Let's Go for a Ride

Linda Ludke is a children’s librarian at the London Public Library.

The illustrious history of the automobile in Canada is explored in this
loving tribute. Starting with the early days when cars “shared the
unpaved roads with horses and wagons,” the informal, accessible text
notes the growth of gas stations, roadside refreshment stands, and new
forms of entertainment such as camping and demolition derbies.

Newhouse’s folk-art oil paintings wonderfully capture period details,
from the 1800s stage coach driver to the 1940s gas station attendants
“in snappy uniforms.” Young car enthusiasts will enjoy searching the
pages for their favourite vintage models. The retrospective travelogue
closes with images of hotrods and carhops from the “glory days” of
the 1950s. The words “The End” cleverly appear on the drive-in movie
screen in front of a rainbow assortment of parked cars.

The last page includes a brief reflection on the environment:
“[I]t’s alarming how much smoke [cars] can belch out, but we love
them all the same.” Recommended.