For Kids: Buster and The Race Car Graveyard by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Illustrated by Ela Smietanka | A Halloween Story About Facing Fears
* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.
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BRAVERY · KIDS · Picture Book
Buster and the Race Car Graveyard
Written by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Illustrated by Ela Smietanka
Published by Tommy Nelson.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Buster and his team visit a spooky car graveyard! From NASCAR legend and New York Times bestselling author Dale Earnhardt Jr. comes Buster and the Race Car Graveyard, the fourth book in the popular Buster the Race Car series.
When the Punchy Motorsports team goes on a hair-raising ride through a graveyard, Jimmy Jam's sheen begins to pale. He looks like he's seen a ghost--and maybe he has! Buster wants to encourage Jimmy Jam to keep going, and Jimmy Jam wants to turn taillights and run. But when Scuff is in trouble, will Jimmy Jam face the haunting boos in the dark woods to help a not-so-friendly friend?
This picture book
is for ages 4 to 8;
teaches kids that bravery isn't the absence of fears but the willingness to face them; and
is a great read for Halloween, camping trips, or the fall season.
My Thoughts:
My second grader adores Buster and the Race Car Graveyard! It’s one of her favorite read-alouds! The mix of racing fun, entertaining characters and vibrant, colorful illustrations keeps her hooked and she’s confident reading the story on her own.
From a parent’s perspective, the story has a faint moral about facing fears, though it leans more on Halloween culture and has no faith-based themes or value. The teasing Jimmy Jam’s received made me pause, but I appreciated the perseverance and teamwork highlighted in the end with an emphasis on facing your fears and helping others along the way.
Overall, an engaging, lighthearted story that racing fans (especially young readers) will enjoy.
