Radio Flyer/My Wagon Will Take Me Anywhere

by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

"More than just a toy, a little red wagon is a vehicle for a child's imagination. In this picture book, a trusty wagon transforms a quiet family outing into a series of adventures: a jungle safari, a desert trek, an Arctic expedition, and more! Throughout the story, brilliantly colored scenes alternate between the reality of a family stroll and fabulous daydreams that send the wagon and our adventurous toddler on thrilling journeys. Whether zooming...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525467211
• ISBN13: 9780525467212
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 10.3" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A surprisingly decent bit of puffery

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.