Digby O'Day in the Fast Lane [Hardcover]

Hang on to the wheel for the first of three adventures from a dynamic mother-daughter pair: beloved author Shirley Hughes and talented illustrator Clara Vulliamy.

Digby O’Day and Percy are best friends. This daring canine duo can find adventure anywhere — even entering an All-Day Race! Digby is sure he can win, especially with Percy as his co-driver. But when the race starts and Digby and Percy are quickly left in the dust, it seems like they don’t stand a chance. They meet peril after peril: a car that breaks down (and slides back to the edge of a cliff!), a near miss with an oncoming train, and worst of all, Digby’s archenemy, Lou Ella, who is also in the race and will stop at nothing to win. In a day full of twists, turns, thrills, and surprises, anything can happen. Who will come out ahead? And will Lou Ella get her comeuppance?An amusing adventure through the countryside, ending with a lovely pot of tea. … Charming.
—The New York Times Book Review

Broken into six short chapters with charming illustrations and only a few sentences per page, this book is perfect for beginning readers starting to move beyond the picture book. Duos such as Elephant and Piggie and Frog and Toad come to mind as Hughes’ hounds embark upon their tortoise-and-hare-style adventure. Sweet and simple, the illustrations and story will amuse young readers as Digby and Percy drive through town meeting other residents in their race for the finish line. A section of “fun extras” follows the story, complete with car games, activities, and a reading challenge. The first of three planned adventures, this is a delightful addition to early chapter books.
—Booklist

An appealing early chapter book series with retro flair. ... With its beautiful duotone art, rigorously moral universe and just the right amount of thrills, this gentle series harkens back to an earlier time in children's books. Kids who love detlƒ,