Four on the Run; Sophie Masson, illustrated by Cheryl Orsini

Desperate times call for desperate measures and these four plucky and spirited wheeled friends are determined to do whatever needs to be done.

Good friends Maxie, Lady, Flash and Fergie live a quiet and simple life in the shed on Mrs. Brown’s farm. When the farm begins struggling financially, Mrs. Brown needs some quick cash and the friends learn that she is going to sell them. Desperate to avoid the scrapyard, the four friends head out on a mission to not only save themselves but to perhaps save the farm…

Sophie Masson’s funny, charming and original adventure story about four friends who just happen to have wheels is a great early chapter book. Like all friends, the stars of this book love having fun, helping each other out and don’t mind getting up to mischief. When their escape plan takes them to the noisy, busy and scary city in search of a safe place to live, they soon find a bigger adventure than they were after and trouble is at every turn.

Whilst the city is better than the scrapyard it does provide its own challenges and the quartet get caught up in close scrapes as they cause traffic jams, get chased by aggressive dogs, deal with bossy lorries, try not to get arrested and avoid getting crushed at the monster truck show. All of these incidents provide plenty of light-hearted moments and the personalities of each of the vehicles comes out through their individual actions and conversations.

The story races through its seven chapters and features black and white illustrations from Cheryl Orsini. With lots of excitement, a little bit of peril and bags of friendship and heart, Four on the Run will be a hit with vehicle loving children.

With huge thanks to Christmas Press for this ‘wheelie’ fun story!

Recommended for 5+.