Boyce, Frank. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again. Candlewick, 2012. 224 pages. ISBN:
Genre/Subject: Fantasy/Adventure
Plot: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the magical car that could fly. In this sequel to the book, Chitty is present, but different parts of the car have been thrown all over the world and laid unnoticed for many years. This hints the idea that Chitty might never fly again, but the story takes a turn. Mr. Tooting has a family, and when he announces that he lost his job they are surprised. Instead of looking for another job, Mr. Tooting decided to go on a great adventure for the entire family. His family includes his wife and three children: little Harry (baby), Jem, and Lucy. Jem is very good at mechanics, and Lucy is a Goth, who loves to wear black and finds everyone dull. Mr. Tootings wide is worried about his job and the far. However, Mr. Tooting, surprises everyone when he decides to fix his car himself. One day, Mum returns home to find a pile of rust: “Standing in the read, a dirty blue-and-cream camper van with rusty bumpers and one window missing” Mr. Tooting is excited about the van and we works with Jem who is able to download manual instructions from Google. Parts are left everywhere and Jem learns how to take anything apart and put it back together, with his father. Jem keeps a diary and works alongside his father to restore the old van so they can take their dram trip. When they finally finish, they take a trip and first an accident happens. Mr. Tooting misses a turn and crashes into some trees. They end up in a junkyard of Bucklewing’s Scrap and Salvage. Fate leads Jem and Me. Tooting to a big engine to replace the wrecked one. This is where Chitty Chitty comes to life. The engine they found is the soul of the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. With the engine assigned to the old van the family heads for Paris. But, Chity Chitty has ulterior motives, and the family has no idea the special path that Chitty Chitty will take them on to get all of its body parts back together, as well as a bad guy who is waiting to steal the car.
Review: This is an adventure story that takes an old story and revamps it into modern times. There is mention of using technology, such as the internet, which will be engaging for readers who are digital natives. The story has suspense, because Chitty Chitty must travel to all locations to put all parts back together as the family finds all the pieces that are strewn across the world. The book has illustrations and biracial family dynamic. A great family adventure.
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