In the Back Seat

Long car rides are difficult for young children; it is hard for them to avoid boredom in such a tight space. This book is about the power of imagination in helping make such events interesting and much shorter in perceived time. Jeffrey and Ariel are in the back seat of the family car and as soon as they leave the driveway Jeffrey announces that he is bored. Ariel then begins pointing out the exciting adventures taking place in the sky, where a "balloon" is passing through the clouds. This is followed by the occupants falling from the sky into a giant haystack and then walking through the mysterious cornfield. This adventure continues until they suddenly arrive at Aunt Penelope's farm. Jeffrey is relieved at arriving as all of the excitement has worn him out. The power of this book is in the development of the child's imagination. While there are illustrations, they will always be of second nature to what a child can conjure up in their mind. While the DVD player in a vehicle is a boon to modern parents, this book is a demonstration that there is another and better way to entertain children during long car rides.