The Car Washing Street Author:Denise Lewis Patrick From Booklist Ages 3-7. Every Saturday morning, Matthew and his father sit outside and watch their neighbors wash their cars. On one Saturday, the task is almost over when a good-natured water fight breaks out, and Matthew and his father join in with gusto. Ward's large-scale illustrations portray a sanitized cityscape filled with small apar... more »tment buildings and stoops just right for sitting. There is no litter, graffiti, or broken cement in sight, and the black and Hispanic neighbors interact with friendliness and humor. There may be no street like it in all the world, but there should be. Patrick and Ward show a father and son enjoying a commonplace event because they are sharing it. No money is spent, no distance is traveled, nothing extraordinary happens, but it's a memorable Saturday morning. A lovely picture book about life as it could be, should be, and rarely is.