If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
Reviewed by: Genna Buhr, Library Director
Genre: Good question! This is an imaginative picture book set in verse.
Suggested Age: Older preschoolers, early grade schoolers, and kids-at-heart
What is the book about?: From the backseat of his dad’s station wagon, creative and confident Jack regales and astounds his dad (and dog!) with details of his ideal mode of transportation. Given his druthers, inventive Jack would design a car with amenities and abilities far beyond those found today in even the most luxurious vehicles.
My Review: This book was a joy to read out loud! Reading in verse always catches my attention and increases my interest (and my kids’). The impressively-detailed illustrations definitely have a mid-century vibe and offer readers more fun and little extras to seek out. Van Dusen incorporates some of kids’ favorite things while introducing a variety of vehicles as inspiration. I think Jack’s creativity matches those of the most imaginative of children, and the very premise of the book is a wonderful conversation starter for grownups looking to hear more from their little ones and what they would want their perfect ride to look like. Mine? Bring on the bookshelves, blankies, and auto-coffee-matic.
Side note: If I Built a Car was the first place winner of the 2008 Monarch Awards. Children in Kindergarten through third grade who read or heard at least five of the award nominees voted for their favorite book. Sponsored by the Illinois School Library Media Association, the award program is designed to encourage Illinois students to read critically and to become familiar with children’s books, authors, and illustrators. Monarch Award winners and other award-winning children’s picture books can be found in the AWARD neighborhood of the library’s picture book collection.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Imaginative, Amusing, Energetic
Give This a Try if You Like… things that roll, float, or fly, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, retro styling
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!