Who Is Driving?

This delightful book works on so many levels. It's an early reading book, an imaginative picture book, a counting book, a vocabulary book, and a memory and problem-solving book all wrapped in one delectable package. In each of the seven 4-page scenarios, we see three or four animals in clothes so stylishly unique that they seem almost exaggerated. These clothes, however, provide big hints to solve Timmon's titular question, "Who is driving" (...the fire engine, fancy car, race car, tractor, convertible, jeep, and airplane)? While clothes and accessories provide major clues, the size and even overall comportment (!) give valuable information as well. For example, is it the alligator dessed in garish leather, the large rodent mail deliverer, the T-shirted tiny mouse, or the "lady-like" cat in formal attire who will be driving the elegant 1940s-vehicle (complete with tiny yellow flag on the hood). Using early observational and reasoning skills, and perhaps with some discussion/guidance from an adult, a youngster will probably rightly conclude that the best fitting match is between car and cat. Turn the two-page spread, and voila--the answer! "Cat! She is driving to a tea party. zzzzZoOMmmmm" (and the flag has her picture on it!). The acrylic illustrations are extraordinary. The vehicles fairly jump off the page, an effect due to a mix of composition, color play, and the "personality" of the objects. Bold geometric shapes predominate, and the animals and "driveables" have energy and a kind of individualistic pizazz. The aforementioned "fancy car" is painted a beautiful lake blue with deco-like lines of chrome; the race car (driven, we discover, by the helmeted rabbit) is a striking orange with a fiery exhaust; and the hippopotamus, garbed in safari jacket, boots, and a backpack full of water bottles, drives a zebra-striped jeep with a canvas top. In short, these vehicles look like the kind of archetypal toys from some movie-inspired past--jaunty, old-fashioned, animated, and handmade-looking--some with colors that look good enough to eat. I'm amazed at how well Timmers takes a simple premise and runs (drives?) away with it. The book both challenges and entertains toddler's minds in a format that will stimulate shared discussion and laughter. A deeply satisfying book!

Reviewed at Three Silly Chicks - Readers, Writers, and Reviewers of funny books for kids. Who is driving? With gas prices these days, it's high time for the pogo stick to make a comeback. But sometimes a chick needs her wheels, and it's no different for the parade of critters in this green gem of a book. Timmers' guessing game format is delightfully simple and sweet. On the left hand page are four different animals decked out in various attire -- for example, alligator in a red leather biker suit, cat in a Jackie O. ensemble, mole in a mail carrier uniform, mouse in blue jeans -- all with their car keys out and at the ready. On the right hand page is a vehicle. Who is driving...the fancy car? Observant and traditionally-schooled youngsters will correctly guess the fancy-clad Cat, of course. Other young deviants may ask why the leather-clad alligator wouldn't just eat the other animals and hijack the ride for himself. (We recommend boarding school for such children.) Either way, this book is an excellent read aloud, with plenty of visual humor to sustain interest over repeated readings. Who Is Driving? is one sweet ride!

My son is 5 months old and loves the pictures of this book. He also loves the sounds of the fire truck, airplane etc. I am looking forward to him being able to understand the words, too. I highly recommend this book.

I bought this for my three year old as our of collection bedtime books was getting a bit stale and we (or maybe just I) needed something new and different! The illustrations are fantastic--so detailed and vibrant colors--and while the copy in the book is fairly simple it makes for a great conversation as he tries to guess which of the five characters will be driving each vehicle. Love it!

Who is driving the fire engine? Elephant! Kids are presented with a gentle set of picturebook images on driving and animals and are invited to guess which animal will drive the latest vehicle. Colorful, crazy animal drawings enhance a light guessing game perfect for parent/child read-alouds.