If I Built a Car by Van Dusen, Chris

If I built a car, it'd be totally new

Here are a few of the things that I'd do. . . .

Young Jack is giving an eye-opening tour of the car he'd like to build. There's a snack bar, a pool, and even a robot named Robert to act as chauffeur. With Jack's soaring imagination in the driver's seat, we're deep-sea diving one minute and flying high above traffic the next in this whimsical, tantalizing take on the car of the future. Illustrations packed with witty detail, bright colors, and chrome recall the fabulous fifties and an era of classic American automobiles. Infectious rhythm and clever invention make this wonderful read-aloud a launch pad for imaginative fun.

Author: Chris Van Dusen
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Published: 05/05/2005
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 10.10h x 10.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780525474005
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 88447 / If I Built a Car

Award: E.B. White Read Aloud Award - Winner
Award: Monarch Award - Winner
Award: Golden Sower Award - Winner
Award: Beehive Awards - Winner

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Review - Children 05/01/2005 pg. 548
Booklist 05/15/2005 pg. 1667
Publishers Weekly 06/20/2005 pg. 75
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2005 pg. 513 - Recommended
School Library Journal 07/01/2005 pg. 84
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2005 pg. 293 - Recommended, Satisfactory
Entertainment Weekly 01/15/2010 pg. 75

About the Author
Chris Van Dusen is the author and illustrator of several highly acclaimed picture books, including the hugely popular Mercy Watson series. His book, If I Built a Car won the 2006 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award presented by The Association of Bookesellers for Children. He and his family live in Camden, Maine.