Motor Miles
by John Burningham
“Motor Miles” by John Burningham. Published by Penguin. A beautiful picture book about an unconventional dog who finds peace in driving a car!
Miles was a difficult dog. Unlike other dogs he was not fond of taking walks, rain or his food. He did not like meeting other dogs either. He lived with Alice Trudge and her son Norman. They were very fond of Miles despite him being a difficult dog to manage. They tried to cheer him up to no avail. The only thing that seemed to make him happy was going out in the car to the cafe atop the hill with them. But they couldn’t do that every day just to please him.
When things were not looking great for the family, an unusual thing happened. Their neighbour Mr Huddy suggested that Miles needed his own car! Whoever had thought or heard of a dog driving his own car!? Alice didn’t know how she could get a car for Miles. Mr. Huddy offered to make one! Would this be a turning point in their lives? Would Mr.Huddy live up to his word? Would his solution work? Would Miles be able to drive a car? Would he like it after all? Would that make him more cheerful than before? Would he still be difficult to manage? Read the amazing book to find out about the delightful adventures of Miles and Norman.
My eight year old has loved this book from the time he was four. He has loved cars almost forever and I found this book interesting while browsing online :) And the book ended up becoming one of his favourites. The book is a treat for all little ones who love cars or dogs or both. The illustrations are charming. The message to give freedom where it is needed and fill one’s life with happiness by doing what they enjoy comes out so well in the story. I recently figured out that the book has a sequel called “Air Miles” which happened to be the last book that the author was working on when he passed away unfortunately two years ago. It was completed by his wife Helen Oxbury who is also a well-known author and illustrator.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 4 and above.
Reasons to Read
A must read which is a delightful treat for anyone who loves dogs, cars or both.
For the beautiful message delivered by the unconventional story to let your loved ones free to do what they love and experience their joy.