Last Sunday’s NYT book review section featured children’s books. One review entitled “All Aboard” reviewed three new books on trains. Our young patrons, especially the boys, are always asking for books on trains. Luckily, we purchased all three titles and presently the total circulation is four. Pretty good since they are relatively new additions to the collection. I have displayed these three new books and others dealing with trains, including “The Little Engine That Could,” on the display boards at the foot of the Children’s Room steps.
“Locomotive” written and illustrated by Brian Floca combines the story of a family traveling from Omaha, Nebraska, to Sacramento, California, in 1869, with a great deal of historical and technical information on trains and train travel. The illustrations some small others full page are coupled with a text that fully uses the onomatopoeia sounds of a train–Click, clack, hiss, chug-chug, etc.
“Train” written by Elisha Cooper concentrates on trains themselves. Less technical with muted illustrations, this book would appeal to a younger audience. It is a contemporary look at trains as the passed through cities and towns throughout the country.
“How to Train a Train” was reviewer Bruce Handy’s favorite. It is a “guidebook that teaches children how to capture and tame wild trains.” Written by Jason Carter Eaton and illustrated by John Rocco, the text in a tongue-in-check manner explains that you have to get up very early in the morning and find a good hiding spot because trains start their engines at sunrise. Rocco’s illustrations add a zany realism to the text by providing pictures of children capturing trains.
Trains, trains, trains–you can’t have enough books on trains.