. “This book fills a genuine gap in preparing children for school transportation.”
Initial copies have already been distributed, and a publisher has approached the company about printing an additional 100,000 books.
The DeVivo family shares the story.
The DeVivo family, which has led the company for decades, is actively bringing the story into schools. Don DeVivo, president and CEO, and his son Kyle have been visiting classrooms to read the book during orientations and special events.
“I have three young kids myself, so reading children’s books every night is already part of my life,” Kyle said. “It’s been fun to bring that into my work.”
The company has a long history of helping students transition into riding the bus. For years, kindergarteners have received cardboard “bus hats” with their name and route number to ease the first-day confusion.
“Little kids don’t always remember what they were told in the morning,” Kyle explained. “Having something simple like a hat makes the process smoother.”
More than just transportation
Source: Bus and Motorcoach News
With more than 120,000 students riding DATTCO buses daily, the company plays a key role in education beyond logistics. They often provide buses for charity drives, parades, and local events. The book is another step in that tradition.
“We’ve always believed our responsibility extends beyond transportation,” said Don DeVivo. “We’re part of each child’s educational journey, and this is another way we can support families.”
Kyle echoed that message, stressing the importance of community ties. “It could be donating a bus for a toy drive or supporting a local event. You don’t have to do something on a large scale. Just invest in the community you serve. It’s the right thing to do, and it usually comes back around.”
What’s next
DATTCO plans to continue reading The Big Yellow Adventure at schools throughout the year. While there is growing interest from publishers and even attention outside of New England, the company’s focus remains on supporting students and parents at the start of the school year.
“Anything we can do to ease that first ride is worth it,” Kyle said.
Families can download a free digital PDF and coloring book in English or Spanish at www.dattcoschoolbus.com/the-big-yellow-adventure.
Image: (Source: Bus and Motorcoach News) DATTCO President and CEO Don DeVivo reads the book, “The Big Yellow Adventure, to students.
Source: Bus and Motorcoach News
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