My Side of the Car

Wishful thinking and a wonderful daughter-and-dad rapport drive this charming collaboration between Kate Feiffer and her father, Jules Feiffer.

Sadie has wanted to go the zoo forever, but something always gets in the way. Not today! Today they are finally on their way, and nothing can stop them — not a broken arm or a lost dog or a surprise visit. Not even her dad’s observation: "Sadie, it’s raining." Because when Sadie looks out her window, not only is it not raining on her side of the car, the sun is shining and people are watering their lawns and wearing sunglasses. Even when the road on Dad’s side starts looking more like a river, Sadie can barely see a raindrop fall on her side of the car. This warmhearted tale of a child’s optimism and a father’s loving patience is guaranteed to tickle the funny bone, no matter the weather.

Kate Feiffer is the author of several children’s books, including Double Pink, illustrated by Bruce Ingman; President Pennybaker and My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life, both illustrated by Diane Goode; The Problem with Puddles, illustrated by Tricia Tusa; and Henry the Dog with No Tail, illustrated by her dad, Jules Feiffer. She lives on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Jules Feiffer has won a Pulitzer Prize, an Obie Award, and an Oscar. His cartoons have appeared in The Village Voice, The New Yorker, the New York Times, Esquire, Playboy, and The Nation. He illustrated The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster and is the author-illustrator of several award-winning picture books. Jules Feiffer lives in New York City.