I like road trips. Most dogs I know do. I’ve never been on a really long road trip. My longest trip was to the beach on the Gulf Coast of Texas. That drive took FOREVER! The Mom Person says it was really only 5 hours. I don’t know “only 5 hrs.” Trust me, it was FOREVER. But I forgot all about that when we hit that beach!!
I’ve got a book here about a road trip. And this one was a ROAD TRIP! As in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS ROAD TRIP!
Jackson and Bud’s Bumpy Ride, America’s First Cross-Country Automobile Trip.
Written by Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff
Illustrated by Wes Hargis
Published by Millbrook Press in 2009.
This is a fictional story of a true event — The first automobile trip across the United States.
Theme: Historical automobile travel
Suitable for 2nd grade and up
May 19, 1903 – The University Club, San Francisco, California
“I bet fifty dollars no one can ride in a horseless buggy across America.” says a man.
Horatio Jackson sits up straight. Of course it can be done, he thinks. Those new automobiles can do anything.
And Mr. Jackson sets out to do just that! He hires a mechanic named Crocker, and buys a used 1903 Winton automobile. On May 23, the two men set out from San Francisco on their quest to reach the other side of the United States. It turns out to be quite an adventure, with car troubles, weather disasters, and roads not meant for car travel. But they meet some nice, helpful folks along the way. At one point they encounter a man on the side of the road selling a bulldog. They buy the pup and name him Bud. Bud gets to ride up front and wear some cool goggles.
On July 26, after sixty-three days, twelve hours, and thirty minutes they drive into New York City at 4:30 in the morning. They had made history and won that fifty dollar bet!
There is an afterword at the end of the book with real photos from the adventure and more facts. There is also a bibliography and resources for more information.
This is a most excellent book! The only thing that bothered me some, was the fact that the mechanic, Crocker, didn’t get mentioned in the title of the book! The story itself is an incredible one. I now dream about being Bud out on the road. The illustrations are great. Mr Hargis has added a touch of whimsy to this otherwise frightening endeavor. I will be looking for more of his work.
You can visit both Ms Pentacoff and Mr Hargis at their websites by clicking on their names above.
PBS made a film about this cross country adventure. You can find out more about it HERE. It can be found on Netflix. Or on Amazon Prime
For a list of Perfect Picture Books and resources to go along with, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog. You’ll be glad you did!
And here’s a little taste of that PBS film by Ken Burns
I wish you safe driving, wherever the road may take you!
Your friend at the library
Rhythm
Reading With Rhythm 
Glad to hear you like road trips. I think our pups do too but sometimes it’s hard to tell.
Most of my buddies love car rides, but I do know a few who get very car sick. A sad thing indeed.
Lovely and very interesteing post as always, dear Rhythm, we enjoyed it very much. Well, I must say, we just love your outfit for the road!! š
Hugs and kisses
Dina xx oo
Thanks so very much Ms Dina!! I hope you and the faeries are staying warm!
It’s too warm for winter! š
cool book! Now I have to go find it so I can read it too! I imagine they drove on a lot of cow paths…
I think maybe a lot of cow paths and deer trails through the mountains.
Great book! Love your goggles andchat, Rhythm!
Thanks very much Ms Johnson! Got me in the spirit for this great adventure.
Charming review and such an interesting and entertaining tale!
Thanks Ms Kogan. Yes, it is quite a thrilling tale! I would like such an adventure.
We’ve never had a dog who would wear anything! But a dog makes any story better so I’m glad this dog did!
Bud has become my new hero. I like to get into the right mood for a good story. And good treats make everything even better!
Wow, love this book — 26 days to cross America on a lot of dirt roads. No Route 66. Did they take the southern route? They must have followed some wagon trail paths. And, there must have been obstacles where there were no bridges. I want to read this book. Great video.
They actually went north and through the mountains. It seems that there were a LOT of obstacles along the way! Quite an adventure!
Very nice goggles! To a small island European that is one epic journey to undertake even if it lasted double the time this one did.
Thanks Mr J. Epic indeed. These days I believe the trip could be made in just a few days. i would like the challenge!
I love trips, any sort of road trips. This looks marvelous, Rhythm. I would like to try a car like that.
PS love the goggles.
You would need some goggles yourself if you road in a car like this one!
Most excellent choice! Going on my list!
Good job! I think you’ll like it!
Once again, you have surpassed yourself in costumery. Sounds like an adventurous book, although I shudder to think how many beetles and flies they would have ingested – windscreens were certainly an inspired invention!
Thanks Bruce! It helps to get in the mood for adventure. From the illustration, Bud was loving those bugs!! I don’t know that I would so much.
Well, you’ve got the goggles, so you’re good-to-go.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Yes indeed Ms Cupcake!!
I love road trips!! My mom and I used to take them every summer. What a fun book. And best of all, it’s based on a true story. Rhythm, I adore your motoring outfit!!
Thanks Ms Del Boccio! Aren’t road trips great!! Much better than flying on airplanes!
Rhythm, this book sounds AMAZING. When I was 12 we drove from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Los Angeles. It took us 7 days. We drove with our German Shepherd and 2 cats in the back of the station wagon. When I was 15 we came back, but we didn’t have a station wagon. The German Shepherd sat on the seat next to me, and alternately drooled or panted in my face. (I know you would never think of doing that!) The cat road in the back window. I definitely will look for this book!
Well, that sounds like a couple of excellent road trips! I have covered our car windows with my drool artwork. I think your cat might have had the best seat of all.
This sounds like an awesome book! š I like historical fiction. š
You’ll like this one Erik! And I think you would like the PBS documentary about the trip as well.