I think it’s fair to say that any parent of small boys – and probably quite a few small girls too, let’s not be gendered here – will have read a lot of books about vehicles of one kind or another. However thrilling they may be to said small children, it’s probably also fair to assume that said parents will get a little tired of reading stuff like “with powerful engines, tractors have four- or even eight-wheel drive…” (Picture Pops: Machines, Priddy Books, 2005).
The solution? The Amazing Machines series by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Ant Parker and published by Kingfisher.
Yes, they’re information books about vehicles. But they rhyme, which makes them much more fun to read out, and they have bright illustrations. OK so sometimes the rhyme is a little forced, but they give you all the same detail without the tedium. There’s even a pictorial dictionary page at the back to explain the equipment and terminology involved. We have Flashing Fire Engines and Terrific Trains at home but the others we’ve read at school and nursery have been just as good. You can even get a boxed set shaped like a truck. How cool is that?
a discount ticket to everywhere 
I’m so glad I spotted your post via the mumsnet bloggers forum, as both my boys would enjoy these books! And it’s the youngest’s birthday soon so perfect timing!
Glad to help. 🙂