Learning Guide for Teachers For The Trouble with Howard

Journeys In Film Presents Learning Guide for Teachers For The Trouble with Howard and Team Penske Pit Crew Caitlyn Brown

By Gran T

September 17, 2026

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Atlanta, Ga – Journeys in Film, a 501(c)(3), provides free resources for teachers to accompany films and special books. Recently released is The Trouble with Howard by racing veteran Lee Anne Patterson with illustration by Roger Warrick.

Listen to the whole story!

The learning guide for K-5 presents themes of sportsmanship, kindness to animals and women in racing. The Trouble with Howard is based on the real story of Howard and Anita Millican who rescued a skunk on the way to a racetrack. Howard named him Trouble. He continued to go with them to the racetrack for many years to come. With a skunk named Trouble trackside, what could possibly go wrong?

In 1980, Anita became the first women ever licensed as an IndyCar mechanic and the first to go over the wall as a part of the pit crew. (Learn more about that story below; or read the full article).

43 years later, Caitlyn Brown won the Indy 500 doing the same with Team Penske on Josef Newgarden’s car. The teaching material includes a CBS Newsreel about Caitlyn Brown at The Indianapolis 500.

Learn More

“The Trouble with Howard,” A Children’s Book Based on a Real-Life Racing Story

What could possibly go wrong if a skunk was in the pits at an auto race?

“The Trouble with Howard,” a children’s book based on a real-life story about auto racers Howard and Anita Millican and their pet skunk, is available now through the website TheTroubleWithHoward.com and at select retail outlets.

The 48-page hardcover book is a collaboration between author and motorsports veteran Lee Anne Patterson, a native of Atlanta, and acclaimed racing illustrator Roger Warrick of Hamilton, Ohio.

The story is based on the experiences of driver and mechanic Howard Millican and his wife, Anita. The latter became the first woman licensed IndyCar mechanic in 1980. She was also the first woman to go over the pit wall during pit stops at IndyCar races as a pit crew member. She was the jack “man.”

The book promotes gender equality and encourages girls to tackle STEM careers. It also suggests how to handle bullies and ways to display good sportsmanship.

In addition, it inspires compassion towards animals. A portion of the proceeds will go to animal rescue operations.

Patterson wrote the book for children who are 5 to 8 years old. Each page carries Warrick’s colorful illustrations like a picture book. It is sure to resonate with auto racing fans of all ages as well as others with no knowledge of the sport.

The book chronicles the story of an injured wild skunk who was treated and adopted by Howard and Anita Millican before they were married. They named him “Trouble.” He travels with the couple from race to race, but never sprays anyone. Most of the racers learn to like Trouble with the exception of Jack, a driver who uses not-so-nice moves on and off the track.

One day Jack scares Trouble out of the tractor-trailer the Millicans use to transport their race car to events, and Trouble becomes lost. Scared and tired, he eventually finds a hiding place in the cockpit of Jack’s race car. He’s still hiding in it when a race starts.

On the last lap Jack gives Howard’s race car a shove in an effort to win. Terrified, Trouble runs up Jack’s chest. Jack loses control of the car and they crash.

Howard wins the race. Trouble and Jack are both unhurt, but Trouble sprays Jack.

Howard, Anita and Trouble celebrate in victory lane. Showing good sportsmanship, Howard gives Jack several cans of tomato juice to use to try to alleviate the odor from being sprayed.

Where to Buy?

Now Available Online and at Select Retail Outlets!

The book is available at The IMS Museum Gift Shop, at all Speedway Motors Inc. trackside giftshops, Sprint Car Hall of Fame, Indiana State Museum, American Museum of Speed, Amazon and the official website; TheTroubleWithHoward.com. ISBN 979-8-9902067 Hardcover, 44pg MSRP $18.50.