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Mitchell
Mitchell's License
Hop in for a hilarious, heartwarming ride with four-year-old Mitchell, a kid with a need for speed, a lead foot, and a very special license to drive.
Mitchell was four years, one month, and five days old when he got his license. He may need a little boost getting into the driver’s seat, but once he’s behind the wheel, his car sure goes fast! Left turn, right turn, slow down for speed bumps - Mitchell is a pro. And he loves the way that horn sounds! There’s just one Mitchell and his car have a slight disagreement about what type of fuel should go into the tank. . . . With warmth and sly wit, Hallie Durand follows a young child obsessed with all things automobile, while Tony Fucile’s comical illustrations convey the well-tuned bond between an obliging father and a high-octane child.
Mitchell was four years, one month, and five days old when he got his license. He may need a little boost getting into the driver’s seat, but once he’s behind the wheel, his car sure goes fast! Left turn, right turn, slow down for speed bumps - Mitchell is a pro. And he loves the way that horn sounds! There’s just one Mitchell and his car have a slight disagreement about what type of fuel should go into the tank. . . . With warmth and sly wit, Hallie Durand follows a young child obsessed with all things automobile, while Tony Fucile’s comical illustrations convey the well-tuned bond between an obliging father and a high-octane child.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 26, 2011
5 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Hallie Durand
10 books16 followersHallie Durand (the pen name for Holly M. McGhee) began writing in 2007 and has published the Dessert First chapter book trilogy, two picture books about a boy named Mitchell (Mitchell's License & Mitchell Goes Bowling), and another picture book about her son Marshall (Catch That Cookie!).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
August 4, 2019
In this charming book about a rambunctious preschooler, and his "drive" toward sleep - I believe that the book was actually published as Driving to Bed in Australia - author Hallie Durand and illustrator Tony Fucile capture the loving bond between father and son, and the creative solution to bedtime resistance dreamt up by one loving parent. Mitchell - four years, one month, and five days old - was always running away, when his father tried to ready him for bed, until the night that dad suggested that Mitchell could drive there. And thus was born a nightly ritual, in which Mitchell and his car (AKA Dad) made their way - with plenty of stops and starts, loud noises and almost accidents - toward the inevitable end to the day...
I'm so glad that Mitchell's License was chosen as one of our June selections, over in The Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where our theme this month is "fathers," as I might never have picked it up otherwise! I don't think I've run across any of Hallie Durand or Tony Fucile's work before, and I'm not convinced I would have picked this one up, had I seen it at the library. Yet another example of The Picture-Book Club expanding my horizons, in this particular genre! This was just a charming tale, heartwarming and humorous! I particularly appreciated the fact that, although this is clearly a loving father-son relationship, it isn't a completely permissive one - when Mitchell tries to use chocolate-chip cookies as "gas," in the course of the game, his car puts his foot down - as I think that setting limits for children is sometimes viewed almost as a form of cruelty these days. (Whereas not setting limits is the true cruelty, in my view). Entertaining, engaging, and highly recommended!
I'm so glad that Mitchell's License was chosen as one of our June selections, over in The Picture-Book Club to which I belong, where our theme this month is "fathers," as I might never have picked it up otherwise! I don't think I've run across any of Hallie Durand or Tony Fucile's work before, and I'm not convinced I would have picked this one up, had I seen it at the library. Yet another example of The Picture-Book Club expanding my horizons, in this particular genre! This was just a charming tale, heartwarming and humorous! I particularly appreciated the fact that, although this is clearly a loving father-son relationship, it isn't a completely permissive one - when Mitchell tries to use chocolate-chip cookies as "gas," in the course of the game, his car puts his foot down - as I think that setting limits for children is sometimes viewed almost as a form of cruelty these days. (Whereas not setting limits is the true cruelty, in my view). Entertaining, engaging, and highly recommended!
June 6, 2012
Mitchell does not like going to bed until his Dad gives him a license to drive to bed. Mitchell drives wildly at first, crashing into things. But he soon becomes a responsible driver--staying in his lane, checking the oil, turning in time, even washing the windshield.
I appreciate the father/son bond portrayed in this fun bedtime book.
Update: After reading a few more “father” themed books, I wanted to come back and share what makes this book so unique. Mitchell’s dad is creative, imaginative, fun, and energetic. He actively engages in playing with Mitchell. I think all children would like to have a dad that gives 110% of him to them even when he is visibly exhausted after playing for a while. The illustrations do a great job of showing movement, as well as the excitement of Mitchell and his dad as the drive around.
I appreciate the father/son bond portrayed in this fun bedtime book.
Update: After reading a few more “father” themed books, I wanted to come back and share what makes this book so unique. Mitchell’s dad is creative, imaginative, fun, and energetic. He actively engages in playing with Mitchell. I think all children would like to have a dad that gives 110% of him to them even when he is visibly exhausted after playing for a while. The illustrations do a great job of showing movement, as well as the excitement of Mitchell and his dad as the drive around.
May 18, 2011
Mitchell uses his active imagination to play a game of “car and driver” that makes going to bed more fun. The clever language and expressive illustrations help to transform (at least in our minds) Mitchell and his dad into driver and car. He checks the engine (his dad’s stomach) and the tires (his dad’s feet) and he’s ready to go. Hopping onto his dad’s solid shoulders, he zips with joy around the house. The illustrations are so vibrant, we can almost feel the wind blowing in Mitchell’s hair, and the exhaustion the dad clearly feels when the ride is finally over. The use of onomatopoeia also brings the action to life with words like, bonk and vroom! Mitchell’s agreeable dad is pulled and prodded, even having his nose honked and hair pulled, but happily goes along with the fun. Young readers will be drawn to this concept of being so in control of their surroundings, while parents will be happy to see that the story ends with Mitchell in his bed! From Mitchell running in his red pajamas to the red flashlight spinning through the air, there is a feeling of movement on each page that will propel readers quickly through this story.
August 16, 2019
Having just read another picture book about a high-energy kid that I didn't really enjoy, I went into this one with some trepidation. But, after all, this is illustrated by Tony Fucile... so how could I say no? The fact is, while Mitchell may be a bit of a nuisance to put to bed, he's not a bad kid. Watching his adventures in learning to drive his "car" is pretty fun.
The premise is apparently based on a game the author's children played with their dad. "Remote-Control Dad" is the game Mitchell and his father play here. Mitchell has to "drive" his dad around the house, and eventually into bed. It takes a while for Mitchell to get the hang of things (an early attempt results in a "crash"; kudos to Dad for playing along!), but when he does, it's smooth sailing. The only problem comes when it's time to refuel. The driver and the "car" have very different ideas about what constitutes appropriate "gas", and this results in an "emergency", complete with flashing lights, as the "car" puts his foot down. The interactions between father and son are really cute, while still showing that the parent is fully in charge of the situation (even if the kid thinks he's the one in the driver's seat).
The illustrations are absolutely adorable. I first encountered Fucile's work in the Bink & Gollie books. The style he uses here is much the same, except the pictures are in colour. The animated expressions on the characters' faces really bring the whole adorable story to life.
The plot is very simple but, given the age of the main character, this is a book intended for very young children, so it doesn't need to be complicated. Kids will love watching Mitchell drive his "car" to bed, while adults will get a kick out of seeing the joy that this little game brings both father and son.
The premise is apparently based on a game the author's children played with their dad. "Remote-Control Dad" is the game Mitchell and his father play here. Mitchell has to "drive" his dad around the house, and eventually into bed. It takes a while for Mitchell to get the hang of things (an early attempt results in a "crash"; kudos to Dad for playing along!), but when he does, it's smooth sailing. The only problem comes when it's time to refuel. The driver and the "car" have very different ideas about what constitutes appropriate "gas", and this results in an "emergency", complete with flashing lights, as the "car" puts his foot down. The interactions between father and son are really cute, while still showing that the parent is fully in charge of the situation (even if the kid thinks he's the one in the driver's seat).
The illustrations are absolutely adorable. I first encountered Fucile's work in the Bink & Gollie books. The style he uses here is much the same, except the pictures are in colour. The animated expressions on the characters' faces really bring the whole adorable story to life.
The plot is very simple but, given the age of the main character, this is a book intended for very young children, so it doesn't need to be complicated. Kids will love watching Mitchell drive his "car" to bed, while adults will get a kick out of seeing the joy that this little game brings both father and son.
July 9, 2013
Audience: K-2
Genre: Picture Book, Fiction, realistic, humorous
Awards: Nebraska Golden Sower nominee 2013-2014
Review: My 7 year-old son likes this story very much. If I had read this book to him when he was into the Cars movie, a few years back, he would have gone gaga over it. My 11 year-old daughter giggles at the driving analogy that permeates the story. This book is perfect for the pre-reading strategy known as a concept sort. There are many vocabulary terms that students may need to discuss to truly appreciate the humor in the story.
Pre-Reading Strategy: Concept Sort
In this strategy, students sort pictures or words that will appear in the book. It is a pre-reading strategy that gets them thinking about topics/concepts/vocabulary that will come up as the story is read. It is also a way for the teacher to judge background and vocabulary knowledge before the story is read.
Procedure:
Chose words or pictures for students to sort into categories. In a closed sort, the teacher decides on the categories words will fall into. For older students, they may come up with the categories themselves which is called an open sort. I decided to use a closed sort with the following categories: Noun/thing and Verb/action. When doing an open sort, students may come up with more categories.
Possible Vocabulary Words:
license, inspected, engine, automatic, reverse, neutral, coasted, blinkers, collisions, sputtering, speed bumps, merged, hairpin turns, hazards.
Additional options:
I think it would be really fun to act out some of the verbs and nouns if students are unfamiliar. Adding movement helps with engagement and remembering. After all, this book is all about moving, I mean driving!
Genre: Picture Book, Fiction, realistic, humorous
Awards: Nebraska Golden Sower nominee 2013-2014
Review: My 7 year-old son likes this story very much. If I had read this book to him when he was into the Cars movie, a few years back, he would have gone gaga over it. My 11 year-old daughter giggles at the driving analogy that permeates the story. This book is perfect for the pre-reading strategy known as a concept sort. There are many vocabulary terms that students may need to discuss to truly appreciate the humor in the story.
Pre-Reading Strategy: Concept Sort
In this strategy, students sort pictures or words that will appear in the book. It is a pre-reading strategy that gets them thinking about topics/concepts/vocabulary that will come up as the story is read. It is also a way for the teacher to judge background and vocabulary knowledge before the story is read.
Procedure:
Chose words or pictures for students to sort into categories. In a closed sort, the teacher decides on the categories words will fall into. For older students, they may come up with the categories themselves which is called an open sort. I decided to use a closed sort with the following categories: Noun/thing and Verb/action. When doing an open sort, students may come up with more categories.
Possible Vocabulary Words:
license, inspected, engine, automatic, reverse, neutral, coasted, blinkers, collisions, sputtering, speed bumps, merged, hairpin turns, hazards.
Additional options:
I think it would be really fun to act out some of the verbs and nouns if students are unfamiliar. Adding movement helps with engagement and remembering. After all, this book is all about moving, I mean driving!
August 20, 2018
Oh my word--if this isn't one of the cutest books! Wonderfully illustrated, and such a fun way to put the child to bed. I think all my brothers who are such fun dads with their kids would enjoy reading this. Especially when the dad smacks right into the wall. Ha ha--what a great laugh.
A Beehive nominee, and I heartily agree.
Could work in a preschool or school-age storytime.
5/8/13 I tried this in the "silly" theme. The adults certainly enjoyed it. The kids missed a couple of the fabulous parts in the illustrations, or a couple of driving allusions. But I had them maneuver along with Mitchell. They loved the cookie part. It might have gone better if I didn't have my new, wiggly, distracting kids. Perfect lead in to the playtime activity: drawing their own steering wheels on paper plates, and then driving around the obstacle course I made with chairs and orange cones. The tunnel (tablecloth on 6 chairs) was a huge hit.
9/2/15 Used in On the Go! theme and was perfect.
4/12/17 Used in L theme. Half too young, half just right in age. Yet it seemed they missed a lot of the humor in it. The adults laughed. The kids liked the idea of the driving. And the cookies. So it still worked even if it fell a little flat.
8/6/18 Read in Movement Storytime. Adults sure enjoyed it. Kids sat politely and smiled. Overall win to me.
A Beehive nominee, and I heartily agree.
Could work in a preschool or school-age storytime.
5/8/13 I tried this in the "silly" theme. The adults certainly enjoyed it. The kids missed a couple of the fabulous parts in the illustrations, or a couple of driving allusions. But I had them maneuver along with Mitchell. They loved the cookie part. It might have gone better if I didn't have my new, wiggly, distracting kids. Perfect lead in to the playtime activity: drawing their own steering wheels on paper plates, and then driving around the obstacle course I made with chairs and orange cones. The tunnel (tablecloth on 6 chairs) was a huge hit.
9/2/15 Used in On the Go! theme and was perfect.
4/12/17 Used in L theme. Half too young, half just right in age. Yet it seemed they missed a lot of the humor in it. The adults laughed. The kids liked the idea of the driving. And the cookies. So it still worked even if it fell a little flat.
8/6/18 Read in Movement Storytime. Adults sure enjoyed it. Kids sat politely and smiled. Overall win to me.
August 21, 2011
Kind of a slim story, and I am such a wuss that I really didn't like seeing the dad slam into the wall or get his nose punched so hard. (Yes, I *know* this is a cartoon. It's still not my kind of humor!) But lots of moments made me smile (flopping face first into bed especially), and it is a true slice-of-life Daddy/son game. And I always appreciate parents in books who don't take any guff, so Mitchell NOT getting a cookie and TOTALLY getting hauled off to bed instead was a great touch. And I love Tony Fucile. I love catching glimpses of the Disney-esque facial expressions in his illustrations.
November 23, 2011
Mitchell doesn’t like to go to bed until his dad lets him start driving. Mitchell drives his car (his dad) to bed, sitting in the driver’s seat (his dad’s shoulders), cleaning off the windshield (his dad’s glasses), and beeping the horn (his dad’s nose).
Funny cartoon pictures of a child having a delightful time with his dad.
“They had driven a long way when Mitchell noticed that the gas tank was on Empty.
‘You need gas,’ said Mitchell.
Mitchell and his car took three right turns, then a left, and beeped the horn six times.
Mitchell turned on his headlights and pulled up to the cookie jar.
‘This is the gas station,’ he said.”
Funny cartoon pictures of a child having a delightful time with his dad.
“They had driven a long way when Mitchell noticed that the gas tank was on Empty.
‘You need gas,’ said Mitchell.
Mitchell and his car took three right turns, then a left, and beeped the horn six times.
Mitchell turned on his headlights and pulled up to the cookie jar.
‘This is the gas station,’ he said.”
December 16, 2019
One of my favorite picture books of the year. Planning on using it for my bedtime story time & maybe again for my Fathers story time. 11/11
Used this with a walk-in second grade class and they really enjoyed the humor.
Used again for Father's Day story time and for a Kindergarten class visit. Enjoyed by all. 6/12/13
Used for story time and checked out after. 6/16/15
Used for story time, kids were a bit young this time. 6/14/16
Did not go over well with my young participants. Guess I need a least a few older than toddlers.
Used this with a walk-in second grade class and they really enjoyed the humor.
Used again for Father's Day story time and for a Kindergarten class visit. Enjoyed by all. 6/12/13
Used for story time and checked out after. 6/16/15
Used for story time, kids were a bit young this time. 6/14/16
Did not go over well with my young participants. Guess I need a least a few older than toddlers.
July 11, 2011
Mitchell got his license when he was only four years old. That means he can drive his car, his trusty father, anywhere he wants when it's almost time to bed. Around the house they go, starting, stopping, rushing, slowing down sometimes, almost running into his mother, and his patient father never lets him down. But eventually, the car--his dad--needs fuel and a break. This is a fun title that illustrates how parents nurture a creative, high-spirited child.
May 16, 2011
Trust an animator to make illustrations come alive. Mitchell's constant motion and joy really come across in the fun book. Parents of young children beware - you will get your exercise after reading this to your kids- but read it anyway it's great!
June 16, 2011
Captures perfectly the playful relationships that dads have with their kiddos. Lots of excitement and energy in this book and Tony Fucile is fast becoming one of my favorite illustrators.
February 7, 2012
Great fun! Definitely a great book for dads :)
WARNING: Your kids will probably want to try this at home!
WARNING: Your kids will probably want to try this at home!
February 24, 2012
I liked it, especially that the dad didn't let the kid get away with murder :)
October 5, 2018
Mitchell's Licence is a children's picture book written by Hallie Durand and illustrated by Tony Fucile. It is a quaint and heart-warming book about a four-year-old boy and his bedtime routine with his father. It is the first book in the Mitchell series.
Durand's text is simplistic and straightforward. It is a charming book, which depicts a boy's new bedtime routine and the love of a father for his son. It put a smile on my face as I read how loving the father is to indulge his son's wild imagination. Fucile's illustrations are wonderfully depicted and capture the innocence and love within the text.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It has about a boy named Mitchell, who has just received his driver’s licence – his car? His father's shoulders. It is a quaint story about an inventive boy's bedtime routine as Mitchell learns how to dive his car and how to direct him, which makes a charming and endearing book.
All in all, Mitchell's Licence is a wonderful children's book about a boy, his bedtime routine, and his father's shoulders.
Durand's text is simplistic and straightforward. It is a charming book, which depicts a boy's new bedtime routine and the love of a father for his son. It put a smile on my face as I read how loving the father is to indulge his son's wild imagination. Fucile's illustrations are wonderfully depicted and capture the innocence and love within the text.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It has about a boy named Mitchell, who has just received his driver’s licence – his car? His father's shoulders. It is a quaint story about an inventive boy's bedtime routine as Mitchell learns how to dive his car and how to direct him, which makes a charming and endearing book.
All in all, Mitchell's Licence is a wonderful children's book about a boy, his bedtime routine, and his father's shoulders.
August 23, 2017
I love a good story with amazing parenting and this book fits the bill. "Mitchell never ever EVER wanted to go to bed. Until his dad finally said he could drive there." The story follows Mitchell as he learns how to drive his "car" to bed.
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The premise is cute enough, but the pictures take it over the top. Mitchell's and his dad's expressions are priceless and TOTALLY true to life. My (almost) two year old is just like Mitchell and does silly things to his dada. One thing I like in particular is that even though the book is about a father and son, the mother is depicted in several illustrations. I like that she isn't absent.
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Super fun thing to notice: on the very first page Mitchell's dad is seen holding a book, and said book is Petunia by Roger Duvoisin!!
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The premise is cute enough, but the pictures take it over the top. Mitchell's and his dad's expressions are priceless and TOTALLY true to life. My (almost) two year old is just like Mitchell and does silly things to his dada. One thing I like in particular is that even though the book is about a father and son, the mother is depicted in several illustrations. I like that she isn't absent.
•
Super fun thing to notice: on the very first page Mitchell's dad is seen holding a book, and said book is Petunia by Roger Duvoisin!!
March 7, 2018
Mitchell doesn't want to go to bed so his dad says he can drive to bed. Dad is the car. Mitchell enjoys kicking the tires, checking the engine, and blowing the horn. He drives all around, turning left and right, and braking. He tries to stop for gas (chocolate chip cookies) but the car says no. Then the car makes a u-turn and goes straight to bed. Fun and enjoyable.
September 19, 2018
Maybe it's just me, but is all this roughness necessary... and the Dad's not complaining? Maybe this is the life of boys... I wouldn't know. Just hope my little one doesn't get any ideas. Either way she enjoyed it. Some good illustrations for finger tracing. My little one was trying to mimic all the facial expressions, hahahaha.
August 4, 2017
Fantastic illustrations make a simple story of a child's bedtime come to life. The illustrations remind me of a combination of retro Disney shorts and a couple of my favorite caricaturists on Deviantart, and show what can be done in the hands of a masterful illustrator.
January 29, 2018
This book was clever and funny. I like how it was loosely based on a true story and how wonderful the art was. The drawings add even more to the story and I loved how you can see the dad's tired expression or overall his facial expressoins throughout the story. They were amazing.
March 5, 2024
I love this book! This is part of a series which includes "Mitchell Goes Bowling" which I loved! It is such a fun book with a cute story and cool illustrations. I really like this book and would probably have it in my classroom library.
September 11, 2017
My 4 year old car and driving enthusiast LOVED, LOVED this book! He wanted to reenact it with his dad afterwards. Recommend it for any car crazed child...or adult.
October 16, 2017
Well written picture book with phenomenal expressions on characters' faces.
November 10, 2017
Mitchell drives his dad car all over at bedtime. Fun family routine.
Young readers will relate. Use to talk about imagination combined with real life.
Young readers will relate. Use to talk about imagination combined with real life.
November 27, 2017
this is about a little boy who drives his father like a car to bed. my mom said no way when i asked if i could drive her.
August 21, 2018
Mitchell never ever wanted to go to bed. One night his dad played car with him and that changed everything. Fun story with funny illustrations.
June 23, 2019
A cute story about a dad's relationship with his son.
October 9, 2019
I liked it, especially that the dad didn't let the kid get away with murder :)
January 3, 2020
Adorable children's picture book that got everyone laughing out loud. Recommend if for ages 3-7.
May 30, 2020
Perfect for Father’s Day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews