The Little Auto (Lois Lenski Books)

Rating:
Summary: A 1934 Gem
Review: An old-fashioned, quaint and charming book for young children. My boys (ages 3 and 1) pull it off the bookshelf a few times a week and bring it to me to read to them. The references to passing a horse and buggy, stopping for the trolley car, and waiting for the policeman to switch the "stop-go" signal are throwbacks to a simpler time. Delightful and highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A Shiny Red Convertible...Some Things Never Change!
Review: This endearing yet simple story book written by the talented Lois Lenski features her signature illustrations and tells the tale of Mr. Small and his pride and joy, the little auto. Written in 1934 this book follows Mr. Small in his jaunty suit, bow tie and derby hat as he cruises around town in his shiny red convertible. The other traffic on the road includes a horse and buggy, a trolley car, and some startled chickens and ducks. We tool along down Main Street with Mr. Small, put the top up when it rains, fix a flat tire, and pay a visit to the filling station. Mr. Small and his little auto are utterly charming and the way this book captures the gentle atmosphere of a bygone day warms the heart. Kids will love it and so will the folks who read to them. Lois Lenski's picture books are never long on plot or action, but they are delightfully colorful and whimsical. Her books, no matter their publication date, seem to capture human nature that runs true throughout the stream of time. Look what she says about a man and his car. "Mr. Small has a little Auto. It is red and shiny. He likes to look at it." Travel around your own town on a sunny Saturday morning...you'll see Mr. Small is alive and well. Enjoy this book and all of Lois Lenski's other charmers.