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How to Build a Car: A high-speed adventure of mechanics, teamwork, and friendship
Learn about car mechanics and teamwork as three unlikely friends work to build a miniature racer. In How to Build a Car , three unlikely friends--Eli, a mouse; Phoebe, a sparrow; and Hank, a frog--decide to build a small motorcar together. The story follows the friendly trio as they learn all about how a car works and how it is constructed. Detailed illustrations show the inner workings of the car, teaching children the basics of how each part works together to get the car moving. Through hard work and perseverance, Eli, Phoebe, and Hank learn about both car mechanics and teamwork as they build a miniature racer. With the help of this sweet story, children will learn the different parts and functions of a car.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 4, 2023
Čehu autors, inženieris Martins Sodomka lappusēs ieguldījis savu aizrautību un degsmi! To var just!
Žurka Ārčijs un zvirbulis Bērtulis nolemj uzbūvēt savu auto…
Man šķiet, ka būtiskākais vēstījums, ko jūs varat izlasīt no manis par šo grāmatu, ir nenobīties no vārda “pasaka”, ar ko tā rotājas. Šī ir izziņas grāmata, pilna ar enciklopēdijas cienīga rakstura informāciju, kas sajūsminās auto un tehnikas mīļus. Pārējiem, savukārt, lappuses sniegs ieskatu, kas tad mašīnai “vēderā”?!
Mani mulsināja krasās atšķirības vēstījumā jeb auditorijas dalījums lappusēs. Tie mazie lasītāji, kas sekos zvēriņu piedzīvojumiem, šķiet, tiks iemidzināti ar tehniskajiem aprakstiem, savukārt tie, kurus aizrauj auto detaļas, laidīs gar ausi “pasaku”… labojiet mani, ja kļūdos?!
Visu ģimeni toties apburs zīmējumi. Vizuālais noformējums grāmatai patiesi ir uzteicams!
Šī ir tikai viena no sērijas grāmatām, kas bērniem skaidro tehnisko pasauli! Lappuses lieti noderēs, lai attīstītu loģisko domāšanu. Nenoliedzami orģināla grāmata. Paldies izdevniecībai @zvaigzne_abc par tās nogādāšanu latviešu lasītājam. Gaidīsim arī pārējās!
3,5zvaigznītes
Žurka Ārčijs un zvirbulis Bērtulis nolemj uzbūvēt savu auto…
Man šķiet, ka būtiskākais vēstījums, ko jūs varat izlasīt no manis par šo grāmatu, ir nenobīties no vārda “pasaka”, ar ko tā rotājas. Šī ir izziņas grāmata, pilna ar enciklopēdijas cienīga rakstura informāciju, kas sajūsminās auto un tehnikas mīļus. Pārējiem, savukārt, lappuses sniegs ieskatu, kas tad mašīnai “vēderā”?!
Mani mulsināja krasās atšķirības vēstījumā jeb auditorijas dalījums lappusēs. Tie mazie lasītāji, kas sekos zvēriņu piedzīvojumiem, šķiet, tiks iemidzināti ar tehniskajiem aprakstiem, savukārt tie, kurus aizrauj auto detaļas, laidīs gar ausi “pasaku”… labojiet mani, ja kļūdos?!
Visu ģimeni toties apburs zīmējumi. Vizuālais noformējums grāmatai patiesi ir uzteicams!
Šī ir tikai viena no sērijas grāmatām, kas bērniem skaidro tehnisko pasauli! Lappuses lieti noderēs, lai attīstītu loģisko domāšanu. Nenoliedzami orģināla grāmata. Paldies izdevniecībai @zvaigzne_abc par tās nogādāšanu latviešu lasītājam. Gaidīsim arī pārējās!
3,5zvaigznītes
August 31, 2015
When I was in college- I read a lot of children’s books. Why? I was a liberal studies major with a CLAD (Culture and Language Development) emphasis - meaning that I was in the grammar school teaching credential track. I took multiple literature course including one specifically on multicultural children’s literature. I learned how to evaluate children's books on cultural diversity, language development and more. It’s a skill I wouldn’t ever put into use beyond buying the occasional book for my three nephews since my actual job has nothing to do with children or literature.
When the oldest nephew of my three nephews was three (he is now 7) he had overheard me talking about a leaky tire I had on my car. He told me he was going to build me a car. That car was going to be purple (my favorite color) and would have wood wheels so that I wouldn’t have to worry about getting a flat tire and he was going to build it for me in his garage. He has always been very mechanically inclined and minded. I remember when we had some plumbing work done on our house he sat on the front lawn putting all the pipes together in a specific order to create some sort of pipeline that made sense to him. When he was in first grade he was in a special after school program that partnered with NASA to learn all about space. The kid is smart and when I was offered a copy of the children’s book How To Build A Car I immediately thought of him. When I got the book I couldn’t wait to share it with him.
How To Build A Car follows three friends on their mission to build a car. It follows three friends Eli the mouse, Hank the frog and Phoebe the bird. Eli’s has a huge imagination and has a great idea to make a real working race car. He gets his friends Hank and Phoebe to help him with his grand idea. With imagination and teamwork the trio work hard and persevere to build a real miniature race car.
My dad actually ended up reading the book to my nephew and then him and I talked about it when I got home later in the day. He really liked the book- especially the pictures that showed how the car parts worked. He was especially interested in the parts about the pistons (those are his actual words which I think he learned from the book).
This book is great for those mechanically minded children- like my nephew. You know the ones who like to think about how things work and why they work the way they do. The illustrations by Martin Sodomka are very kid friendly- even the schematics of the car that they are building. The story of the book by author Saskia Lacey is engaging and held his attention and encourages it’s young readers to brainstorm and think through problems.
The book itself is a 9 in by 9 in 64 page book with at least 100 color illustrations. The target audience for this book according to the information sheet from the publisher is ages 6-8 (grades 1-3).
(review also appears on badgroove.com)
When the oldest nephew of my three nephews was three (he is now 7) he had overheard me talking about a leaky tire I had on my car. He told me he was going to build me a car. That car was going to be purple (my favorite color) and would have wood wheels so that I wouldn’t have to worry about getting a flat tire and he was going to build it for me in his garage. He has always been very mechanically inclined and minded. I remember when we had some plumbing work done on our house he sat on the front lawn putting all the pipes together in a specific order to create some sort of pipeline that made sense to him. When he was in first grade he was in a special after school program that partnered with NASA to learn all about space. The kid is smart and when I was offered a copy of the children’s book How To Build A Car I immediately thought of him. When I got the book I couldn’t wait to share it with him.
How To Build A Car follows three friends on their mission to build a car. It follows three friends Eli the mouse, Hank the frog and Phoebe the bird. Eli’s has a huge imagination and has a great idea to make a real working race car. He gets his friends Hank and Phoebe to help him with his grand idea. With imagination and teamwork the trio work hard and persevere to build a real miniature race car.
My dad actually ended up reading the book to my nephew and then him and I talked about it when I got home later in the day. He really liked the book- especially the pictures that showed how the car parts worked. He was especially interested in the parts about the pistons (those are his actual words which I think he learned from the book).
This book is great for those mechanically minded children- like my nephew. You know the ones who like to think about how things work and why they work the way they do. The illustrations by Martin Sodomka are very kid friendly- even the schematics of the car that they are building. The story of the book by author Saskia Lacey is engaging and held his attention and encourages it’s young readers to brainstorm and think through problems.
The book itself is a 9 in by 9 in 64 page book with at least 100 color illustrations. The target audience for this book according to the information sheet from the publisher is ages 6-8 (grades 1-3).
(review also appears on badgroove.com)
June 18, 2019
This is a fascinating look at all that goes into building a car. The diagrams are especially impressive; they have a lot of detail and a lot of vocabulary. My five-year-old listened to me read it aloud, and though I think she enjoyed How to Build a House: A colossal adventure of construction, teamwork, and friendship more, she definitely loved this one too. I highly recommend this series to kids who are fascinated with how things work, and how things are made.
November 17, 2022
Kui mina veel väikene olin ja eakohast riimilist luulet armastasin, siis käisid asjad nii, et hiir tegi piimapudelist uue automudeli ja peale piimapudeli polnud muud tarvis kui üht käbi, tuletikku ja puravikku. Aga nüüd selgub, et autoehitus pole monoetendus ning kõigi juppide meeldejätmine ja nende tegelikust otstarbest päris-päriselt arusaamine käib üle võlli. Süžeeliin on küll lihtne, kuid sõnavara raskusastme poolest sobiks see raamat pigem spetsiifilisemat huvi ülesnäitavale kooliealisele. Äge raamat siiski ja autori illustratsioonid imeliselt mahedatoonilised.
February 10, 2022
Vahva raamat, mis minu meelest oleks ideaalne kinks lapselt isale või lapselapselt vanaisale, et siis saaks koos raamatut lugeda.
Mul endal oli küll päris põnev neid pilte uurida ja rohkem süveneda loosse, aga preili seisukoht oli , et vaatame mis ikka Ärniga edasi saab ja pööras lehti kiiremini :)
Mul endal oli küll päris põnev neid pilte uurida ja rohkem süveneda loosse, aga preili seisukoht oli , et vaatame mis ikka Ärniga edasi saab ja pööras lehti kiiremini :)
August 7, 2025
Чарівні ілюстрації! Прикро що в дитинстві в мене цієї книжки не було й круто що ця серія в сучасних дітей є
March 6, 2016
Okay, I confess, at this moment I'm on page 56 and not finished reading this book yet. I'm pausing because its length merits a pause. Also, I'm feeling confident enough to get my review started and give it a rating.
I'm giving this book 5 stars. Although, if half-stars were available, I'd give "How to Build a Car: A high-speed adventure of mechanics, teamwork, and friendship" a 4.5. Why? Mostly due to the length of the book. I appreciate that it definitely is a picture book - just about every other page is without text (has only illustrations). But, it's still pretty long. Otherwise, I give it a high rating because it's very thorough, well-focused and extremely kid-friendly. It's also very creative and gives excellent insight into real parts of real automobiles.
Okay, I digress, and plan to conclude the book now ...
Alright, I just finished it out. The book is 64 pages. It is very well-structured and organized. I definitely stick with my 5-star rating. And this is coming from someone who is not a "gearhead" or auto enthusiast.
On a side note, though, I think it's a wonderful book and one I will suggest to my local auto shop. My local auto shop has a kid's area within it's waiting area. In this area is a TV, a super Nintendo, a couple chairs and a few books. I think this book would be a wonderful fit for this auto shop. Honestly, I think adult customers would enjoy reading this book while they wait to have their autos fixed.
Overall, I think this is a fun, creative, informative book and kids could enjoy reading it. However, I would absolutely NOT read this book to preschoolers. Why? Mostly due to its length, but also some of the vocabulary used (the level) and auto jargon.
Some details I noticed include:
* The illustrations (provided by Martin Sodomka) are very well done. I imagine this book's illustrator had to spend a very, very, very long time creating the images and graphics of this book. The illustrations are very clear and concise, yet often times very complex as well.
* The book appears to have had a lot of planning involved. It's very structured and organized. I like that it begins with a brief introduction of the story's three characters. Then, you can see the three character's personalities carefully revealed throughout the story.
* The book's author, Saskia Lacey, just has to be a car lover. He just has to! ... Okay, if he or she's not, the author was at least very thorough with the amount of research that went into this book.
I'm giving this book 5 stars. Although, if half-stars were available, I'd give "How to Build a Car: A high-speed adventure of mechanics, teamwork, and friendship" a 4.5. Why? Mostly due to the length of the book. I appreciate that it definitely is a picture book - just about every other page is without text (has only illustrations). But, it's still pretty long. Otherwise, I give it a high rating because it's very thorough, well-focused and extremely kid-friendly. It's also very creative and gives excellent insight into real parts of real automobiles.
Okay, I digress, and plan to conclude the book now ...
Alright, I just finished it out. The book is 64 pages. It is very well-structured and organized. I definitely stick with my 5-star rating. And this is coming from someone who is not a "gearhead" or auto enthusiast.
On a side note, though, I think it's a wonderful book and one I will suggest to my local auto shop. My local auto shop has a kid's area within it's waiting area. In this area is a TV, a super Nintendo, a couple chairs and a few books. I think this book would be a wonderful fit for this auto shop. Honestly, I think adult customers would enjoy reading this book while they wait to have their autos fixed.
Overall, I think this is a fun, creative, informative book and kids could enjoy reading it. However, I would absolutely NOT read this book to preschoolers. Why? Mostly due to its length, but also some of the vocabulary used (the level) and auto jargon.
Some details I noticed include:
* The illustrations (provided by Martin Sodomka) are very well done. I imagine this book's illustrator had to spend a very, very, very long time creating the images and graphics of this book. The illustrations are very clear and concise, yet often times very complex as well.
* The book appears to have had a lot of planning involved. It's very structured and organized. I like that it begins with a brief introduction of the story's three characters. Then, you can see the three character's personalities carefully revealed throughout the story.
* The book's author, Saskia Lacey, just has to be a car lover. He just has to! ... Okay, if he or she's not, the author was at least very thorough with the amount of research that went into this book.
September 18, 2015
I think every library should have this book, and probably the whole series, for story time.
I loved the idea of three very different friends working together to make a dream come true.
The illustrations are fantastic! I only wish there HAD been more pawprints in the paint.
I liked that Eli was wearing proper eye and breathing protection, even if he is not human.
I loved how Phoebe helped drop the body on the chassis.
While simplistic for young children to understand the process, the labels and information are enough to grab an older child's interest and get them to thinking about working on a project like this with friends and an adult.
One of my favorite descriptions was of the car body:
It keeps everyone inside the car safe. And CAR MANIACS can obsess over making it look beautiful.
I enjoyed the idea of naming the car and the delightful name they agreed upon.
After the story section ends, as well as throughout the book, there are more illustrations, labels and explanations for children to look over, study, and which will generate questions and ideas.
It would lead to other home school or classroom activities.
I did win this book through a Goodreads giveaway but I look forward to reading more by this author/illustrator team.
I loved the idea of three very different friends working together to make a dream come true.
The illustrations are fantastic! I only wish there HAD been more pawprints in the paint.
I liked that Eli was wearing proper eye and breathing protection, even if he is not human.
I loved how Phoebe helped drop the body on the chassis.
While simplistic for young children to understand the process, the labels and information are enough to grab an older child's interest and get them to thinking about working on a project like this with friends and an adult.
One of my favorite descriptions was of the car body:
It keeps everyone inside the car safe. And CAR MANIACS can obsess over making it look beautiful.
I enjoyed the idea of naming the car and the delightful name they agreed upon.
After the story section ends, as well as throughout the book, there are more illustrations, labels and explanations for children to look over, study, and which will generate questions and ideas.
It would lead to other home school or classroom activities.
I did win this book through a Goodreads giveaway but I look forward to reading more by this author/illustrator team.
July 20, 2015
Nice explanation, excellent pictures, terrible story. I like it.
February 13, 2021
Bohužel byla pro mě kniha trochu zklamáním. Dobře propracované popisy různých částí auta, včetně podrobných obrázků, jsou zasazené do poměrně slabého příběhu. Textu je v knize docela málo a spousta technických popisů rozmělňuje děj natolik, že pointa se mi ke konci docela ztratila. Taky mi v knize pro děti trochu vadil výraz lempl. Poslední výtku mám k přímé řeči. Často totiž není poznat, kdo vlastně větu říká a čtenář to zjistí až někde v půlce dialogu. Což je o to horší v případě, kdy knihu někdo předčítá.
Kniha mi zkrátka připadá jako ne úplně povedené spojení pohádky a naučné literatury. Seznámení s fungováním auta je zvládnuté skvěle, ale vyprávění příběhů se tady autorovi moc nepovedlo.
Kniha mi zkrátka připadá jako ne úplně povedené spojení pohádky a naučné literatury. Seznámení s fungováním auta je zvládnuté skvěle, ale vyprávění příběhů se tady autorovi moc nepovedlo.
November 10, 2017
This is a story about a group of friends who work together to build a car and includes diagrams and part descriptions of things you need to put into your car, like the engine. We haven't read very much of it, but it has nice pictures and descriptions and I think they will enjoy this book as they get a little older.
July 14, 2020
Pěkná kniha, výborné ilustrace. Ale vhodná spíše pro tatínky laiky, než 6 až 8 leté děti. Tatínkové budou toužit po více detailech a naopak pro děti je podle mě kniha příliš složitá. Mno, alespoň se rodič musí snažit zjednodušovat a vysvětlovat. Celkově se nám oběma, sedmiletému synkovi i mě, líbila.
May 24, 2018
This is a fun and informative read and perfect for those who like to know how things work. I would love to be able to fix my own car but it is already good to have an understanding of how these everyday machines work and fit together.
A great bedtime read for car enthusiasts dads!
A great bedtime read for car enthusiasts dads!
October 30, 2018
Це про мишу і жабу які майстрували авто. і мені це сподобалось.
February 27, 2021
Тішусь, що зараз всі дитячі книги такі ілюстративні та захоплюючі. Історія про конструювання автомобіля від найдрібніших деталей до повноцінного авто. Багато класних пояснювальних ілюстрацій.
September 27, 2023
Es esmu galīga nepraša tehniskās lietās, lai arī kā vēlētos saprast mehāniskos savstarpēji saistītos lielumus, es allaž uz to lūkojos kā pasaules brīnumu- no sīksīkām detaļām izveidot vienu veselu, darbspējīgu, funkcionējošu un uz priekšu virzošos mašīnu. Eļļas smārda pielietās tumšās auto garāžas ir kā mistiska pazemes valstība, kas ierauj sevī vaidošos spēkratus, lai arvien no jauna tos izspļautu no savas rīkles saliktus kopā pa gabaliņiem.
Šo čehu autora grāmatu "Kā uzbūvēt auto" es pamanīju pirms pāris gadiem lietuviešu valodā. Mani fascinēja Marina Sodomka detalizēto grafisko ilustrāciju vēstījums, kas tehniskas lietas pasniedza bērniem saprotamā formātā. Tik pierasts, ka bērnu grāmatās auto ir vienkāršota loma, kas robežojas ar riteņiem, stūri un izpūtēju. Šajā izdevumā, kurā detaļu pa detaļai tiek samontēts 1963.gada retro automobīlis, ikvienai skrīvītei, blīvītei un pedālim ir sava vieta. Iedvesmojoties no savas pieredzes, montējot savu veco saplīsušo škodu oktaviu, Sodomka radīja ilustrēto stāstu, kurā varoņi ir pavisam īsti, robusti un dzīves nobružāti tēli, kuri nebaidās nosaukt lietas īstajos vārdos.
Par bestselleru kļuvusī tehnisko pasaku sērija, kurā tiek detalizēti apskatīti arī lidmašīna, motocikls un māja, ir piemērota skolas vecuma bērniem, varu teikt, ka pat man šī metālu pasaules mācība bija kā izzinoša stunda. Nevaru apgalvot, ka tagad varu doties uz kādu metāllūžņu grēdu, lai sastiķētu kopā savu sapņu auto, bet ir uz kurieni tiekties.
Lieliska un fascinējoša grāmata zinātkāriem auto faniem, kā zēniem, tā meitenēm.
Šo čehu autora grāmatu "Kā uzbūvēt auto" es pamanīju pirms pāris gadiem lietuviešu valodā. Mani fascinēja Marina Sodomka detalizēto grafisko ilustrāciju vēstījums, kas tehniskas lietas pasniedza bērniem saprotamā formātā. Tik pierasts, ka bērnu grāmatās auto ir vienkāršota loma, kas robežojas ar riteņiem, stūri un izpūtēju. Šajā izdevumā, kurā detaļu pa detaļai tiek samontēts 1963.gada retro automobīlis, ikvienai skrīvītei, blīvītei un pedālim ir sava vieta. Iedvesmojoties no savas pieredzes, montējot savu veco saplīsušo škodu oktaviu, Sodomka radīja ilustrēto stāstu, kurā varoņi ir pavisam īsti, robusti un dzīves nobružāti tēli, kuri nebaidās nosaukt lietas īstajos vārdos.
Par bestselleru kļuvusī tehnisko pasaku sērija, kurā tiek detalizēti apskatīti arī lidmašīna, motocikls un māja, ir piemērota skolas vecuma bērniem, varu teikt, ka pat man šī metālu pasaules mācība bija kā izzinoša stunda. Nevaru apgalvot, ka tagad varu doties uz kādu metāllūžņu grēdu, lai sastiķētu kopā savu sapņu auto, bet ir uz kurieni tiekties.
Lieliska un fascinējoša grāmata zinātkāriem auto faniem, kā zēniem, tā meitenēm.
September 21, 2015
Beautiful illustrations in this book!
It was well written and grabs the readers attention. The story is great for young readers as it is simplistic enough for young kids to understand and yet the concepts are also still intriguing enough for older children to want to stay involved.
I honestly think my favorite part of this book though was the illustrations. They were absolutely wonderful!
Great book! Definitely recommend for someone who has a child interested in engineering or building things or even just to help teach team work!
I did win this off of Good Reads First Reads Giveway, but I am glad I did!
It was well written and grabs the readers attention. The story is great for young readers as it is simplistic enough for young kids to understand and yet the concepts are also still intriguing enough for older children to want to stay involved.
I honestly think my favorite part of this book though was the illustrations. They were absolutely wonderful!
Great book! Definitely recommend for someone who has a child interested in engineering or building things or even just to help teach team work!
I did win this off of Good Reads First Reads Giveway, but I am glad I did!
July 6, 2016
Книжка для хлопчиків від 7 років та всіх, хто цікавиться машинками. Чудові ілюстрації, деталізовані і інформативні. Ставлю не найвищу оцінку, бо по тексту не завжди зрозуміло, кому із персонажів належать ті чи інші слова. Пробувала читати різними голосами за різних персонажів, але от наштовхнулася на таку проблему. Мабуть, трохи більше слів від автора зробило б цю книжку більш приємною для сприйняття.
August 26, 2018
Na pozadí pomerne jednoduchého príbehu sa malý čitateľ dozvie všetko, čo ho kedy zaujímalo o konštrukcii auta. Autor ide naozaj do detailov, ale treba mať na pamäti, že dej je zasadený do 60tych rokov 20teho storočia a tomu je prispôsobené aj auto.
Oceňujem aj krásne detailné ilustrácie s popismi. Ak máte doma dieťa, ktoré sa o autá zaujíma, tak určite netreba váhať.
Oceňujem aj krásne detailné ilustrácie s popismi. Ak máte doma dieťa, ktoré sa o autá zaujíma, tak určite netreba váhať.
December 21, 2015
This is intriguing and also a challenge to classify. The mechanical drawing content is impressive, as is the cleverly depicted animal mechanics. There's no question this will find fans among anyone interested in hands-on engagement with the world around us.
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October 20, 2015Excited I won a copy on Goodreads!
wonderfully illustrated with a cute story. I'm sure my nephew will love it.
wonderfully illustrated with a cute story. I'm sure my nephew will love it.
November 30, 2015
Fun book that has a story and the lessons of how to build a car. Recommended for Gr. 2-4.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews