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  • History of Cars (Professor Wooford McPaw's History of Things #1)

History of Cars
(Professor Wooford McPaw's History of Things #1)

Publication Date
September 07, 2021
Genre / Grade Band
Non-fiction /  2nd − 3rd
Language
English
History of Cars (Professor Wooford McPaw's History of Things #1)

Description

The first in a series of books by Elliot Kruszynski, exploring the histories of modern technologies, introduced and explained by a helpful (if somewhat arrogant) dog called Professor Wooford McPaw.

Praise for The History of Cars

''A broad history, ideal for car lovers''.-- Kirkus

''Lots of vroom for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike''. -- Booklist

''Engagingly illustrated by Elliot Kruszynski, whose bright, clean, Scarry-esque style appeals to children across a broad age range. Unique, informative and entertaining''. -- Midwest Book Review

''A fun ride of car innovation and imagination sure to please every car enthusiast''. -- Youth Services Book Review

''This marvellous exploration of the history, design, engineering, technology and innovation of car-making is essential reading for any child with an interest in cars''. -- BookTrust

''A fantastic must-have book for any child with an interest in cars''. -- Just Imagine

''This is a great book for children as a introduction to the world of non-fiction books''. -- Reading Zone

''Cartoon style illustrations, and short bursts of text, make it easy to navigate and find fascinating facts. I hope there will be more from Elliot Kruszynski and Prof McPaw!'' -- My Shelves Are Full

In this title, Professor McPaw explores the history of the car, starting with the steam engine in the early 1800s, the advent of the combustion engine in 1872, the popularisation of the car by Henry Ford in the early 1900s, the evolution of motor racing, luxury cars of the 1950s, the Japanese innovations of the 1970s, and finally the new technologies of electric and self-driving cars today. The book is engagingly illustrated by Elliot Kruszynski, whose bright, clean, informative style appeals to children across a broad age range.

The Professor and his sidekick (in this case a car, but changing with each book), discuss the intricacies of historical episodes along the way, lending a humorous, personal touch. Comic strip interludes capture key moments, like the first cross-country road trip by the wife of Karl Benz, inventor of the first gas-powered car; or the advent of Ford's assembly line.

Striking a refreshing balance between authoritative, clearly conveyed information, and witty, bright commentary, Professor McPaw will be a captivating tour-guide through the fascinating developments of the modern world.

Publication date
September 07, 2021
Genre
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781908714954
Publisher
Cicada Books
Series
Professor Wooford McPaw's History of Things
BISAC categories
JNF061010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Inventions
JNF051120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | How Things Work/Are Made
JNF057030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Transportation | Cars & Trucks
JNF028010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Humor | Comic Strips & Cartoons
Library of Congress categories
History
Automobiles

Kirkus

Young gearheads, rejoice! It's time to take a deep dive into the history of the automobile.
Professor Wooford McPaw may go on a bit when excited, but that's because the scholar cannot wait to introduce young readers to the past, present, and future of cars. Going back as far as a spring-loaded creation invented by Leonardo da Vinci, the book moves at a trot, exploring not just the history of the contraption, but also individual models of different cars. In the breezy survey, illustrated with bright cartoons, Professor McPaw takes time to acknowledge the contributions of women, including Berthe Benz and how her inventions were incorporated into cars' future designs. The book also takes care to present both the good and bad about automobiles. Introductions to gasoline alternatives like biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery power list both the advantages and potential complications of each resource. (The estimated range of a modern electric car is, sadly, out of date.) The "clean diesel" lie propagated by car companies makes an appearance, as does Hitler's role in the creation of the Volkswagen Beetle. American readers must also be ready to convert kilometers to miles throughout the text. A broad history, ideal for car lovers.

ALA/Booklist

Professor Wooford McPaw, a Richard Scarryesque dog, and his tiny red-car sidekick guide young gearheads through a lively history of cars. Double-page spreads in a cartoon style begin with early inventions that inspired cars, how Henry Ford's assembly lines revolutionized car manufacturing, and examples of the first cars in production. The knowledgeable pup continues to introduce car designers and manufacturers in post-World War II Europe, the rise of the modern car and Japanese manufacturers, and the advent of early and modern motor racing. The book concludes with a look at modern cars, alternatives to gasoline, electric cars, and cars of the future. Interspersed throughout are fascinating details, such as the influence Bertha Benz had on her husband Karl's designs, Hitler's role in the development of the Volkswagen Beetle, and the early popularity of electric cars that ultimately gave way to gasoline cars. Metric distances and an unexpected maze may slightly detract but won't deter readers from the right blend of fun facts and charming illustrations. Lots of vroom for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Elliot Kruszynski
Elliot Kruszynski is a London-based illustrator who has worked with clients including the New York Times, Air BnB, Camden Brewery and Deliveroo. He illustrated and designed Bleep Bloop and Spot the Bot (Laurence King, 2019) and has two upcoming titles with Walker Books.
Other Books In Series:

Professor Wooford McPaw's History of Things

History of Cars (Professor Wooford McPaw's History of Things #1)
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