Race Car Dreams

PreS-Gr 1--After a busy day at the track, one little race car gets ready for bed. He visits the Tickle-and-Wash for a shower and shine, stops for a fill-up at the Guzzle-and-Gulp, and chooses a bedtime book from the Speedy Reads Library before curling up with his wrench for the night--inexplicably in the middle of a field rather than in a garage. As he drifts off to sleep, the little car dreams of winning his next big race. The story unfolds in rhythmic four-line stanzas and is composed with a calm, soothing tone that makes this perfect for reading aloud before bed. Largely bathed in a cool nighttime palette of greens, blues, and violets, Mottram's colorful cartoon illustrations bring charming expressions to anthropomorphized vehicles and tools. VERDICT This sweet bedtime offering is ideal for vehicle and auto-racing enthusiasts.--Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elementary School, Abington School District, PA