Automobiles Books

My three year old is enthralled by the intricate, yet impossible, designs in Crazy Cars for Crazy Kids by Mark David. A great book for kids who like to examine and ponder busy illustrations. Each two page spread has an elaborate vehicle that pushes the limits of one's imagination. For example, the Park-Matic which ingeniously moves other cars out of the way so that you always find the perfect parking spot. CJ

Crazy Cars by Mark David is just pure, unadulterated fun! It's a picture book, but with complex illustrations suited for older kids. I noticed a strong resemblance to Dr. Seuss books. Each page features a ludicrous, over-the-top sort of car, with detailed illustrations that reward careful perusal. There are also witty little text asides that will entertain older kids or parents. Here are some examples:

- The Windster is like a giant tricycle, with a series of sails and propellers to keep it moving in a breeze. It "comes with a handy spare set of maps."

- The Luxury Resortster is a vacation destination on wheels, complete with white-water rafting, golf, and drink service. Readers will be glad to know that "Due to popular demand, the new deluxe model has all the features of the regular model but comes with brakes."

- Also on the Luxury Roadster page is the note: "If you enjoy changing tires, you'll love the Luxury Roadster", accompanied by a tiny picture of a shell-shocked man surrounded by spare tires.

- The Millispeed is a car that consists of many tiny segments connected together. "It will seem like you're getting places in no time. In fact, the front of the car will be at the shops before the back has even left the garage."

- The Chefrolet cooks breakfast, and features both cow and chickens for providing raw materials. There is even entertainment for the cow, because "The best milk comes from contented cows, and nothing keeps your cow contented like round the clock Cow Channel."

You get the idea. I really loved this book. It brought me joy, looking at the exaggerated and complex illustrations, and reading the clever little asides in the text. I can see kids, especially boys, poring over this book, while their parents derive the occasional grin from the text.

This book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on November 11, 2006.

Written and illustrated by Mark David for the delight and entertainment of children ages 3 to 8, "Crazy Cars For Crazy Kids" offers a series of Rube Goldberg style conveyances ranging from vehicles that allow you to ride a rollercoaster while stuck in traffic, fish while you drive, fuel your car with cows milk, go whitewater rafting without leaving your car, and so much more wacky, weird, and wonderful things to do when driving the highways and byways of city and country roads. Original, clever, detailed, and thoroughly 'kid friendly', "Crazy Cars For Crazy Kids" is a wonderfully entertaining, cartoon-style picturebook.

FOR ALL HOT ROD AND CRUSIN ENTHUSIASTS, THIS BOOK IS A MUST. GREAT MEMORIES!!!!

FOR ALL HOT ROD AND CRUSIN ENTHUSIASTS, THIS BOOK IS A MUST. GREAT MEMORIES!!!!

If remember the days when you used to hang out at the drive-in and spend most of your free time at the wheel of your convertible (and some nights in the back seat), Cruisin' is definitely the book for you. This book has it all--it's a real flashback to a time that had no equal, an era of cars and freedom that will never be again. The Bash images and Witzel photos are way cool and really send you back in time. Whether it's hot rods, muscle cars, and the many places and pastimes we indulged ourselves with, this book is the definitive scrapbook of America's car culture heyday! If you love cars and enjoy the trip more than the place you are goin' to, you 'gotta get this book!

Dale Earnhardt : Remembering the Intimidator
I love this book, for it lets you see about who the intimidator really was. If you are a true Dale Earnhardt fan, you will want this book. You won't be wasting your money. It is a great find, for any dale earnhardt collection.

On page 24 the book indicates that Baseketball was Dale's silver screen debut however it was in Stroker Ace in 1983 that Dale did his first cameo. Just a small oversight I am shure but I found the book to be a must to complete my collection

This book talks and shows how Dale Earnhardt really is. A true champion in his sport, and in his private life as well. No one can compare to the way he was on or off the track, and no one ever will. this book is a great addition to any and all nascar collection one my have. don't let this book pass you by. get it while the getting is still good.

This book is a must have for any Dale Earnhardt fan. It's fill of laughs, tears and many other emotions. Great pictures especially the cover with his 1998 Daytona 500 win. See it and read it all in this wonderful book of the memories that Dale left all of us to keep in our hearts.

This is a great book for any NASCAR fan. It will make you laugh and cry. You will have mixed emotions from cover to cover. It talks about his family and friends and the real Dale. Kathy Persinger, the writer did a great job summing the career of Dale Earnhardt. The pictures in the book are great. I plan on ordering the other three books in the series.

After 20 tries Dale Earnhardt finally won the Daytona 500 and that the how the book start out. Follow along with the author as you're taken from the early days of the career of one of auto racings true heroes.

The book is part of the Racing Superstar Series and it gives you a glimpse into the man that very people really know. The book is short, only 90 pages, but you'll be treated to several stories as well as a look into the sport of auto racing.

For the true racing fan, young and old, this is a great gift or great reader when taking a trip. Price to make everyone happy, start you're collection today!

This is one of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading. I have shared this book with friends and relatives, people and the reports have been unanimous - an excellent read!

I have worked for a Cummins Engine distributor for over 37 years. This book is a very accurate account of the pains and success' of where Cummins Inc. is today. Leaders within their industry. They are a company dedicated to one thing and one thing only. "Diesel Engines". I would highly reccomend to anyone interested in the history of this company, "as a must read". Lyle's style of narrating his Father's times and developing the Cummins engine is not only interesting, but extreamly accurate. I am pleased to have been involved with this fine Company.

Did you know that Diesel-powered cars once competed in the Indy 500? This is only one of many interesting historical events presented in The Diesel Odyssey of Clessie Cummins. The book tells three storys simultaneously: 1) the life story of inventor Clessie Cummins, 2) the early history of the Cummins Engine Co., and 3) the birth of the automotive (truck) diesel engine industry. It does all three of these tasks very well. The author has done an exceptional job of supporting the facts and dates in the book with detailed annotations and references to his sources. The author writes from the unique vantage point of the subject's son. The book details Clessie's personal experiences as a gifted genious of diesel engineering, and his struggle to both produce and and market his innovative products. This book is "must" reading for anyone interested in the history of Cumins Engine Co. and the diesel engine industry in general. This book is pleasnt reading with many comical asides. The story will be enjoyed even by those with no kowledege (or interest in) the technical aspect of diesel engines. It is an excellent tale of early American engenuity and entrepreneurship

I had never purchased a new car (always used), so I thought I should read up on what I'd be up against. The author does a great job of detailing the process in a manner that is not only easy to follow, but also comes with a great insight and a good sense of humor. He also does a good job of reviewing the steps involved in the purchase, thus reinforcing the "do's and don'ts". I found it particularly useful to search the web as the author suggested, so I had as much pricing information as possible before I stepped onto the showroom floor. The day I purchased my new hybrid, which was routinely being offered at $3-5K over sticker, there were 2 identical hybrids available for sale, the only difference being color. I paid $100 over sticker for mine, and the couple that bought the other one paid $4300 over sticker. While I haven't purchased many "how to" books, I can't think of many that would have a greater return on investment.

Unless you're in the car business, this book is a "must-have" before you buy another car! Very helpful to those of us who only know how to drive a car. Thanks, Richard!
Nora Baker

This is a must read book for anyone wanting to save money the next time they buy or lease a car. I've read other books that promise `inside information' only to be left wanting. This book is different. It cuts right to the heart of the topic without a lot of filler. It's an easy, short read that is packed full of vital information for anyone who wants to save money on their next car purchase. I can't wait to use it for the next car I buy!

What a fantastic book! Michael Turner not only shows you amultitude of examples, most of which are beautiful full colorpaintings of various racing subjects from what appears to be the 50's right through to present day, but he also provides basic lessons that will assist beginners and professionals alike. The cover gives away the content in that the bulk of the book consists of Formula 1 cars, but the principles contained within can be applied to other drawing disciplines. Mr. Turner provides suggestions for the materials to be used to render your artwork and covers all aspects from drawing the car itself to background setting and the various details in between. Rudimentary lessons are provided in the basics of perspective, ellipses, and overall development of the vehicle's appearance from a simple shell to a fully detailed racing machine!

It would be foolish to say that reading this book will instantly have you creating masterworks on level with those in the book, but the techniques contained within will certainly set you in the right direction. I cannot recommend this book enough. As an aspiring artist and racing fan, I often lamented the fact that there were no books that specifically combined my two loves. Thanks to an ad in an issue of MotorSport (which I picked up on a whim) my wish has now been answered! For artists, or just for fans of racing art, this book is highly recommended!

Its a very good book, at the same time similar and not similar to Thom Taylors "How to Draw Cars like a Pro".
I gave this book a 5 star rating, but there is just one thing that was making me feel like giving it a "4", the thing is that the book could have some more explanation about the colouring process, beacause painting is not that simple to understand for a beginner artist. Well, I hope that more books similar to this one will be published and i can promise i will buy all of them. I like it.
Thanks Amazon.

There are a lot of photographers specialized in capturing exciting moments in motor racing. On the other hand, painters on motor racing is not easy to find. Michael Turner has been painting racing cars for some years and his works had been published and well accepted by F1 fans.

This book is not one just to demonstrate his works but it actually walks you through on how to draw and paint racing cars. With Michael's expertise in this area, you won't feel lost while picking up the techniques described. If you want to try it out yourself, this is a very good book to start with. Don't expect to become an expert right away but at least you have the expert telling you where and how to start.

This book is absolutely one of its kind, you couldn't find any other like this one.

Entertaining, touching, thought-provoking, valuable. When Nancy and Mark meet, they join resources to continue on their individual odysseys. They want to get to the same approximate destination. William Kritlow wrote a powerful novel about these two individuals each on a life-changing mission, but neither knowing what the future holds. Driving Lessons is definitely a read to remember.

Two young people Nancy and Mark, on individual odysseys, combine resources to get to their destinations. What adventures! And how individual ARE their lives? The author,William Kritlow, has interwoven pasts, presents, and futures. This book has substance and story. It's one to remember!

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were interesting, and it was fun to read. I appreciate clean stories with a nice ending. Keep the good books coming Mr. Kritlow!

I travel alot to visit my college students. I am usually traveling alone and realized that 911 is not always the correct number to call in an emergency. The correct numbers are posted but only randomly. This is a problem when you have an emergency and have not been keeping track of the correct phone number as you change states or areas. I found this book and got three. I immediately placed one in my car and one in each of my two childrens cars. It gives me peace of mind that they will have the proper emergency number if they ever need it.

I travel alot to visit my college students. I am usually traveling alone and realized that 911 is not always the correct number to call in an emergency. The correct numbers are posted but only randomly. This is a problem when you have an emergency and have not been keeping track of the correct phone number as you change states or areas. I found this book and got three. I immediately placed one in my car and one in each of my two childrens cars. It gives me peace of mind that they will have the proper emergency number if they ever need it.

This is the greatest book and much needed for anyone traveling on the road. Most people are unaware that 911 is not an option everywhere in the US, and that dialing 911 from a cell phone is unreliable excpet in big cities - I learned this the hard way. This little book is great for a glove compartment or purse and it will provide you with emergency numbers for every state in the US! Plus, road hotlines, tourism contacts, seat belt laws, helmet regulations, alcohol BAC, radar detectors and more. And, each number is personally verified for accuracy. Very handy and a must have for RV people and campers! I love it - it will be with me everywhere I go! Well worth the price.

In Everybody Moos At Cows! - Even Matthew Mcfarland, Lisa Willever asks and answers the critically important question: "Does anyone moo at cows anymore?" The debut title in the Franklin Mason Press "Matthew McFarland" picturebook series, we are introduced to Matthew and the McFarland Family -- a bit old fashioned by today's standards, but in this family the parents are the bosses and the kids (whether they like it or not) do the listening. And Matthew, despite his many efforts, simply cannot talk his parents out of what they know is best! Lisa Willever's humorous, rhyming text is very nicely reinforced and showcased by the lively illustrations of Elaine Poller and Glenn Byrne. A special feature is the reservation of two pages for a "Guest Young Author & Illustrator". Highly recommended for young readers ages 3 to 8, and Preschool through third grade.

I liked Everybody Moos at Cows because it teaches family values. I love the illustrations and the story about Matthew McFarland. At first he doesn't want to spend the day with his family because he would rather play with his friends. By the end of the day he realizes that spending time with Mom and Dad can be fun and cool!

I saw this book on the ROSIE O'DONNELL SHOW today and recognized it immediately. My sister bought this book for my 5 year old nephew and our whole family fell in love with it! The story is wonderful and really emphasizes the importance of doing things as a family to both children AND PARENTS. The book benefits an adoption charity which I find admirable and each book publishes kids work in a special section. As soon as my son turns 6 he'll be sending out his first submission! I can't tell you how refreshing I found this book, I just can't wait until ours arrives!