Alice Across America: The Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Road Trip by Sarah Glenn Marsh illustrated by Gilbert Ford

 Alice Ramsey loves driving, not something women pursue in 1909! The Maxwell-Briscoe Company asks her to drive across the United States to promote its cars. She and her companions, Hermine and  sisters-in-law-Nettie and Maggie, begin in New York City in June and drive, with many challenges, to San Fransico by August. 

Author's note includes more information about Alice and also Rt. 66.

An inspiring story!

-Borrowed via ILL.

The 12 Sleighs of Christmas by Sherri Duskey Rinker illustrated by Jake Parker*

 When the elves walk into Santa's sleigh shed to prepare for this year's flight, they are disheartened when they view the damaged sleigh. They decide to create a better sleigh. Dividing into twelve teams, they have a "build off". Impressive sleighs are presented on the twelves days until Christmas Eve. The sleigh Santa selects as a winner surprises all the elves.

Humorous! Children that are mechanical and love everything cars/engines will appreciate this book.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Motor Miles by John Burningham

Miles is a naughty dog but his owners love him despite his many faults.   The one thing Miles likes to do is ride in the car. Much to his delight,  next door neighbor kindly builds Miles his own car to drive.
The last two sentences were especially humorous.
-Borrowed from the library.

My Car by Byron Barton*

A man shows readers his car, how he takes care of it and how he drives carefully.  I love the "surprise" ending!
A great book for building schema for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
This book could also be a good one to introduce the concept of a diagram.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Race Car Count by Rebecca Kai Dotlich illustrated by Michael Slack

The reader can count to ten as he/she watches numbered race cars try to win the race.
Sturdy pages and bold illustrations make this a great book for toddlers and preschoolers learning their numbers.
-Borrowed from the library.

Racer Dogs by Bob Kolar

Dogs line up their cars to race.  With rhyming text, Mr. Kolar reveals the fate of each dog and points out their humorous antics.
One part at the end had both my boys (ages 6 and 9) laughing.
Very busy illustrations.
-Borrowed from the library.

Hot Rod Hamster by Cynthia Lord illustrated by Derek Anderson*

Hamster goes to the town junk yard to find a race car.  As he selects various parts and aspects to his car, the author asks the reader which "one" they would choose.
A great interactive book!
-Borrowed from the library
*Highly recommend.

A Spider in the Race Car! by Cecilia Minden and Joanne Meir illustrated by Bob Ostrom

Herbie, the bear, diligently helps his grandfather in his hardware store but has a bit of a scare when he encounters a spider.  On his mind throughout the day, however, is the Pinewood Derby and the car he and his grandfather will design.
-Borrowed from the library.
My six year old was disappointed that the author did not share how Herbie did in the Pinewood Derby.
This book was okay.

The Wheels on the Race Car by Alexander Zane illustrated by James Warhola*

Taking the familiar tune "The Wheels on the Bus", Mr. Zane changes the words to fit a race car scene.
End pages recommend motions for each verse.
*Highly recommend.
*Borrowed from the library.
Am planning to use for "race" theme for summer reading program at the library.

The Rattlebang Picnic by Margaret Mahy illustrated by Steven Kellogg*

When Mr. and Mrs. McTavish marry, they make a huge decision-do they purchase a fancy, expensive car or have a large family?  They choose a large family (seven children) and purchase a rattlebang car.  In this car, the family and Granny McTavish like to go on picnics.  One day they decide to venture onto the tip-top of Mount Fogg for a picnic.  As they ascend to the top, pieces fall off the rattlebang car.  A very exciting adventure awaits them at the top!
*Highly recommend.
A fun read with Mr. Kellogg's humorous illustrations.
Guided Reading Level: N (beginning of 3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.6

Digby O'Day in the Fast Lane by Shirley Hughes illustrated by Clara Vulliamy*

I read this aloud in one sitting to my preschooler.  Adorable, entertaining and exciting!
Digby O'Day (a dog) and his friend Percy (a dog) enter a road race.  Along the way they encounter some trouble but an earlier act of kindness helps them win the race!
Tons of fun features: a character description list; maps; road games; a FUN comprehension quiz
*Highly recommend.
Great for reluctant readers and for being stamina.
A second one in the series was published this summer-Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery.  A third one to be published in March 2015 (UK).
Fun fact-the illustrated, Ms. Vulliamy, is Ms. Hughes' daughter!

Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root illustrated by Jill Barton*

A father and his three children want to visit the sea for the day but their car has some difficulty reaching the desired destination.  Problem solving and group effort make for an interesting trip.
Cute and fun!
Onomatopoeia words.

Hot Rod Hamster and the Wacky Whatever Race! by Cynthia Lord illustrated by Greg Paprocki

Hot Rod Hamster wants to participate in a race.  The car, however, must be built from a box and have no motor.
Interactive in that the book asks the reader which box, wheels, paint design Hot Rod should choose.
Cute ending!
Perfect for beginning readers.

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart Peril at the Grand Prix #8 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

My seven and a half year is reading this series.  He liked the torpedo Jack rode to rescue the race car driver.
*Highly recommend.

Race Day by Gail Tuchman

National Geographic Kids Pre-reader
In simple words, beginning readers can read about the excitement of race day.

Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli*

Sam, a racing dog, is always number one.  When he does not win one day, he has to deal with unfamiliar feelings.  Great ending!
*Highly recommend.

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo #2 illustrated by Chris Van Dusen*

Mercy and Mr. Watson go for their weekly Saturday drive in his convertible.  This Saturday is different . . .they have a stowaway and Mercy takes over the wheel!!
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for building stamina and for reluctant readers.
Vivid illustrations.

Car Goes Far by Michael Garland *

from the I Like to Read series
Car begins his day happy and clean.  Some of his adventures leave him a tad dirty!
Perfect for beginning readers-stamina
Good to use when learning about "r-controlled vowels".

Poem-Mobiles by J.Patrick Lewis and Douglas Florian illustrated by Jeremy Holmes

"Crazy Car Poems"
A very fun, imaginative collection of transportation poems!
Creative table of contents and a humorous introduction poem.
The illustrations enhance the poems and their silliness.
Some examples: dragonwagon, hot dog car, banana split car
Lots of puns/play on words

Mitchell's License by Hallie Durand illustrations by Tony Fucile*

I love Mitchell's dad!  When Mitchell constantly gives his dad a difficult time going to bed, his dad comes up with a creative solution.
I love how the dad is portrayed as a vital part in the parenting and as a caring, involved father.
Funny!
*Highly recommend.
There are more "Mitchell" books written recently.  This one is from 2011.