Naomi Danis

Kirkus Reviews

Youngsters will enjoy identifying the various vehicles as they play along.

favorite preschool pastime—watching an assortment of passing vehicles—takes on a new eco-friendly angle.

From an apartment window, two children enjoy waving and saying "Bye" to the multitude of cars that come along their busy city street. "Bye car. / Bye another car. / Bye near car." Once they leave the apartment in the company of an adult, their "Bye"s become more descriptive. "Bye grown-up car. / Bye baby car. / Bye big car. / Bye tiny car." They continue their outing, and the noise and hubbub of city traffic increases. "Bye howling car. / Bye growling car. / Bye noisy car. / Bye quiet car." Simple yet evocative language is balanced by equally minimalist drawings reflecting a hectic and harried environment dominated by the internal combustion engine, often with cars leaving remnants of exhaust behind. Rieley includes face masks as everyone goes about their business. Turn the page, and it is a new day that is greener, calmer, and more pleasantly quiet. The kids are out on another walk; they pass an e-bus, a light-rail tram, and a plethora of people riding bicycles. Gone are the exhaust fumes as well as the face masks. "Hello vehicles / greener, cleaner. / Hello!" Endpapers reflect the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner-powered transportation. The adult and the older child have olive skin and straight, black hair, and the younger child presents White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Youngsters will enjoy identifying the various vehicles as they play along. (Picture book. 2-5)

The Letter Press Project

<Most little children are intrigued by the many vehicles that pass them by them as they become aware of the outside world. Quite a few remain fascinated for many years and love to point out the less familiar ones and, encouraged by adults, will make approximately appropriate noises...

As with all good picture books, there are many layers to be enjoyed. It is certainly one for those who are keen on spotting different vehicles and it has a simple, repetitive text that is ideal for younger children who are building up their vocabulary. But there is lots to look at and talk about beyond this, for instance in the details of the bold , bright illustrations that show a man walking along with his arm around another man and a woman using a wheelchair with no assistance needed.

Strongly recommended.

Karen Argent

November 2021>

Grandpa coms to visit on Sunday. He brings salami, rye bread, mustard and pickles for the whole family. I can smell the salami when I give him a hug. Grandpa used to come together with Grandma Sarah, but she died, so now he comes alone. Sometimes Grandpa is sad. Sometimes Mom is sad. And sometimes so am I. 

After lunch Grandpa likes to rest in the hammock in our back yard. I like the hammock too, bu tI always fall out of it. Dad told me I have to get into the hamock slowly. I never told Dad I like falling out of the hammock....