Gather around the track to watch the town’s contestants compete to become this year’s champion. Frankie Thunderfoot comes from a family of confident trophy winners, while Wilbur Hardshell’s race team are slow, steady and mathematical in their approach. When Frankie’s need for speed causes her to crash, Wilbur must decide whether he should forfeit his position to help her or secure first place for himself. Learn all about how race cars are built and how they work, from acceleration to g-force and quick-fire pit stops.
"This exciting story about Stemville’s annual Formula 1 Big Race is sure to appeal to a wide audience. The text offers all kinds of technical information about race cars (design, tires, brakes, steering wheels, safety measures) and accessible explanations of the scientific and engineering aspects (CAD, G-force, acceleration, drag, horsepower). The major draw, however, is the bright, busy illustrations of Stemville’s animal citizens engaged in all kinds of race-related tasks, from setting up the race circuit to test-driving the cars to staffing the pit crews. This offering checks all the boxes: lots of action, amazing art, engaging characters, and positive messages about determination, preparedness, and sportsmanship, effortlessly wrapped around multiple STEM concepts. This visual gem is sure to be a kid magnet." — Booklist Starred Review.
Featured in Publisher's Weekly, Spring Children's Previews 2025
Featured in CBC's Hot Off The Press Reading List, March 2025
Featured in CBC's Spring 2025 Showcase: Things That Go! Reading List
"I love how kids can follow along with the race while gaining STEM knowledge on a topic that’s not usually covered in school. [...] An engrossing lap read for car-oriented youngsters; a good book to browse for early grade readers." — Stephanie Tournas, Youth Services Book Review
Ben Newman has produced work for a large range of clients, including the Tate Modern, New York Times, BBC Radio 4, Apple, Google and The New Yorker. Ben co-created the Professor Astro Cat children's books with his long time friend and scientist, Dr Dominic Walliman, which are published by Flying Eye Books and have been translated into 24 other languages.
Gather around the track to watch the town’s contestants compete to become this year’s champion. Frankie Thunderfoot comes from a family of confident trophy winners, while Wilbur Hardshell’s race team are slow, steady and mathematical in their approach. When Frankie’s need for speed causes her to crash, Wilbur must decide whether he should forfeit his position to help her or secure first place for himself. Learn all about how race cars are built and how they work, from acceleration to g-force and quick-fire pit stops.
Praise
"This exciting story about Stemville’s annual Formula 1 Big Race is sure to appeal to a wide audience. The text offers all kinds of technical information about race cars (design, tires, brakes, steering wheels, safety measures) and accessible explanations of the scientific and engineering aspects (CAD, G-force, acceleration, drag, horsepower). The major draw, however, is the bright, busy illustrations of Stemville’s animal citizens engaged in all kinds of race-related tasks, from setting up the race circuit to test-driving the cars to staffing the pit crews. This offering checks all the boxes: lots of action, amazing art, engaging characters, and positive messages about determination, preparedness, and sportsmanship, effortlessly wrapped around multiple STEM concepts. This visual gem is sure to be a kid magnet." — Booklist Starred Review.
Featured in Publisher's Weekly, Spring Children's Previews 2025
Featured in CBC's Hot Off The Press Reading List, March 2025
Featured in CBC's Spring 2025 Showcase: Things That Go! Reading List
"I love how kids can follow along with the race while gaining STEM knowledge on a topic that’s not usually covered in school. [...] An engrossing lap read for car-oriented youngsters; a good book to browse for early grade readers." — Stephanie Tournas, Youth Services Book Review
Author
Ben Newman has produced work for a large range of clients, including the Tate Modern, New York Times, BBC Radio 4, Apple, Google and The New Yorker. Ben co-created the Professor Astro Cat children's books with his long time friend and scientist, Dr Dominic Walliman, which are published by Flying Eye Books and have been translated into 24 other languages.
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