Lucky's 24 Hour Garage

Lucky's 24 Hour Garage
Hyperion Books for Children

On our last trip to the library, our youngest brought home Lucky's 24 hour Garage, by Daniel Kirk.  OK, I admit it.  I would never have picked up this book without a little prodding.   It appeared interesting enough and has a great retro style, but I'm a fairy tale kinda gal.  Yikes!  I have never been more wrong about a book.  I love every inch of Lucky's 24 Hour Garage, from the cherry red gas pumps to Angelo's navy blue hat.

Art courtesy Daniel Kirk from Lucky's 24 Hour Garage

   Many of you may be familiar with Daniel Kirk.  His picture book illustrations for Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo and My Truck is Stuck!, both by Kevin Lewis, brought him national acclaim.  But back in 1996, Mr. Kirk authored and illustrated this little beauty.  His meticulous research shows in the lavishly painted spreads which seem to have a warm incandescent glow.  The reader is introduced to an increasingly interesting cast of characters even as he (or she!) is immersed in urban America, 1939.  The author manages to exude nostalgia without getting one bit sappy.  And the lilting text on the final page leaves me with a satisfied sigh.

In an industry that is begging for better "boys" books, this gem is sure to fit the bill.  But don't overlook its charm for all ages and genders.

So my apologies to Daniel Kirk.  I should have known better.

Daniel Kirk also made an appearance at the Lititz Kid-Lit Festival last weekend, hosted by Aaron's Books.  Check out this report from Erik at ThisKidReviewsBooks.