In Speedy Phoebe and the Big Misfire by Ryanne Siddiq, a set of carlettes named Phoebe and McKayla, along with their pal Leo, zip through their imaginative world at Carson Elementary. The girls love to race and have fun during recess, but things take a turn when Leo is weighed down by feelings he can’t quite explain, all due to something that happened on the playground. The story follows Leo as he struggles with his emotions and tries to figure out how to make things right for his buddies and for himself. With warmth and gentle humor, Leo works through his worries and begins to understand the value of community and teamwork. In the end, one question remains: Will Leo be able to forgive himself and resolve the problems he’s had with his friends?

I really enjoyed Speedy Phoebe and the Big Misfire and found myself smiling at the way Ryanne Siddiq writes about friendship and emotions. The dialogue feels natural, like when “I was super sad you got hurt.” I’m sure kids will love the fun twist that the characters are cars instead of people. As an educator, I see lots of opportunities to use this book in a classroom setting, whether you’re talking about feelings, problem-solving, or what it means to be a good friend. Students can discuss a time when something went wrong and how to fix it. I also think it could be extended by having students design their own car or carlette. Diego Santos’s illustrations add so much energy and heart to this tale; the bright colors and expressions really help bring all the characters to life. This story is a joyful pick for group read-alouds or social-emotional lessons.

Speedy Phoebe and the Big Misfire is a children’s picture book written by Ryanne Siddiq, with illustrations by Diego Santos. The story follows Carlettes Phoebe and McKayla as they support their friend Leo, who is feeling sad and angry after losing control of his ball and witnessing a friend getting hurt. During recess, Leo realizes that he is not feeling well about the incident and that his emotions are having an impact on him. His tires are deflating, and his engine is not running smoothly as it keeps misfiring. After a conversation with his teacher, he begins to understand his feelings better. Determined to create a safer racing environment, Leo decides to implement safeguards and put up signs on the road. He also has an important conversation with Phoebe, who helps him grasp that accidents happen and that he should not feel guilty about his mistakes.

Speedy Phoebe and the Big Misfire is a heartfelt story about friendship, forgiveness, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. Leo's efforts to establish safety measures and make amends help him regain his confidence and get back into his racing groove. Ryanne Siddiq’s storytelling is engaging, filled with clever wordplay and a cast of relatable characters. Children will enjoy the narrative, as it encourages them to discuss their feelings and take proactive steps in managing them. The vibrant illustrations bring the characters and their environment to life, as well as a helpful glossary with terms related to racing and cars, and a specification list for the vehicles mentioned. This addition to The Carson Elementary Series highlights the importance of kindness and empathy, as Leo decides to help others, prompting others to step in and assist him as well. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children. It teaches valuable lessons about expressing emotions while reminding them that they have a supportive and caring team always there for them.