Cool Cars and Trucks

August 1, 2009
Gr 1-5-Crisp color photographs and diagrams show how to construct various vehicles with Lego blocks, including pocket-size cars and variations on an SUV. Some of the diagrams are confusing, but children with plenty of experience working with Legos should be able to follow the steps. Unfortunately, readers must scan the directions to identify needed pieces; there's no supply list at the beginning of each project. The text is limited. For example, a spread labeled "Taxis of all sizes" says, "If you don't have enough LEGO pieces to build a big car, try making the same car in a smaller size." The book is much narrower in focus than "The Ultimate Lego Book" (DK, 1999)."Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2009
Preschool-G Children who love cars, trucks, and LEGO blocks will find plenty to enjoy in this colorful book, which features scenes of block-built vehicles such as SUVs, sports cars, taxis, vans, and construction trucks. The vehicles show up clearly against clean, white pages, while on gray backgrounds, drawings depict the steps to follow in order to complete certain projects. Photos show cars, trucks, and buses already made, with no human builders in sight, however, the occasional small, spot-illustration photo offers a closer view of a particular detail or variation. A typical double-page spread includes a single line of text commenting on the theme or scene and offers instructions through the pictures alone. The final page introduces LEGO artist Sean Kenney. This visually engaging book will attract little ones interested mainly in looking at cars and trucks, as well as older kids, who may actually follow the directions and build some of the projects.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)