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John Burningham is one of the most prestigious and well-loved illustrators working in the children's book field today. Trained at the Central School of Art, his first picture book, Borka was published in 1963. He has won the Kate Greenaway Award twice for Borka and Mr Gumpy's Outing, and has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning 50 years.
Picture books for children are a bit like crash test dummies; they are put through it night after night. I often wonder whether a fresh offering will endure the daily battering of over-familiarity. However delightful they appear, they rarely do. John Burningham, whose masterpieces Borka and Mr Gumpy's Outing won him the Kate Greenaway medal in 1963 and 1970 respectively, is one of the handful of authors for the very young whose work bears infinite readings. I never weary of his beautiful illustrations, carefully honed words and unusual tales that take you on an interesting journey but make sure you're home for tea. He has done cars before; Mr Gumpy had one, but not a red convertible driven by a dog called Miles. In this new story Milesis given a home by the wonderfully named Alice Trudge, who has a son called Normain. He is a difficult dog. He doesn't like walks, food, rain, other dogs and he barks excessively. Yet he still has the heart of his family, who make Miles happy by taking him out in the car. However, like many of us, Alice imagines there is more to her life than being a designated driver to her pooch - and a neighbour, Mr Huddy, suggests that she get Miles his own vehicle, then offers to make it. Mr Huddy's workshop is magnificently detailed and before long the DIY Testarossa is ready and Miles has driving lessons. So when Alice is sick, it's obvious who must take Norman to school (surely every child's fantasty, being dropped off by your own dog-driver) and take him on weekend jaunts. One day they went to the seaside very early in the morning. It's the only line on that spread, but the illustration of the sea at sunset, the puffing ship on the horizon and the car purring along the beach is breathtaking. Although, with Norman growing too big for his passenger seat, will their fun last? Burningham's messages - fill your life, use your freedom, develop expertise and know when to let your charges fly - are delivered with the lightest touch. Even if your name is not Gumpy, this book is worth making an outing for. -- Alex O'Connell Saturday Times Review
