Cooper, Sharon Katz. Illustrated by Amy Bailey Muehlenhart. Whose Vehicle Is This?
Minneapolis, MN: Picture Window Books, 2006. ISBN 1-4048-1603-8.
The book starts off by getting the reader to think about different modes of
transportation with questions about the readers own experiences and a brief explanation
of how people use vehicles. Each page shows a close up of a vehicle so the reader can
only see part of the whole and asks, “Whose vehicle is this?” with a hint about what the
answer is. The next page shows the whole picture with an explanation of who uses the
vehicle and some special information about the vehicle. Each page also contains a “Fun
Fact” about the vehicle in question.
The main text is large and in an easy to read font. The “Fun Facts” are placed in spots
where they do not interfere with the main text or illustrations. The print for the “Fun
Facts” is smaller than the main text but still easy to read. The illustrations are bright and
nicely drawn but not overly detailed as to distract the reader. It is clear what the vehicle is
by the illustration and the hint given. The information is accurate and interesting. This is
a non-fiction book, and the back of the book contains a “Just For Fun” feature where the
reader is shown parts of some of the vehicles in the book and asked to match the pictures
to statements about the vehicles. The statements and answers appear at the bottom of the
page. The author includes additional information about some other types of vehicles on a
separate page in the back of the book. A glossary, index, and bibliography of additional
resources are also included as well as a list of other books in the “Whose Is This?” Series.
This book is appropriate for pre-kindergarten through kindergarten age students (2-6).
The illustrations are interesting, the information is useful, and the subject is of interest to
children of that age. I would recommend using this book in conjunction with discussions
about community helpers or transportation. Children will also enjoy the guessing aspect
of the story and the facts they will learn about many familiar vehicles.
Highly Recommended.
Possible SOL uses:
English K.5 The student will understand how print is organized and read.
a) Hold print materials in the correct position.
b) Identify the front cover, back cover, and title page of a book.
c) Follow words from left to right and from top to bottom on a printed page.
d) Match voice with print: syllables, words, and phrases.
English K.8 The student will demonstrate comprehension of fiction and nonfiction.
a) Use pictures to make predictions about content.
b) Retell familiar stories, using beginning, middle, and end.
c) Discuss characters, setting, and events.
d) Use story language in discussions and retellings.
e) Identify what an author does and what an illustrator does.
f) Identify the topics of nonfiction selections.
Social Studies K.6
The student will match simple descriptions of work that people do
with the names of those jobs.
Reviewed by Amy Lee
Teacher
June, 2008