Blinker, blinker little car

Toddler-PreS--The little red car at the center of this story/song has a full day ahead. First, it races fellow things-that-go digger and tow truck. While the race's winner isn't clearly revealed, a good time is had by all. Post-race, the little car sets off for home, and stops for a night wash before plugging in its battery to recharge for the next day. Told in rhyming verse to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," the plot is simple and geared toward the littlest of vehicle fans. This format has been used before in Kate Dopirak's Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car. Children will need three rounds of the tune to get through everything that happens before bedtime, but they won't mind. Digitally rendered cars and scenery liven up the simplicity of the narrative, and the personified vehicles will appeal to Disney's "Cars" fans. VERDICT A recommended title for collections catering to the vehicle obsessed.--Sarah Simpson

In this take on "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," a red compact two-door car is excited and ready to win the big race! "Pull up to the starting line. / That big trophy will be mine!" However, life isn't always easy when you're trying to stay shiny and bright. Passing every one of those cars and trucks is an exhausting job, but vrooming across the finish line in first place makes the low tires and all the grime worth it--especially after getting into an impromptu post-race soccer game with friends. A quick stop at the car wash and an overnight charge put everything to rights--just in time for some sweet dreams of another racing adventure. Katz's twist on the popular nursery rhyme invites children to wind down after a busy day as the car is washed and its grill scrubbed--activities that parallel little readers' own bedtime routines. Taylor's colorful illustrations of downright adorable, anthropomorphic vehicles, which evoke the Pixar Cars franchise, are engaging and complement the text--the image of the little red car tucked in, snoozing away, is especially endearing. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Sure to help the jammie-clad set get ready for bed. (Board book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.