Now I Can Read 15 Drive Along Tales - Maureen Spurgeon

The Now I Can Read: 15 Drive Along Tales by Maureen Spurgeon is a wonderfully nostalgic early‑learning anthology, bringing together fifteen charming, vehicle‑themed stories designed to support emerging readers with confidence, rhythm and delight. First published in the mid‑1980s, this collection reflects the warm, reassuring tone of classic British reading‑scheme books, blending simple vocabulary with engaging illustrations and gentle humour.

Each tale centres around a different mode of transport — cars, lorries, buses, tractors, diggers and more — giving children a lively variety of characters and scenarios to enjoy. Spurgeon’s writing is clear, friendly and perfectly pitched for young learners, while the accompanying illustrations (typical of the era’s soft, expressive style) help reinforce meaning and encourage independent reading.

Key qualities often include:

Fifteen short, accessible stories ideal for early readers

Transport‑themed adventures that spark imagination and curiosity

Simple, confidence‑building vocabulary for children taking their first steps into reading

Bright, era‑specific illustrations that support comprehension

A sturdy, child‑friendly format suited to repeated reading

Warm, engaging and delightfully retro, Now I Can Read: 15 Drive Along Tales remains a charming example of 1980s early‑reader publishing — a collection that helps children discover the joy of reading through friendly characters, familiar vehicles and gentle storytelling.