If I Built a Car
By Chris Van Dusen
The Story
A young inventor imagines the ultimate car — complete with a snack bar, a swimming pool, and a robot chauffeur named Robert — then takes it out for a wild test drive with his dad.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's already redesigning the family car from the back seat, this is the daydream fully built and put on the road.
- Big idea: Imagination doesn't need limits — the wildest ideas deserve to be taken seriously and built all the way out.
- Vibes: Bright, zippy, and gadget-happy, with the swagger of a classic car commercial.
Perfect For Kids Who
- love cars, gadgets, and inventions
- enjoy rhyming verse with a bouncy rhythm
- like to imagine and design their own creations
- respond well to bright, detailed illustrations packed with things to spot
Ask Your Little Reader
- Imagination: If you built your own car, what would you put inside it?
- Story details: What do you think it would be like to have a robot named Robert drive you around?
- Real-life connection: What's your favorite part of riding in your family's car?
- Art & illustration: Which gadget in Jack's car looks the most fun to try?
- Creative thinking: Why do you think Jack wanted his car's motor to smell like blueberry muffins instead of gasoline?
