  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 08/01/2016 PreS-Gr 2—After Alice Trudge and her son Norman give Miles a home, they realize he is a difficult dog. Miles doesn't like walks, other dogs, or much of anything except car rides. The next-door neighbor solves the problem by building the pup his own car. Once Miles masters driving, he takes Norman to school and on trips in the countryside. In fact, Miles's whole attitude improves. When Norman grows too big for the car, Miles stops driving. Adventures seem to be over until Norman and Miles discover their neighbor's new building project: an airplane. The matter-of-fact narration makes the story of a car-driving dog entirely believable. The watercolor, pen, and pastel illustrations perfectly capture Miles's postures and expressions to reveal his opinions and emotions. The spreads of the two friends traveling through panoramas of the four seasons underscore their joy and camaraderie. VERDICT This whimsical tale of friendship will delight Burningham fans and deserves serious consideration for a place in most collections.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 08/01/2016 Miles is a difficult dog. Does he like his food? No. Walks? Not really. And his barking? Too much of it. The only thing he really enjoys is taking a ride to the café with his owner, Alice Trudge. Alice, weary of driving, is nonetheless taken aback when her neighbor, Mr. Huddy, suggests he make Miles his own car. And what a car it turns out to be—a jaunty red convertible! Mr. Huddy gives Miles driving lessons, and before long, he’s taking Alice’s son, Norman, to school, and then to the seaside, and the country. Unfortunately, Norman eventually gets too big for the car, and Miles’ interest in driving fades. But, in a surprise ending, Mr. Huddy devises a new way for them to get about. This understated pleasure of a picture book features quirky characters, deadpan decisions, and Burningham’s signature line drawings, dappled with color. Burningham’s great talent continues to be taking the everyday and elevating it with whimsy fit for kids and adults alike. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. Loading...
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