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- Verified Buyer
First, recognize this book for what it is. Although you might not expect it after seeing "Radio Flyer" splashed across the front, or the trademark Radio Flyer Wagon on every page, or the end papers in the distinctive Radio Flyer red (also trademarked, I believe)...it's a Radio Flyer book. It is pushing a product. If you find the idea of a children's book with an ulterior motive troubling, stay away. On the other hand, if you view it more as a child's version of an owner's manual, you will appreciate it.I purchased a Radio Flyer wagon (Model 18, THE classic) for my little one just before she turned two. I also bought a couple Radio Flyer books, so that she would be able to tie her daily experiences in with her books. From the first read, she liked seeing "her" wagon when I read to her, and has enjoyed this book for over 2 years, although it has slipped down the playlist lately.This is a simple little story based on the wagon ride of a boy, his dog, and his parents, with teddy bear riding shotgun. The parent are straight out of an LL Bean catalog, and live in a vintage Victorian home. Hmmmm, that rather stereotypes Radio Flyer purchasers I thought...as I looked around my 1900 Victorian home and glanced over at my LL Bean parka.During the ride, the actual events are depicted on the left page along with the text, and the boy's application of fantasy on the right. For example, the wagon splashes through a puddle, and the boy imagines he is on a pirate ship (with dog and teddy as extras). A stretch of flowers along the sidewalk becomes a jungle scene. There is no real plot beyond the ride, and it's apparently somnolent qualities by the end.The illustrations are quite good, in a somewhat bland way. The style of illustration is as seen on the cover art. The Wagon is as central in the text and illustrations as the child, but the title doesn't leave much room to doubt that is the case.If your child has a Radio Flyer Wagon, even though the All-American toy is now made in China, they will probably enjoy this book. It isn't Shakespear, or Margret Wise Brown for that matter. But it does emphasize imagination in play and through the central use of The Wagon, encourages little Wagoners to identify with the boy and his wagon. I would pass if your child doesn't have a Radio Flyer wagon, or isn't in the market for one.My kids love this book about a boy using his imagination in his radio flyer wagon. Text and illustrations are superb! Highly recommend.This book is a perfect compliment to gifting a wagon. The story is beautifully illustrated. Telling adorable tales of a boy, his dog and his wagon and where his imagination takes them all. Highly recommend!Grandkids loved the book. A little boy's imagination turns his red wagon into many different vehicles. The artwork is full of things to discuss.This book perfectly captures the imagination of a child, turning his favorite Red Flyer wagon into all kinds of adventures. What is especially nice is the parents are also featured on each page. This is a good book for kids and adults.This book is published by Dutton Children's Books. Radio Flyer red wagons have a special place in my heart as they bring back so many wonderful memories. This book perfectly explains and visualizes the adventures I myself experienced as a child. A young boy goes on adventures in his wagon. Each left page shows the real scene and the right page shows the boys imagination. It is a wonderful story that helps children to develop their imaginations and imaginative play. As I read this book I found myself smiling as I remembered adventures my sister and I went on with our dad.The illustrations remind me of images found in some early Little Golden Books. They have an antique feel even though the book was published in 2002. I would recommend this book for preschoolers and up. It has a great read aloud factor and has many different scenes for little ones to enjoy.ahgooreview.com
