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

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 (The estimated range of a modern electric car is, sadly, out of date.)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.

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.

'"Professor Wooford McPaw's History of Cars" is engagingly illustrated by Elliot Kruszynski, whose bright, clean, Scarry-esque 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 each historical moment, 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 petrol motorcar; or the invention of Fords assembly line. Striking a refreshing balance between authoritative, clearly conveyed information, and witty, bright commentary, Professor Peyton McPaw will be a captivating tour-guide through the fascinating developments of the modern world.
Unique, informative, entertaining, and thoroughly 'kid friendly' in organization and presentation, "Professor Wooford McPaw's History of Cars" is an especially recommended addition to family, elementary school, and community library automotive picture book collections for children ages 6-10'. — Midwest Book Review

'The brightly illustrated pages are in comic strip style. A fun ride of car innovation and imagination sure to please every car enthusiast. This is a must for car-loving young readers and budding inventors'.
— Youth Services Book Review

'The characters who take us through the book really make this an original non-fiction picture book about the history, design, engineering, technology and innovation of car-making.
This book will appeal to young readers in year 2, 3 and 4 although I think the density and wealth of knowledge will also appeal to older readers who enjoy a comic book format. It would be a brilliant addition to classroom bookshelves or the school library for those readers who prefer this style of reading and who are particularly interested in cars as it will seriously aid their thirst for knowledge. It's a fantastic book for children to take home and share with any family members or carers with knowledge or interest in cars, as not only will they like it too but they could help with some of the technical words used.
This is an incredibly informative picture book about past, present and future cars covering a wide range of aspects of the car. This coupled with the humorous style of writing and colourful cartoon illustrations make this a fantastic must-have book for any child with an interest in cars.' — Just Imagine

'My eldest son (aged 13) is obsessed with cars, and although this book is aimed at a younger readership, he thoroughly enjoyed reading about some rather unusual concept cars and exploring the history of motor racing.
The layouts vary in style - some like comic strips, some are labelled diagrams, and some are more traditional, but all are clearly laid out and extremely enticing. 7+' — Library Girl and Book Boy

'The pages are filled with cartoon style illustrations, and short bursts of text, making it easy to navigate and find fascinating facts. Along this journey of discovery, we will traverse the world and time periods to find out about basic cars, luxury cars and everything in between. There is much to gain from reading this and my husband even picked it up to have a look inside, commenting on how he would have loved this as a child. Towards the end of the book, Prof McPaw looks at some of the weirdest cars, which really captured my imagination, and on cars of the future, which will inspire readers to dream of cars that drive themselves and cities banning cars in favour of public transportation. I hope there will be more from Elliot Kruszynski and Prof McPaw!' -- My Shelves Are Full

'History of Cars by Elliot Kruszynski introduces the knowledgeable Professor Wooford McPaw, who takes the reader on a journey through the history of the motor vehicle. Reminiscent of classic book The Busy World of Richard Scarry, quirky characters help Professor Wooford show how the car has changed over time from the age of steam to cars of the future! This book will delight car enthusiasts young and old; readers will love Professor McPaw and be waiting with anticipation for his next canine adventure'.
— The BookActivist

'The vibrant cartoon illustrations are crisp and humorous, and provide a wealth of visual information to complement the interesting text. There are diagrams to show how a car works, pictures of iconic vehicles and a page showcasing some of the weirdest cars of all time.
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