Zip, Whiz, Zoom!

A number of families set off on journeys one morning, each via a different mode of transportation. ``Zip, whiz, zoom! / We're on our way! / We're going somewhere / special today.'' One family rides a bus, another scampers aboard an airplane, still another struggles up and down hill on bicycles. But whether they are traveling by truck, train, ferry or helicopter--or by any of the other means of locomotion pictured here--all are carrying gifts. Readers will relish tracking these pilgrims as they journey across the pages of the book to converge at a surprise destination. Young transportation buffs can revel in the cheerful, action-filled illustrations, which often playfully extend beyond their borders. Calmenson's simple, breezy verse invites her audience's participation; each stanza begins with the sound effects of a different vehicle, with the various vrooms, whirrs, toots and beeps joining at the end in a robust crescendo. Ages 2-6. (Sept.)