Our copy of Who’s Driving? is a pop-up version. It has been published in a range of versions, however, from paperbacks to board books. Although board books are durable we highly recommend the pop-up version if you can get your hands on it, as it adds an extra element of interaction for children. It is delicate and does need to be treated with care. We suggest this book be read in the company of adults.
Each page of the book features a vehicle and the question, “Who’s driving the…?” There are also four animals on each page, with keys in hand, heading for the car. Readers look for clues about what the four animals are wearing before pulling the tab to reveal the driver.
Against solid-colored backgrounds, readers will be treated to Leo Timmers’ bold illustrations of a fire engine, a limousine, a racing car, a tractor, a jeep, and an airplane.
Once the tab has been pulled and we have found out who has the ‘successful’ key, we learn where the animal is traveling. Leo Timmers has incorporated onomatopoeia into the story and for just a little more involvement in the story readers can join in and read along with the sound effects made by each vehicle.
The concept of the book is rather simple but it’s wonderfully created, inviting interaction, thinking, and prediction from the youngest of readers.
The simplicity of this book makes it difficult for me to share much more information about it in this review. Having said that, the simplicity of this book is what makes it so endearing to children. I can say honestly that this is one of the most highly loved and valued books in our home.
Book Details:
Author: Leo Timmers
ISBN:978-1877467004
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Gecko Press, October 2007 (Distributed by Scholastic in Australia)
Suitable for: Ages 18 months+
