WARRENVILLE, Ill. (April 2, 2009) – Instead of using tools on an assembly line, two employees at a Navistar (NYSE: NAV) truck manufacturing plant tapped their creativity and art supplies to build a new kind of vehicle — a cartoon truck named Brutus stars in an inspiring children’s book now available to the public.

Brutus the Big Red Truck is a delightful children’s story that sends a positive message to respect others, play nicely, and notice the “good” in everyone, despite differences. Vivid, colorful artwork brings to life some important lessons that parents and children can discuss together.

With this book as the foundation, employees at Navistar facilities across the United States have begun outreach efforts at local elementary schools, distributing copies and facilitating discussions with children about real-life applications of the book’s lessons.

To date, approximately 5,000 copies have been donated to schoolchildren and Navistar employees. In one example, several employees from Navistar’s engineering facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, led small-group discussions with 200 local elementary school students after giving each their own copy of Brutus.

“We have a diverse student population in terms of race, income and background,” said Kimberly Brooks, a fourth-grade teacher in the Fort Wayne City School System. “Navistar’s outreach with Brutus was a great way to reinforce important life skills and awareness we’re teaching in our curriculum.”

Kyle Rose and Allan Rae, the two Navistar employees who wrote and illustrated the book, work at the company’s manufacturing facility in Springfield, Ohio. Prior to Brutus, neither had attempted to create a book.

"The feedback has been great,” said Rose. “The kids really seem to get the message, and it’s rewarding to know our little book is helping encourage respect for one another at such an important time in life.”

While employees continue outreach in communities in and around Navistar facilities, the book has recently become available to the general public as well. Books can be purchased for a nominal $4 each, and proceeds will benefit charities in Springfield, Ohio. Brutus is also available in Spanish.