My Car

From Barnes & Noble

Toddlers are continuously fascinated by the automobile. From the sound of the engine to the proper care and keep of a car. This spectacular machine loses its mystique as we grow older, but Byron Barton's vibrant picture book just may rekindle your -- and your child's -- love of the auto.

Using a very bold color palette with smooth lines and short text, My Car introduces young readers to Sam. Sam loves his car and proceeds to show how to take care of it, from changing the oil to getting gas. Sam also explains that cars have lights to see at night. Of course, he always follows traffic laws. In one happily busy scene, Barton shows Sam in his compact red car sitting in heavy traffic. And what does Sam do for a living? Drive a bus, of course!

This wonderfully vivacious picture book offers youngsters a look at ownership, responsibility, and possibility -- and the whole while, they are having fun! From Sam's easy demeanor and dialogue to the colorful illustrations, Barton confirms that the car is a wondrous thing.

Kathleen Odean

Bold colors, geometrical shapes and unusually sturdy pages make this an excellent choice for the very young. The brief text introduces Sam and his car, both rounded, chunky figures. Sam, who loves his red car with its purple tires, demonstrates how he cares for it. Kids will appreciate the picture that separates the car out into its basic parts, with labels attached.

Publishers Weekly

"With just a few words per page, Barton conveys simple car facts as he follows Sam at the wheel, then supplies an ending with a twist. The chunky blocks of color and minimalist text will withstand countless readings," wrote PW in our Best Books citation. Ages 2-up. (Aug) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature

Sam owns a car, and he takes good care of his car. When it needs oil or gasoline he takes it to a service station. When he drives, he drives carefully, obeying the laws and reading the signs. When Sam's car is dirty he washes it. Sam explains the many different parts of his car, from the steering wheel, to the body, to the frame. Sam drives his car many places, but when he goes to work, he drives his bus. The words are large and easy to read. The illustrations are colorful and illustrative of the action taking place in the story. The story itself is fun and informative. All children are curious about driving and this book is a perfect vehicle for learning basic aspects of cars and driving. It also provides an easy text that is suitable for beginning readers. Originally issued as a picture book, this delightful story has now been repackaged as a board book. 2001, Greenwillow Books, Ages 2 to 6.
— Danielle Williams

School Library Journal

PreS-Sam takes good care of his bright red car. He keeps it clean and makes sure that it has oil and gasoline. He also obeys the traffic laws, reads the street signs, drives carefully, and introduces readers to his vehicle's many parts. He drives his car many places, but at work he's behind the wheel of-a big, green bus. Typical of Barton's style, the illustrations are simple and stylized, but perfectly suited to the text. Bold, complementary colors are featured against yellow backgrounds. The book will find a home with youngsters who enjoy books about cars, trains, buses, and the like. Combine it with Donald Crews's Freight Train (Greenwillow, 1978) to get a toddler or preschool storytime rolling.-Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Child Magazine

A Child Magazine Best Book of 2001 Pick

Go for a spin with Sam as he describes his vehicle and the finer points of safe driving ("I stop for pedestrians"). Eye-popping graphics and chunky shapes give this toddler-friendly book plenty of curb appeal.

Kirkus Reviews

Fledgling car-enthusiasts can learn all about the wonderful world of automobiles as Sam proudly touts the merits of his zippy red car. From oil changes to filling up at the gas station, short sentences take readers on a basic tour of car care and maintenance. "I love my car. I keep my car clean." Even the complex workings of a car's innards are rendered comprehensible under Sam's tutelage, giving readers a simple overview of the chassis and body. Barton highlights all the things youngsters find so intriguing about automobiles, such as the marvels of headlights and windshield wipers. He also includes safety tips for good measure, giving future drivers an awareness of responsible driving: Sam diligently follows the rules of the roads and observes all the traffic signs. Lo and behold, when Sam arrives to work, he drives a bus for a living, saying farewell to readers with a jaunty toot of the bus's horn. Byron taps into a child's wonder at what adults often perceive as mundane-and suddenly an ordinary car becomes a fascinating mystery to be explored. The neon bright artwork featuring stout-figured people and objects is tailor-made for young audiences. With a dazzling kaleidoscope of energetic hues illuminating the pages, small children will be entranced by this appealing tale. "(Picture book. 2-5)"