08/12/2022
PreS-Gr 2—The opening pages begin with a fun introduction to Punchy Motorsports and its team of colorful race cars. The team itself features leader Coach Hog, veteran racer Jimmy Jam, stylish Click, and newcomer and title character Buster. Each car is accompanied by short background on the characters. Earnhardt's story then begins with an uneasy Buster, who frequently feels anxious—be it about racing or making friends—and finds himself constantly worrying about "messing up" and letting down the team. Jimmy Jam offers wise advice, stating that "our mistakes help shape us" and that it is okay to have setbacks as long as you keep trying. Following the pep talk and some additional support from Click, Buster prepares for the big race against the rival team, but on the day of the race, nothing goes Buster's way as he quickly finds himself crashing into the wall. Jimmy Jam gets caught in his own crash, and Click finds herself with only three working tires. It is up to Buster to get one of the cars from Punchy Motorsports across the finish line first. This picture book is perfect for any lover of race cars, as colorful as it is entertaining in Smietanka's charming illustrations; these look as though they were drawn carefully with bright crayons, a detail that will surely catch young readers' eyes. The language is fun, with some subtle wordplay thrown in. VERDICT A fine read-aloud for elementary school settings, with a lot of race track action and bonus SEL lessons in perseverance, helping others, and working through anxiety.—Kerra Mazzariello
