If I Built a Car - by Chris Van Dusen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

WINNER OF THE E.B. WHITE READ-ALOUD AWARD - The first book in the If I Built series kicks off with a young boy's ideal wheels, from acclaimed author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen.

"Energetic verse and jubilant, action-packed artwork make this tale of a young inventor's fantastic daydream a joy ride."--Publishers Weekly

"My car will be cool! My car will be keen!
My car will be one big fantastic machine!"

Sitting in the back seat of his dad's car, Jack begins to imagine all the ways he would improve the vehicle. After spending the night designing, tweaking, and refining, Jack is prepared to give an eye-opening tour of the car he'd like to build.

For starters, there's a snack bar, a pool, and even a robot named Robert to act as chauffeur. Plus, the motor releases fragrances of blueberry muffins and roses rather than gasoline. With Jack's soaring imagination in the driver's seat, readers will be deep-sea diving one minute and flying high above traffic the next in this whimsical, tantalizing take on the car of the future.

Packed with detailed illustrations recalling an era of classic American automobiles, bright colors, and an infectious rhythm, this wonderful read-aloud is a launch pad for imaginative fun.

Review Quotes

Energetic verse and jubilant, action-packed artwork make this tale of a young inventor's fantastic daydream a joy ride. (Publishers Weekly)

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 Booksellers for Children. He and his family live in Camden, Maine.