Speed

by Nathan Clement

Rows of stock cars are lined up on the track. The loudspeakers "Ladies and gentlemen, start—your—engines!" There's a sudden rumble of motors as the cars follow the pace car around the one lap, two laps, three. Then the green flag rips across the sky and—vroom!—the race is on! In this action-packed picture book, Nathan Clement puts young fans smack in the middle of a stock-car race with graphic illustrations of cars roaring down the speedway, squealing around curves, and zooming 200 miles per hour to the finish line.

Genres: Picture Books, Cars, Childrens, Transport, Racing, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Rachel Solomin · Rating 3 out of 5]

My toddler really enjoys this book's lively illustrations of a car race, and we looked up together how a pace car is used as a follow-up to the story.

[Janeen Kime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of a car race. I love the ending!

[Amy Allgeier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never wanted to read about Nascar but here we are ...

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good informational book that had a good storyline

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of speedy cars are sure to love this fast-paced book that describes and illustrated many of the aspects of the popular sport. The book even includes the racing flags used on the track as well as putting readers right in the driver's eat as they zoom onto the track from a pit stop. If the text doesn't make readers feel the rush of the race, the computer-generated illustrations certainly will. The author/illustrator's note tells readers that he begins his work in the form of pencil drawings. ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM! While the subject matter may not be particularly appealing to me, there is certainly a rabid audience for things that move swiftly.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a fun book for boys and girls. Black-and-white racing flag endpapers complement the display of common stock-car racing flags that precede the story. The green flag signals the beginning of the race, but danger arises—and the yellow flag signals caution. Cars refuel, change tires, and re-enter the track when the green flag flies until the red flag stops them for another crash. White flag up, the race resumes, and Car 43 crosses the checkered flag flaps! This high-energy book with its action-filled narration and computer-rendered illustrations is lots of fun to read. Look for clues at the end of this story within a story to see who is really driving the car!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book puts readers in the driver's seat. The book begins with a mini lesson about what the different flags mean in racing and then readers get to see some action as cars visit pit lane, crash into one another, and cross the finish line.

The last page gives reader's the big picture: a view of a child's toy racetrack and all the cars that go along with it.

A good read aloud with computer rendered artwork that appears photo realistic.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would've liked this book more if the copy we borrowed from the library wasn't completely torn up and I didn't want to get charged for it. My son loved it, as it is all about stock car racing. It plays out pretty much just like a Nascar race, or in the case of my son, the movie Cars. The stock cars are lined up behind the pace car to start, then roar around the track, racing each other and even crashing. Recommended for ages 3-7, 3 stars.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book explained the basics of stock car racing in a entertaining and easy to read format. I liked the inclusion of the different meanings of each of the racing flags. I really liked the ending which encourages children to let their imaginations soar.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fictional story about car racing. It talks about the race and what things can happen, and at the end we realize that it is just a little boy playing with his toys. It’s not very exciting, but it might be good for a child who is very interested in race cars.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perfect for a fan of racecars but I am getting a little tired of the "kid is actually playing with toys on the last page" motif.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book will work well for kids who are already really into cars and racing, but it's unlikely to interest kids who aren't. It gives a fairly good look at what happens during a race though.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

My five year old son enjoyed this book. Perfect for his age level.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I learned a lot about racing so that's something! Might be a little hard to follow for some kids, but a great choice for families really in to racing.

[Melissa Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son loves cars. He was astounded by this book!

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacks the luster of "Job Site" but will enchant kids who love cars

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of young boys who are going to love this sleek, fast-paced look at racing cars.