Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Hughes-s collaboration with her illustrator daughter, first in a three-book

Horn Book (Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)

Digby the dog and his friend (and co-driver) Percy enter the All-Day Race from Didsworth to Dodsworth. Can they defeat nasty neighbor Lou Ella and cross the finish line first? This very early chapter book is illustrated profusely with line art washed with pinks and reds; the story is warm and nicely predictable, with just enough adventure for the intended audience.

School Library Journal Starred Review (Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

K-Gr 2 This early chapter book is light and entertaining yet still exciting. Digby O'Day and Percy are always having adventures in Digby's car. The book opens with an "interview" with Digby in which he and the other characters are introduced. It also includes a map so children can follow the episodes. First, the canine pals almost fall off a cliff and are saved by passing motorists. They enter a car race and get lost yet persevere. Their annoying neighbor and careless driver, Lou Ella, is so confident of her lead that she stops to eat lunch at diner and, in true "Tortoise and Hare" fashion, loses the race. The book features short sentences and lots of white space. Cartoon drawings appear on every page and add to the fun. The result is a story that's delightful and original. Ellie Lease, Harford County Public Library, MD

ALA Booklist (Tue Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

Digby the dog loves to take drives with his best friend Percy. When the two enter the Didsworth auto race, they encounter several obstacles along the way, including Digby's ruthlessly competitive neighbor, Lou Ella. Broken into six short chapters with charming illustrations and only a few sentences per page, this book is perfect for beginning readers starting to move beyond the picture book. Duos such as Elephant and Piggie and Frog and Toad come to mind as Hughes' hounds embark upon their tortoise-and-hare-style adventure. Sweet and simple, the illustrations and story will amuse young readers as Digby and Percy drive through town meeting other residents in their race for the finish line. A section of "fun extras" follows the story, complete with car games, activities, and a reading challenge. The first of three planned adventures, this is a delightful addition to early chapter books.