All except Axle

by Sue Lowell Gallion, Lisa Manuzak Wiley (Illustrator)

Perfect for fans of John Cena’s Elbow Grease and The Little Engine that Could, this winning, playfully illustrated tale shows that even the new car on the block can accomplish incredible things if he believes in himself!Axle is a brand-new car, fresh off of the assembly line. It feels like his tires have barely hit the pavement when it’s time for all the newbies to move out! Axle watches the other cars zoom onto Earlene, their transport truck, but can’t quite seem to put himself in drive. What will happen at the car dealership? What if he’s not ready for his road test? Axle tells Earlene he feels funny…maybe he’s out of alignment. She should probably just go without him. Even after Earlene gets him moving, Axle still stalls and crawls. But when the crew hits an unexpected roadblock, it may just be Axle who sparks his plugs, revs his engine, and saves the day!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Juvenile

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2020

Reviews

[Kristin Guay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book checks all the boxes for a story that will surely appeal to children -- learning to be brave, helping others, and lots of cars and trucks! This story begins at a car manufacturing plant with all the brand new cars getting all cleaned and polished for delivery. The new cars are all eagerly lining up and driving onto transportation trucks--all except for Axel. He is nervous about driving and being transported to a new location. Unfortunately, the ride on the transportation truck (her name is Earlene) is not much better and Axel gets covered in soot and bugs. When it is time to unload, kind-hearted Earlene notices Axel’s reluctance and she decides to help him overcome his fears. She takes him to some secluded roads and Axel practices getting off the ramp, making left and right turns, going on open highways, and going up a large mountain. Once at the top of the mountain, Axel and Earlene enjoy the beautiful view of the vast countryside. Earlene then informs Axel that he now faces another challenge--going down the hill. This task proves to be a challenge for Earlene as she blows a tire and is forced to use a runaway truck ramp. Now Earlene needs Axel’s help and he goes off in search of a tow truck--all this time using his new-found skills. Earlene is rescued and safely transported. Now Axel is ready for any challenges that come his way.

I love the cute illustrations in this story because they really provide emotions and feelings to the cars and trucks--especially worried Axel and kind-hearted Earlene. The topic of being afraid is something that so many young children will be able to relate to and I love that this book has tackled this subject using cars and trucks. So many children will be able to understand the message in this story and relate that to their own lives.

This book is perfect for children between the ages of three and five years old. This is a time when many children might be starting preschool or kindergarten and this story might help them process their feelings about being afraid. This book would be great to use on the first day of school or any time an adult wants to discuss the concerns of starting something new and different. This story can be used for starting school, moving, beginning a new activity, or any other time there are significant changes in a child’s life.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axle is a shiny red car fresh off the assembly line. It’s time for the cars to head out to the dealership for their first-ever adventures, but Axle isn’t nearly as excited as the rest of the cars.

While the rest of the cars are getting loaded onto the transport trucks, Axle is nowhere to be found. He is way too nervous to get on the truck and finds ways to stall…literally. Earlene, the transport truck encourages him to climb on board. When they arrive at the dealership, Earlene realizes Axle needs some extra-special attention.

For kids that get nervous about new adventures or kids that love cars, this is such a great book that also shares an important lesson about trying new things and believing in yourself. Axle is shy and apprehensive about leaving his only home, the assembly plant, He is afraid to get his wheels out on the open road and explore. But with some encouragement and a desperate situation, Axle rises to the occasion.

The illustrations are super fun, vivid, and full of personality. Kids who loved the Disney Cars movie will love the car characters in this book. The limited words on the pages will help early readers begin reading it themselves, especially the fun speech bubbles from other vehicles.

The scenes along the highway are gorgeous including desert flatlands and mountainous hills and valleys. Even the inside cover of the book is a mixture of tire tracks. I highly recommend this book for kids who easily are nervous about new situations and places or fans of cars. Another winning book from Sue Lowell Gallion.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been a little bit (or a lot bit!) scared of something new? Maybe it was your turn to dive into the pool, and you didn’t want to dive because you were more of a feet first kind of person…that’s me. Well, Axle has been at the car plant his whole life, and now the new cars have to head to the dealership! All of the cars zoom onto their transport trucks…that is all except Axle! He’s pretty nervous of this brand new experience…just like we’ve all been nervous about new things!

Thank goodness his transport truck knows just what to do! Earlene let’s Axle take it slowly, and sometimes, that’s just what we’ve got to do. When our little ones are afraid of a new experience, we’ve got to remember what it is like for us when we have to do something new.

I think your kids will really love All Except Axle because they’ll be able to relate to Axle’s nervousness, and they’ll love the adorable, colorful illustrations that accompany the story. Be sure to add All Except Axle to your kids’ bookshelves!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story about a car named Axle and his fear of loading up on the truck taking the new cars to a dealership. Then Axle has to help the transport truck get help for his flat tire. The transport truck, Earlene helps Axle work out his problems and be brave. Little boys would love reading about cars and trucks in this book.

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This endearing picture book about a little car that is not quite like all the other cars on the lot is sweet and fun. Children will relate to his fears and cheer with him when he overcomes them. Toddlers and young readers will quickly learn to chime in on the "refrain." Adorable illustrations.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright illustrations combined with witty wordplay make this an engaging book that kids will want to re-read. I especially love how Axle overcomes his fear to help someone. This book is perfect for anyone who has ever felt afraid---great bibliotherapeutic value!

[Karen Donahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so great! But more importantly my grandson Jackson loved it! His new favourite book. Of course red is his favourite colour, so he loved Axel. Oh! And my grandpas name was Axel. Love my grama library of Sue Lowell Gallion books. Thanks girlfriend Pat Lowell for stocking my library.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much like The Little Engine That Could, Axle is a brand-new red car, fresh off of the assembly line having trouble on his road test in this appealing illustrated tale.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this book shows that you can work your way past your fears.

[Barbara Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story and bright, detailed illustrations.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

When all the newly assembled cars come off the production line, all are ready for action except one small red one named Axle. Read and discover what it takes to help Axle hit the road.

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the artwork and I think this book would appeal to preschool car enthusiasts.