The first in a series of books explaining the history of modern technologies (upcoming titles will include computers and planes), introduced and explained by a helpful (if somewhat arrogant) dog called Professor Wooford McPaw.

In this title, Professor McPaw explores the history of the car, starting with the steam engine in the early 1800s, the advent of the combustion engine in 1872, the popularisation of the car by Henry Ford in the early 1900s, the evolution of motor racing, luxury cars of the 1950s, the Japanese innovations of the 1970s, and finally the new technologies of electric and self-driving cars today.

The book is engagingly illustrated by Elliot Kruszynski, whose bright, clean, Scarry-esque style appeals to children across a broad age range. The Professor and his sidekick (in this case a car, but changing with each book), discuss the intricacies of each historical moment, lending a humorous, personal touch. Comic strip interludes capture key moments, like the first cross-country road trip by the wife of Karl Benz, inventor of the petrol motorcar; or the invention of Ford’s assembly line.

Striking a refreshing balance between authoritative, clearly conveyed information, and witty, bright commentary, Professor Peyton McPaw will be a captivating tour-guide through the fascinating developments of the modern world.