Digby O'Day in the Fast Lane - Tapa dura

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 detail will pore over the illustrations... The generous art-to-word ratio will give newly independent readers a sense of accomplishment at reading the book themselves, and the broad appeal of the characters and story will make it great for family read-alouds. This is an old-fashioned story with oodles of charm, style and panache that feels like an instant classic.
--Shelf Awareness

Mother-daughter, author-illustrator team Hughes and Vulliamy collaborate for a low-key tale with an old-fashioned feel, decidedly British flavor and cheerful illustrations. ... Red-and-pink-tinged illustrations, created with pencil, ink and digital collage, appear on every page, breaking up the text, adding humor and clearly depicting the events as described in the straightforward text. A simple map allows readers to follow the racers along their routes.
--Kirkus Reviews

"Interviews" with the characters, author, and illustrator; maps; a quiz; and suggestions for car games and an artistic activity round out this beginning chapter book. The cheerful text is accessible to young readers and the numerous monochromatic illustrations provide both visual support and textual respite. Kids who like both cars and dogs will especially enjoy taking a ride with Digby and Percy.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

This early chapter book is light and entertaining yet still exciting. ... Cartoon drawings appear on every page and add to the fun. The result is a story that's delightful and original.
--School Library Journal

The book's small trim size and ample illustrations slot it neatly between picture and chapter book. Vulliamy's vignettes adorn every page, and extra features, like a Q&A with Digby and a page from his photo album, abound.
--Publishers Weekly

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?