About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is fascinated by how things work or is navigating the frustration of a mechanical mishap. It provides a comforting, nostalgic space for children who enjoy technical details but also need to see that problems can be solved through patience and community help. The story follows Mr. Josiah Oldcastle and his beloved vintage car, Gumdrop, as they encounter a heavy-duty steamroller and a bit of road trouble. While the plot centers on a minor accident, the true heart of the book lies in its celebration of history and engineering. Val Biro's detailed illustrations invite close inspection, making it a perfect choice for kids who love to identify parts of a machine. It is a gentle, vintage-style adventure that encourages curiosity about the past and resilience when things don't go exactly as planned. Ideally suited for preschoolers and early elementary students who find joy in the 'clatter and hiss' of old-fashioned machinery.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is entirely secular and safe. The 'peril' is strictly mechanical and financial (the risk of damage to a beloved car). There are no heavy emotional themes like death or identity; the resolution is hopeful and practical.
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