CARS GALORE
by Peter Stein and illustrated by Bob Staake
A wacky roadway of discovery awaits readers in Stein and Staake’s affectionate tribute to the automobile and its infinite design possibilities. With Seusslike rhymes and silliness, they create a world of diverse vehicles, each an extension of its owner and an expression of individuality. Comical cars zoom by with playful text in tow: “Rusty, dusty, / hunk-of-junk car. / Stinky, yucky, / smells-like-a-skunk car.” Staake anchors most illustrations with a black, energetic roadway full of merges, curves, loops and angles. Each spread contains an intriguing pattern, offering new objects for discovery with each turn of the page. Auto-lovers will adore his whimsical illustrations—done in a ’50s modern design aesthetic—of tractors, tow trucks, race and rocket cars, and all will find humor in his expressive characters. His sense of fun extends beyond fanciful car designs; readers will love spotting the occasional alligator, giraffe or rhino behind the wheel. The eminently chantable text will likely make this a fast favorite with lovers of things that go, so be ready for many round trips. One bright and lively ride. (Picture book. 3-6)