Railway Trains    Do you remember The Little Engine that Could? That phrase "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…" has certainly been imprinted on my brain and I have even sometimes said it aloud to encourage myself to get on with a task, especially one that seems too difficult. The author of these words, Watty Piper, and the illustrator of the newly issued version of the book, Loren Long (www.lorenlong.com), will keep the story alive for future generations. Our reviewer raved about the new version and it has already garnered a couple of starred reviews.    Another very famous train engine is Thomas the Tank Engine who has been around for sixty years and has spawned lots of stories and is known in more than 100 countries. For more information about the world of Thomas and his engine friends visit www.hitentertainment.com/thomasandfriends/. Perhaps one of the most famous trains is The Polar Express. Chris Van Allsburg's book has been a perennial best seller and is now a major movie. While it is a story that has special appeal at Christmas time, kids seem to enjoy this story at any time. For an interesting look at the movie version which had significant input from the author visit http://polarexpressmovie.warnerbros.com/ and for our most recent interview with the author visit http://www.childrenslit.com/f_vanallsburg.html.    In addition to these imaginary stories about trains, the real story of the invention of train engines and the growth of train travel is fascinating. An excellent history can be found at http://www.trinity.wa.edu.au/plduffyrc/subjects/dt/inventions/trains.htm where the following was excerpted from an article by Mary Bellis.    "Roads of rails called Wagonways were being used in Germany as early as 1550. These primitive railed roads consisted of wooden rails over which horse-drawn wagons or carts moved with greater ease than over dirt roads. Wagonways were the beginnings of modern railroads.    By 1776, iron had replaced the wood in the rails and wheels on the carts. Wagonways evolved into Tramways and spread though out Europe. Horses still provided all the pulling power. In 1789, Englishman, William Jessup designed the first wagons with flanged wheels. The flange was a groove that allowed the wheels to better grip the rail, this was an important design that carried over to later locomotives.    Colonel John Stevens is considered to be the father of American railroads. In 1826 Stevens demonstrated the feasibility of steam locomotion on a circular experimental track constructed on his estate in Hoboken, New Jersey, three years before George Stephenson perfected a practical steam locomotive in England. The first railroad charter in North America was granted to John Stevens in 1815. Grants to others followed, and work soon began on the first operational railroads.    In the 1960s and early 1970s, considerable interest developed in the possibility of building tracked passenger vehicles that could travel much faster than conventional trains. From the 1970s, interest in an alternative high-speed technology centered on magnetic levitation, or maglev. This vehicle rides on an air cushion created by electromagnetic reaction between an on-board device and another embedded in its guideway."    For more about the history of trains and those involved enjoy the selection of books noted below. Reviews All aboard! Mary Lyn Ray Illustrated by Amiko Hirao    This enchanting rail journey begins even before the title page, which is incorporated as the conductor's last boarding call. Mr. Barnes, a cheerful white rabbit in a purple suit and Panama hat, boards the train. He joins a host of other animals, (including a mole reading a book called Holes and eating a Crunch bar) and a young African American girl on a two day journey. The cut paper and colored pencil illustrations have flowing, rounded lines, evocative of the view from a moving train and are done in eye-catching colors. An excellent read aloud, children will love the portions of text that mimic train sounds, "A freight flashes by. Boxcar, coal car, tank car, flat car. Red red yellow green yellow yellow blue green." At last the final destination is reached and Mr. Barnes is revealed in his true size, as the comforting stuffed travel companion of the young girl. A lovely picture book, this belongs in any library with story time. 2002, Little Brown and Company, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Oliver (Children's Literature). Best Books: Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 15, 2002; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2002; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-316-73507-8 All Aboard!: A True Train Story Susan Kuklin    Only a few words per page spread in large type describe a train ride through the Colorado Rocky Mountains on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, pulled by an old-fashioned steam engine. The whistle blows, "Whoo-Whoo," and wheels roll "clickety clack" as the train goes "Chugga Chugga" along the mountains and over trestles. All the appropriate sounds are emphasized in large, brightly colored, upper-case letters. The very clear, colored photographs offer various views of the train in close-ups and along the tracks, and most impressive, of the locomotive. The virtual trip is an invitation for youngsters to seek out the transportation of yesteryear. Two pages of "Train Talk" fill in more information. 2003, Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc, $16.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee 2004 United States ISBN: 0-439-45583-9 All About Trains Michael Harris, consultant editor    With a most accurate title, this book does include all the information one might want to know about trains. Short passages cover every aspect of trains and railroads from the tracks and tunnels to signals and switches. The reader rides caboose, monorail, and high-speed trains. Special "project" pages provide arts and craft activities: make your own railroad track, model train, even a stationmaster's cap. Just as much--if not more--information is included in the captions that accompany the color photos, drawings, and diagrams. One photo shows an underground train tunnel during WWII where people are sleeping, using it as underground bomb shelter. A "fact box" on several pages carries bullets on related history, and one "warning box" includes safety tips. A glossary is provided for some of the more difficult train-related words, but the text is clear and readers are likely to understand unfamiliar words in context. Any boy or girl who loves trains, or a student writing a report, will find this book a great source. 2004, Southwater/Anness Publishing Ltd, $8.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Mary Loftus (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1842159763 The Bebop Express H.L. Panahi Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher    Chu-a-chug-a-chug-a-chug-a Choo! Choo! The whistle's a blowin', the engine's a-pumpin'--" passengers and the rhyming text are jumpin' as the Bebop Express train leaves New York, with Sax Man blowing his horn. Drum Man adds his beat in Philadelphia, while a Happenin' Cat comes on board in Chicago with his beboppin' bass. Song Lady is picked up in St. Louis, and the chugging, bopping, and doo-wop-in' continue on to New Orleans. There they all play in a medley of hep sounds, for an "American jazz symphony." The double-page scenes will not sit still on the pages as the modified photographs of people, musical instruments, buildings, and trains are combined to create crowds of folks on city streets and in railroad stations, and to activate drummer and bass player, horn blowers and singers in a dining car. Even the text's type faces contribute to the agitated impressions as they change size and shape to suggest musical sounds. These are jazzy scenes designed to enhance the music's strong emotional base. 2005, Laura Geringer Books/HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-06-057190-X ISBN: 0-06-057191-8 Bullet trains: Inside and Out David Biello Illustrations by Alessandro Bartolozzi, Roberto Simoni    Packed with color photographs, diagrams, maps, technical terminology, and enough minutiae to satisfy even the most curious, the books in the "Technology: Blueprints of the Future" series are a browser's delight. The oversize format lends itself to double-page spreads that bleed across the gutters to achieve stunning visual effects. Large typeface, the effective use of white space, and a list of additional resources combine to make this series accessible and easy to use. Bullet Trains uses the same format to review the advances in technology that allowed rail travel to evolve from coal and steam power to electric motors capable of running trains at speeds in excess of 150 mph. Beginning with the Japanese Shinkansen vehicles in 1963, leading to the French TGV (capable of running at speeds in excess of 236 mph), and on to the InterCity Express, tilting trains, Acela trains, and Maglev trains that rely on the repelling force of superconducting magnets, and the latest invention, the Aerotrain, which rides two to four inches off the ground, engineers have sought to combine speed, comfort, and safety, hoping to provide ever faster, more economical, and energy efficient ways for people to travel. This series provides first-rate science information for upper elementary and junior high school students. The topics, length, and illustrations will spark the interest of reluctant readers as well. Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Further Reading. Chronology. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2002, Powerkids Press/Rosen, 48p. PLB, $18.95. Ages 11 to 15. Cindy Lombardo (VOYA, October 2002 (Vol. 25, No. 4)) ISBN: 0-8239-6113-3 Cable Cars Lola M. Schaefer    A combination of high-quality, color photographs, drawings and black-and-white illustrations with a well-written text make the titles in "The Transportation Library" series stand out from many other emergent reader books. Words or concepts that might be difficult are defined near the bottom of the page, additional words are found in a one-page "Words to Know" near the end of the book. In this book readers will learn about the inventors, development and operation of cable cars. A hands-on activity elucidates a concept from the book. In this title the activity demonstrates how a cable car grip works. There is a short but up-to-date listing of additional books, references to Internet sites and an index. Discusses the inventors, development and operation of cable cars. 2000, Capstone, $15.93. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0736803610 Car & Road, Train & Track : Discover How Modern Land-Based Vehicles Changed Our World, How They Have Evolved and How They Work Peter Harrison    What a perfect way to bring children into the pages of a book when their real passion is moving a lot faster than the book! From antique cars and the earliest steam engines forward, this book includes superb photos, drawings, descriptions and hands-on activities. The author notes in his introduction that the "history of the modern world is closely interwoven with the history of machines…machines that move people from place to place most important of all." The text covers history as well as science, with diagrams and descriptions of an internal combustion engine, braking systems and railroad bridges. There are twenty projects connected to the various topics, including instructions on how to build a railroad track, engine, caboose and load-bearing arched bridge, as well as paper-and-cardboard machines that show how gears, pistons and wheels work. There are even instructions for making a pair of fuzzy dice! The photography is exciting, the text clear and simple. This is a perfect book for browsing, reference and projects, in the family, the classroom or the library. 2004, Anness, $17.99. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1844760049 Can You Choo Choo? David Wojtowycz    Onomatopoeia is the name (or sound) of the game in this book, as it is filled with fun words describing the various noises of transportation. Perfect for reading out loud, even adults will have fun imitating the sounds throughout. Young readers will get to "choo choo" like a train, "honk honk honk" like a fire truck, and even "toot toot toot" like a tugboat. In addition to entertaining sounds, vivid colors are also a strong presence in this book. They are not only used to brighten up the pages, but also in the text, as two colors are usually described to each subject on the page. Tractors, helicopters, school buses, and other vehicles are shown, all with smiling "faces" for children to smile back at as they read this playful book. The images and fun sounds are sure to stir the imagination of all who read this entertaining treasure. This book would be appropriate for teaching children how to give their own voice to inanimate objects that make unique, noisy sounds. 2003, Scholastic Inc, $12.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Cherie Ilg Haas (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-439-39485-6 Casey Jones Larry Dane Brimner Illustrated by Drew Rose; adviser, Alexa Sandmann    Casey Jones' legend has been around for over 100 years. It began with a simple ballad written by Wallace Saunders after the tragic train accident that killed Casey Jones. It was meant to honor the legendary trainman and it has grown over the years into the tall tale we are familiar with today. This book brings to life the tale of the man turned legend born John Luther Jones and now known as Casey Jones. Children will be delighted to learn in short form of Casey's childhood and early career as a railroad engineer or "hogger." They will marvel at his accomplishments and will likely also learn a lesson or two from the well-known motto of this tall tale trainman. Illustrations bring to life the energy and enthusiasm of the larger than life Casey Jones. Also included is a page devoted to the real Casey Jones, a recipe for Hobo Beans, a glossary, index and resource page. As part of the "Tall Tales Imagination" series, it would be a wonderful addition to a unit study. 2004, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0756506026 Casey Jones Allan Drummond    Punctuated by the "Wooo...oooh" of the train whistle, the saga of the engineer hero is told in rhythmic verse. Information about the background importance of the railroad leads to the stormy night when Casey, who'd "never been late," sees the warning signal on the tracks and realizes he can't stop in time to save himself. He tells the wiper and fireman to jump, but holds the brakes to save the rest of the train, and dies doing it. Colored drawings with active black lines and thinly applied color tell a sketchy story of railroading with the tale of a hero. The melodrama increases as the small action spots lead to a textless, double-page depiction of the crash in blacks and reds, while the scene of the fireman with head bowed in praying respect for his dead companion is rendered in tints of uplifting blue. A note fills in the facts as we know them. 2001, Frances Foster Books/Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature) Best Books: Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, December 2000; Cahners; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Emphasis on Reading, 2003; Nominee; Grades K-1; Alabama ISBN: 0-374-31175-7 Choo Choo Clickety-Clack! Margaret Mayo Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe    Learning about various modes of transportation will be fun with this colorful, informative picture book. Young readers will be drawn to the bright, simple artwork, as well as the flowing, rhythmic text. Each spread focuses on the sounds and actions of one form of transportation, and this action-packed volume covers eleven types of transportation: trains, planes, cars, racing cars, sailboats, hot-air balloons, motor bikes, bicycles, cable cars, buses, and ferry boats. Children will enjoy repeating the fun sounds, such as "choo choo clickety clack," "flappety-flap," "vroom," and "whoosh." Packed with entertaining language and busy artwork, this lively title will take readers on a whirlwind journey from land to sea to sky and back again. Youngsters will want to explore this reading experience again and again. 2005, Carolrhoda Books, $14.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Debra Briatico (Children's Literature). Best Books: Booklist Book Review Stars, Feb. 15, 2005; United States ISBN: 1-5750-5819-7 The Chunnel: The Building of a 200-year-old dream Jil Fine    For over two centuries, people have been dreaming of building a tunnel under the English Channel. Actual work on designing a tunnel uniting France and England began in 1802; however, the technology to execute these ideas was not yet established. In 1835 Aime Thome de Gamond spent many years of his life and fortune attempting in vain to master a manageable tunnel design. In the late 19th century, a railroad magnate managed to drill 6,178 feet but fear of invasion by Germany or France stopped the project. Finally, in 1957, the Channel Tunnel Study Group was created and, two years later, engineer Charles Putnam Dunn's proposal was selected as the most viable design. Dunn's plan called for three tunnels, two for railway traffic and one for service. In 1973, tunnel-boring machines began digging on both sides of the channel but the project had to be stopped because of an economic set-back. Finally, in 1986, Eurotunnel's proposal, which was similar to Dunn's plan, was chosen to officially launch the colossal project. There were many obstacles that the designers faced. The tunnel had to be safe from terrorist attacks, durable, fireproof, deter head-on accidents, and it even had to block animals with rabies from entering the passageway. This book in the "Architectural Wonders" series, bringing to life the story behind some of the world's greatest human-made structures, capably breaks down the process of creating the world's most complex tunnel. It introduces the science of tunnel making in a high-concept, entertaining package. The back of each book in the series offers a glossary, suggested further reading, resources and an index. This would be an excellent purchase for elementary and middle schools and public libraries hoping to bolster their offerings for reluctant readers in the area of architecture and engineering. 2004, Children's Press, $22.00. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Hillary Homzie (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-516-24077-3 ISBN: 0-516-259067- Coolies Yin Illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet.    This story of two brothers who came to America from China and helped build the transcontinental railroad begins and ends in the present time, framed as a story told by a grandmother to her grandson while they honor their ancestors during the Ching Ming Festival. Famine and poverty in their Chinese village sent Shek and Wong across the ocean in 1865 to work for the Central Pacific Railroad, laying track from California to Utah. They were part of a primarily Chinese labor force that performed back-breaking and often dangerous work in conditions ranging from blistering sun to raging snowstorms, all for less pay than their non-Chinese counterparts. Throughout, Shek and Wong faithfully send money to China to keep their family alive and are eventually able to send them passage to America. Soentpiet's watercolors capture both the small details of facial expression and the large panoramas being traversed by workers who cart, hammer and blast. Most young people today are unfamiliar with the word coolie and will not bring to it the negative connotations held by earlier generations. Coolie translates as "bitter labor," and Yin's book serves to imbue the word with respect and dignity. 2001, Philomel, $16.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Susan Stan (Children's Literature). Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States Eureka! California in Children's Literature, 2003; United States Kirkus Book Review Stars, January 1, 2001; United States Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States Sharing Cultures: Asian American Children's Authors, 2001; ALSC American Library Association; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Children's Book Award Winner 2002 Intermediate-Fiction United States Parents' Choice Award Gold 2001 Picture Books United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Picture Books; Maryland Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Rhode Island Utah Children's Book Awards, 2003; Nominee; Picture Book; Utah South Carolina Book Awards, 2003-2004; Nominee; Children's Book Award; South Carolina Curriculum Tools: Link to Lesson Plans at Chris Soentpiet ISBN: 0-399-23227-3 Freight Trains Adele D. Richardson    Those long strings of railroad cars that carry goods across the land are featured in this easy-to-read book. Pictures and diagrams fill each spread to describe the major components of a freight train and how the engine works. A brief recap of the history of trains and their use to transport cargo ends with pictures and descriptions of today's big freight yards and the specialized cars that haul goods. There is a hands-on activity that helps kids understand the benefit of rails in reducing friction. The back matter also includes a word list with definitions, a modest list of additional books, Internet sites and an index. Part of the "Transportation Library" series. 2001, Bridgestone/Capstone, $17.26. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-0607-5 Freight Trains Darlene R. Stille    This book, with its combination of full-page color pictures and simple, informative text will enthrall very young train enthusiasts. Each page is dedicated to answering one question or discussing one particular topic only. Topics range from the parts of the train to the types of cars a train may have to the purpose of those cars. This straightforward format helps to keep the young reader/listener focused and also allows for discussion and question answering after each page is completed. Big close-up photos allow readers to study, in detail, the topic being discussed. It is rare that a child sees a train pass by and doesn't pepper his parents with questions. This book will definitely help to answer those questions and more, when combined with the information in the glossary, the Did You Know and the Want to Know More resource pages that are included at the end. Part of the "Transportation" series by Compass Books. 2002, Compass Books, $ 19.93. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7565-0148-2 Going By Train Susan Ashley    This Weekly Reader produced series "Going Places" is a fine introduction to trains. Three chapters discuss the various kinds of trains including passenger trains and freight trains. A fourth chapter is dedicated to the different types of power used by trains and the purposes of specially designed train cars. Each chapter provides information on the history and uses of each kind of train as well as predictions for future trains. Photographs or illustrations related to the text appear on every page, enhancing the readability for young children. Ashley includes a table of contents, glossary, index and references for further print and web reading. A solid addition for all libraries. 2004, Weekly Reader, $18.60. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Oliver (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0836837320 ISBN: 0836838378 Grand Central Terminal: Gateway to New York City Ed Stanley    This is a detailed book, chock-full of historical and architectural information about the grand old Grand Central Terminal, a landmark preserved and brought up to date due to the efforts of The Committee to Save Grand Central. The members of The Committee included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who lent her prestige and energy to the group. Another well-known American, Cornelius Vanderbilt, had the original terminal built in 1871 at what was then the edge of the city. New York grew and prospered and eventually the location was centrally situated. Vanderbilt wanted the station, which took ten years to build, to be a palace; now the terminal, after a restoration also taking ten years, is magnificent. The celestial ceiling is perhaps the best-known feature of the terminal. Hundreds of thousands of people pass through the building each day, traveling and visiting the shops and restaurants. The author urges visitors to "Gaze in awe at the main façade, crowned by sculpture and pierced by triumphal arches." This book may be daunting to the younger readers, but those with an interest in architecture, engineering and rail travel will be captivated. There are amusing anecdotes, many illustrations, a timeline and glossary. 2003, Mondo Publishing, $16.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature). Best Books: Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2004; National Council for the Social Studies; United States Standards of Learning Information Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2004; People, Places, and Environment-III; Science, Technology, and Society-VIII; Geography, Peoples, and Places; National Council for the Social Studies ISBN: 1-59034-491-X ISBN: 1-59034-492-8 Hear That Train Whistle Blow!: How the Railroad Changed the World Milton Meltzer    Using archival black-and-white photographs from various eras, the author traces the history of rail transportation, focusing on how it transformed societies of isolated communities that rarely communicated or traded into unified nations. While the first railroad in America was in 1827, the first traveling engines were developed in England early in that century. The train in the Civil War, the role of the Chinese immigrant workers in laying track, the role of famous men--Pinkerton, Pullman, Jesse James--and later a woman--Nelly Bly--in defining the railroad, and the development of railroads in Europe are also covered. Interesting sidelights include a rail accident that left Charles Dickens a nervous traveler, a Walt Whitman appreciation of trains, the California Big Four who created the transcontinental rail, and another poem by Emily Dickinson comparing a train to a horse bolting to its stable door. A very short chapter brings readers up to date with indifferent government support for and waning interest in Amtrak trains in America. It is a competent overview, concisely written and supported by a pleasantly-designed format which puts the varied black-and-white photos with short captions to best use. An extensive bibliography and an index support readers and report writers, but the book's appeal lies mainly with already-interested readers rather than casual browsers. This is "A Landmark Book." 2004, Random House, $18.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). Awards, Honors, Prizes: Spur Award Nominee 2005 Juvenile Nonfiction United States ISBN: 0-375-91563-X ISBN: 0-375-81563-5 ISBN: 0-375-82922-9 I Love Trains! Philemon Sturges Illustrated by Shari Halpern    Any youngster who loves trains will be spellbound as they take a journey through the pages of this whimsical book. Easy-to-read text and rhymes engage readers, who are introduced to the purpose and functions of a train. "Some cars keep things from the rain, Some cars carry truck or grain, or cows, or hogs, or gas or logs." Readers will observe that different shapes and sizes of train cars determine their use. The eye-popping colors of Halpern's illustrations are a delight. Front and back pages include brilliantly colored drawings of many different types of railroad cars not mentioned in the text. Some of these cars are the tender car that is pulled behind a steam engine to carry extra water or coal and flatcars that carry autos, boats and trucks, even airplanes and helicopters. This book is a great pick for homes with toddlers or in nursery schools. The pages are a feast for young eyes. 2001, HarperCollins, $13.89 and $12.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sue Reichard (Children's Literature). Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 2001; Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc.; United States ISBN: 0-06-028900-7 ISBN: 0-06-028901-5 Inside Freight Train Donald Crews    In this "sliding board book," the reader is invited to pull apart the pages to see inside the freight cars. Readers will see inside the boxcar where there are toys and books and can look inside the cattle car where there are calves and cows. A refrigerator car holds bushels of fruit. Crews' self-portrait can be seen among the members of the crew pictured inside the caboose. This makes a fine companion to the author's original book, Freight Train, which introduced a variety of concepts to young children. Here they can explore the concepts of inside and outside and reinforce the color concepts presented in the first book. The thick board pages will withstand the repeated readings that this book will command. Curious youngsters will find the book rewarding. 2001, HarperFestival/HarperCollins, $9.95. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature). Best Books: Booklist Book Review Stars, Dec. 15, 2000; United States Capitol Choices, 2001; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States ISBN: 0688170870 Jingle the Brass: Now You Are Railroading Patricia Newman Pictures by Michael Chesworth    Pull up a stool and put on the nosebag with me while I finish my breakfast." With those words, an old-time hogger welcomes a young lad to the diner before they head out to the yard. A hogger is an engineer and he proudly invites the boy to climb aboard engine number 417, otherwise known as "ole hog." Joe, the ashcat feeds the firebox with coal to produce the steam that will take them on the morning's excursion. They pull out into the merry-go-round and hitch up to the train. The boy is allowed to ring the brass bell to let the rear brakeman know the mile-long train is leaving the station. The story abounds with colloquialisms appropriate to the world of railroading circa 1926 and the illustrations wonderfully capture the atmosphere. A glossary of terms is included along with several suggestions for further reading. Young readers interested in trains and railroading will climb aboard, go full steam ahead and enjoy the ride! 2004, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.50. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-374-33679-2 John Bull: a British Locomotive Comes to America David Weitzman    As in his other books about the Model T, Old Ironsides, airplanes, and subways, Weitzman now turns his fine black-line pen, and his well-researched attention to another mechanical wonder, the first passenger train on the American continent. While the accumulation of information about the John Bull, a steam train that ran from New York to Philadelphia in the 1830s, concentrates on Robert Steven and his bringing the train to the United States, the true center of the book is Weitzman's fascination with all things technical. Pristine black and white ink drawings present every detail, piston, gear, axeletree, cam, hammer helve, connecting rod, rocker arm, steam dome, and boiler. This sort of sample of specialized vocabulary may be gleaned from any page as not only is Weitzman in love with the naming of parts, he also delights in specialized vocabulary. The reader is helped a bit by two drawings, fore and aft of the text, which explain the location of some of these train parts in alphabetical order on the front pages and then again, numerically keyed, on the back pages. Text weaves details of the early smithies here and in England, problems of assembling the John Bull that came by boat in pieces, and the trial and error tinkering Americans made to early steam-powered trains. Additions in the next few years included the cowcatcher, a funnel-shaped smokestack to retain some of the incendiary sparks emitted, pilot wheels to help the heavy train navigate curves without jumping track, and repositioning of various parts for more efficient movement. But, Weitzman's annoying habit of switching tenses within a paragraph as well as between them, grates on the reader's sensibilities. In addition, while Weitzman is a crackerjack renderer of machines, his depiction of working people is wooden, ill-proportioned, and strangely sized, so that those looking for a sense of scale in relation to the machine may be confused. For train aficionados, however, especially those who visit Washington, DC where the train is kept at the American Museum of Natural History, the book provides delight in detail. For middle-school students of American history, this book can also provide both a window into the beginning of America's machine age and a basis for comparing the steam train with modern trains. 2003, Farrar Straus & Giroux, $16.00. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Parent's Choice Award Recommended 2004 Non-Fiction United States ISBN: 0-374-38037-6 John Henry Retold by Bill Balcziak Illustrated by Drew Rose    Balcziak immediately captivates the reader by starting this story with the competition between John Henry and the steam drill machine that John Henry calls a "big iron heap." The story returns to the beginning of John Henry's life and continues chronologically. The story of John Henry's life prior to and post-Civil War are explained in non-threatening language. In addition to retelling Henry's life, the story also explains how railroads were built and how the steam-drill machines worked. The right amount of text is used with these explanations, and does not take away from the story of John Henry. Rose's line illustrations enhance the text and show the emotions of the characters. He superbly displays John Henry as a man of strength. However, one picture includes John Henry with hair, while the other pictures display him as bald. "The Life of John Henry" section tells how the legend of John Henry started and may cause confusion because it states that John Henry might have been black, white, Asian, or Hispanic. However, this retelling of John Henry's story (being a slave) indicates that he was black. The book includes a glossary of terms, a "Fast Facts" section and advises how to get more information about John Henry. This book is a part of "The Imagination" series. 2003, Compass Point Books, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Jackie Kirby (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7565-0457-0 Langston's Train Ride Robert Burleigh Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins    The author relates an event in Langston Hughes' life that is a defining moment for him. As he rides the train toward Mexico, the rumbling sounds sway him back and forth rekindling some of his childhood memories of the river, the Mississippi River. It unearths visions of slaves and how it played such an important role in their lives, work, pain and sometimes death. Words come to him about rivers, the Congo, the Nile and the Euphrates. With this as a background his poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" is born and he comes to believe in himself as a writer. The author's rendition of this event presents an opportunity for young people to seriously consider pursuing their own dreams. The illustrator's bold, colorful illustrations add buoyancy to the text. 2004, Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc, $16.95. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 0-439-35239-8 The Little Engine That Could Watty Piper Pictures by Loren Long    Who would have thought that a classic children's story could possibly be refreshed with new art and be better than the original? The Little Engine That Could is more than a book: it is part of our culture. Piper's original art is intricately connected with the story itself. What an incredible risk it was for the illustrator to take on this project. It took a superb artist like Loren Long to refresh this timeless classic with new artwork that brings the book alive on a whole new level. The art employs design and color and a whimsical use of space to make the book completely new. I never would have thought it could be done but, to my mind, it has and it is awfully good. 2005, Philomel, $17.99. Ages 2 to 5. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). Best Books: Kirkus Book Review Stars, August 15, 2005; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 22, 2005; Cahners; United States Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California ISBN: 0-399-24467-0 My Subway Ride Paul DuBois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender Illustrations by Selina Alko    Welcome to the world underground. Tokens and turnstiles, tickets to enter." Experience "the beat and the wait and the rumble-growl" as you wait for the "squeak and squeal and screech to the stop" of the New York City subway. Hop on board and experience the city the way a native New Yorker would. In the pages of this book you will visit Yankee Stadium, the Museum of Natural History, Coney Island, Times Square, and more. You will experience the diversity of the city as you see faces of many different shapes and colors and hear "Let's go" in many different languages. The story is told in free verse/poetic prose. Its rhythm and beat almost give the feel of a subway train moving through the city. The colorful paintings have the look of murals, which might easily adorn the walls of the various stations. This book is not only one to which all New York City children could relate, but it is also a nice way to introduce non-city readers to the sights, sounds and way of life of big city living. 2004, Gibbs Smith Publisher, $15.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Pat Trattles (Children's Literature). Awards, Honors, Prizes: IPPY Award Finalist 2005 Children's Picture Books (7 & Over) United States ISBN: 1-58685-357-0 Niccolini's Lullaby Chuck Wilcoxen Illustrated by Mark Buehner    For some enigmatic reason, trains hold a special allure. Perhaps it is because of their varied sizes and types. Or perhaps it is because of the romance and mystery associated with train travel. Couple this with an age-old fantasy of inanimate objects coming to life and you are left with this wonderfully whimsical, magical story about Niccolini, a train yard night watchman. Filled with marvelous illustrations by an award-winning illustrator, this well-paced, enchanting tale will capture the attention of train enthusiasts, young and old. It tells the story of Niccolini and his trains. But there is more here than meets the eye, as the night watchman discovers one evening when his rail yard is full of sleek, slumbering locomotives. That night, Niccolini learns that his trains can talk, which leads to an unusual wish. At the trains' request, Niccolini sings lullabies to them. His lilting, soothing voice soon attracts mothers seeking succor for themselves and their restless children. This excellent book will be a sure fire hit and is an ideal bed or naptime companion for young readers. 2004, Dutton/Penguin Publishing, $16.99. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer: Bruce Adelson, J.D. (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 0-525-46805-6 The Prairie Train Antoine O'Flatharta Illustrated by Eric Rohmann    As young Conor travels across the American prairie by train, he clutches the toy boat given to him by his grandfather in Ireland just as the boy's family set sail for America. Then the boat falls from the train and is lost. Homesick and saddened by his loss, Conor falls asleep to dream the train has turned into a boat that takes him back to his grandfather. The old man wisely reminds Conor that the same moon shines on everyone, be they in Connemora or California. Conor wakes up, consoled and eager to move forward into his new life. The rich earth tones of Eric Rohman's illustrations and the cadenced text of Irish playwright O'Flatharta work together very effectively to capture the dream state of the story and to convey the ambivalence many immigrants feel--torn between the sadness of leaving behind all they know and love and the hope for a better future. This book would be valuable resource for a social studies unit on immigration, as well as a moving testimony for families whose ancestors shared Conor's experience. 2005 (orig. 1999), Dell Dragonfly/Random House, $16.95 and $6.99. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry (Children's Literature). Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Western Writers of America Spur Awards Winner 2000 Picture Book United States ISBN: 0-517-70988-0 ISBN: 0-553-11334-8 Railroad Fever: Buliding the Transcontinental Railroad 1830-1870 Monica Halpern    This entry in the "Crossroads America" series begins with a short introduction of steam trains and the changes they wrought in transportation, the need for track, and people's sending of goods. Much of the book is given over to the Big Four, as Collis Huntington, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker were called, and their planning and development of The Union Pacific Line. One short chapter presents "The Workers," including a typical day, a work train, role of the Chinese, threats from Native Americans, and the famous race. In 1966, the government approved a race between the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific, moving toward each other with the one that laid the most track making the most money. Interestingly, the track was finished seven years ahead of schedule. A fascinating end chapter details who rode the train, a sidebar mentions Jesse James, first class and immigrant travel are compared, and the summary suggests what changes this cross-country railroad wrought. Photographs, tinted etchings, primary source material, maps, boxed short quotes, and the occasional sidebar contribute to this well-designed book. It's a fine addition to the series and one that would serve middle-school readers studying American History as well provide supplemental reading for an average reader in a high school course. 2004, National Geographic, $21.90. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). Best Books: School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2004; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-7922-6767-2 ISBN: 0-7922-6993-4 Red Train Will Grace Illustrated by Ed Vere    Learn to count from one to ten in this large format board book that features different color trains and some very interesting occupants. Bunny drives the choo choo for train number 1, and a pair of lions is in control of the big orange train number 2. The elephants control the yellow train number 3 and the clowns have the long purple train number 8. The Arabic numerals appear on the front of each engine and the appropriate number of cars and occupants match the number displayed. The final spread is called the friendship train, because it combines cars and occupants from all of the others. It is an amusing counting adventure and one that will really appeal to kids who love trains. You can also extend the lesson by learning color recognition. 2003, Scholastic, $6.99. Ages 2 to 4. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). Best Books: The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States ISBN: 0-439-48836-2 Sophia and Benjamin Watch a Train Go By Ed Brodsky and Ruth Lubell    This 7" square book announces that it "Folds out into a six-foot train," and it does! By carefully pulling the inside folded edge of text to the right--to keep uncovering another car of the train--ten different kinds of railroad cars are revealed and described. The illustrations are brilliantly colored and almost have the appearance of being created by stickers. Between the locomotive with its coal car and the caboose, here called the gondola, there are seven specialized cars such as a livestock car, an auto-carrier car, a tank car, a passenger car, a refrigerator car--all different. Sophie and Benjamin have the amazing experience of standing by the railroad tracks watching them all go by. 2005, HarperFestival/HarperCollins, $7.99. Ages 2 up. Reviewer: Eleanor Heldrich (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-06-055609-9 Steam Engines James Lincoln Collier    Although few machines in today's world are powered by steam, it is impossible to understand the progression of technology without knowing the history of the steam engine. This book from the "Great Inventions" series explores the development of the steam engine and how it affected not only machinery but also society. The first two chapters are devoted to the various inventors who contributed to the steam engine. Chapters three and four explain how steam-powered trains lead to the era of railways in both Europe and the United States. The development of railways in the United States directly paralleled the nation's metamorphosis into a superpower, and the book does a very good job of explaining how this occurred. The final chapter describes the inventions that eventually replaced the steam engine and how it fell out of favor in the modern world. While the book's explanation of how a steam engine works lacks a diagram and might be hard to follow, the historical and societal information is very well presented. 2006, Benchmark/Marshall Cavendish, $25.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Amie Rose Rotruck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0761418806 Steam Locomotives: Whistling, Chugging, Smoking Iron Horses of The Past Karl Zimmermann    According to this very personal look at the steam engine, Zimmerman began his love of the machines at a young age. His parents allowed him, at 13, to travel with a friend from New York City's Penn Station to Roanoke, Virginia, where he spent a wonderful few days before steam engines were taken from circulation. This sets the stage for an overview of the development of steam power, the arrival and use of steam locomotives in America in the 1830s, and the curious naming of engines. While common steam locomotives had numeric names, 4-6-2, for instance, they also had common names that bespoke their destinations, size or functions. Train lovers will appreciate a chapter entitled "The Care and Feeding of the Iron Horses," as well as the pristine, mostly full color, photographs whose clarity suggest careful photo selection and editing. There is a glossary, index, author's note with websites for some dozen places around the country where you can see and ride steam locomotives. There is also a cutaway diagram of a locomotive with names of the working parts to assist train lovers as well as report writers in appreciating this bit of American history. 2004, Boyds Mills Press, $19.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). Best Books: Kirkus Book Review Stars, January 15, 2004; United States ISBN: 1-59078-165-1 Subway Anastasia Suen Illustrated by Karen Katz    This book is a friendly approach to riding the subway for preschoolers, or anyone else curious about what it might be like. Though somewhat glorified (New York City subways aren't that pretty!) Suen presents a gentle atmosphere with rhythmic text enhanced by Katz's happily colored illustrations of diverse, eclectic, multicultural subway riders. A young girl and her mother are going down to go uptown! Follow this busy adventure through the subway turnstiles, up the stairs, into the car, and along the tracks until the ride ends at their stop. There is even a little brown dog going somewhere. Where could everyone be going? Where have they been? Simple text will encourage hesitant readers to complete each phrase and move on to the next. Eager listeners and viewers will enjoy the rhythm of the text and energy of the illustrations. 2004, Viking Press, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature). Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 2, 2004; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-670-03622-6 Thomas and Friends: Railway Rhymes (Original Poems) R. Schuyler Hooke Illustrated by Richard Courtney    Thomas the Tank and his railway friends are the brightly-colored toys so popular with toddlers. Each car or vehicle has a distinct personality and many youngsters know them all by name. This sturdy, thick, padded-cover book is ideal as a gift book for the young fan of Thomas and his cleverly named friends, each of whom is honored in rhyme. The first poem, appropriately enough, is about Thomas who is a little tank engine and there are three rhymes about Gordon, "big and strong" who is "pulling the express along." Some of the poems are short, some long, but they all capture the distinct personality of the vehicle celebrated whether it is Cranky, Salty, Bertie, Emily, Toby or Harold the Helicopter. There is an underlying sweetness in the stories about Thomas and that is evident in these rhymes as well. The illustrations are classic Thomas the Tank as the book is based upon "The Railway" series by the Reverend W. Awdry. 2005, Random House, $11.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-375-83175-4 Thomas Goes Fishing Reverend W. Awdry Illustrated by Richard Courtney    Thomas the train engine passes children who are fishing and wants to try fishing, too. The driver laughs because trains cannot fish. One day Thomas stops because his boiler is empty. The driver fills the boiler up with water from the river. Thomas feels something funny in his boiler and the driver sees that there are fish in the boiler. The children and the driver fish the fish out of Thomas. This is a fun short story for beginning readers who know the alphabet, can use context clues, and can read short sentences. Each page contains one to two sentences about three to five words in length. The illustrations are simple and colorful and are great context clues for the reader. This book can be used to teach about steam, steam engines, trains and fishing. 2005, Random House, Ages 3 to 7, $3.99 and $5.99. Reviewer: Mandy Wollenzien (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-375-83118-5 ISBN: 0-375-93118-X Thomas the Tank Engine The Reverend W. Awdry    For lovers of Thomas (or steam rail), here's a 60th anniversary edition of the 1946 book in which the cheeky little engine appeared for the first time. Awdry (1911-1997), an Anglican clergyman who loved trains, invented these stories to entertain his little son Christopher, suffering from the measles. He went on to write 26 books of "The Railway Series" until 1972, when Christopher took over. Although the illustrator is not named, he was C. Reginald Dalby (you can see his initials on the suitcase on the endpapers). Since he knew so much about trains, Awdry often based the stories on actual railway incidents; the engines were taken from life-Thomas, for, example, is a small shunting engine of late Victorian days, while Gordon is modeled after the famous "Flying Scotsman" locomotive. It's fascinating to see this vanished era, with its rural stations and English countryside, a cow confronting an engine, the various jobs associated with the railroad. The engines do the hardest physical work, human workers in their sober uniforms are faceless, while Sir Topham Hatt, the fat Controller, with his morning coat and top hat is a very model of the bloated capitalist. To earn Sir Topham's approval and become a "Really Useful Engine," Thomas must learn to take his job seriously, be polite, and curb his boastfulness. This little volume will be fun for readers familiar with the later Thomas and a special gift for railroad buffs who are partial to the days of steam. 2005 (orig. 1946), Random House, Ages 4 up, $9.95. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-375-83373-0 The Train of States Peter Sis    It is time to celebrate the United States in this visual cornucopia of historical facts. State by state, Peter Sís provides rich details about each of the nation's states, as well as the District of Columbia. States are presented in order of their admission to statehood, and Washington, D.C. follows at the end. From Delaware on, readers learn about each state's capital, its official bird, tree, and flower. They also learn what each one was named for, the dates of statehood, and other facts. To say that Sís' illustrations are richly detailed is an understatement. Each page is a visual feast stuffed to the brim with hints of information about the history, society, and people of each area. The sources of inspiration for many of the illustrations are provided in the accompanying notes, but readers are sure to have a great time trying to decode the book's secrets on their own. The concept for the book is that this is a train of states akin to the hand-carved and hand-painted antique circus wagons of old. By the book's end, the train has rolled into town, and all the people flock to the big, American flag tent to see the performers, who are living embodiments of the states themselves. Readers will enjoy this fun approach to social studies! 2004, Greenwillow/HarperCollins, $18.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature). Best Books: Booklist Book Review Stars, Oct. 15, 2004; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States Choices, 2005; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States Notable Children's Books, 2005; American Library Association ALSC; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 13, 2004; Cahners; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Parent's Choice Award Gold 2004 Picture Books United States ISBN: 0-06-057838-6 ISBN: 0-06-057839-4 The Train to Glasgow Wilma Horsbrugh Illustrated by Paul Cox    The train to Glasgow is about to start and Donald McBain "who came to the station to catch the train" is almost too late. But a quick-thinking and kindly guard hauls Donald onto the train at the very last minute. And a good thing too! For on the train, "clucking and crowing inside a box," are hens and cocks that escape when the train gives a jolt, which loosens a bolt and lets them all out. What a commotion! But Donald, who is quick and clever and very nimble on his feet, catches them all. Charming watercolors with an old fashioned flavor illustrate this high-spirited cumulative rhyme written in the style of The House That Jack Built. Originally published in a collection of poems in 1954, this is the first time the poem has appeared as a picture book. Recommended. 2004, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 0618381430 Trains David Armentrout and Patricia Armentrout    Transportation is a hugely popular subject with young children. The "Transportation" series of the Rourke Discovery Library answers the call for more information by young readers by providing a more in-depth look at different modes of transport of the past, present and future. These books are a step above most in this genre because they provide specific information and terminology and use less vague language. In Trains, readers will learn about the different types of trains through history, how they are powered and what they transport. From early steam engines to the high speed trains of today to the ultra modern Mag-lev's of the future, the information is useful and up to date. Full color photos balanced with great information makes this series highly recommended for early to middle elementary classrooms and libraries. Additional information includes important dates to remember, a further reading resources list, a glossary and an index. 2004, Rourke Publishing, $20.64. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-58952-672-4 Trains Sarah Tieck    What are the parts of a train? How do trains work? How are trains today different from trains yesterday? Trains have flanged wheels, a locomotive number, and a warning bell. Trains can run on electric energy that comes from a power line above the train. The train's arm touches the line beside or above the track, and an electric current makes the train move. Trains can also be powered by diesel engines. The fuel burns and makes electricity, and this moves the train. Early readers will enjoy learning about trains in this non-fiction book, part of the "Mighty Movers" series. Colorful pictures, illustrations, and diagrams show young readers the parts of a train. The book is a great choice for young readers who are learning the parts of a non-fiction text. The book includes a table of contents, important words, websites, and an index. The book is a perfect choice for a pre-school or early elementary library or classroom. 2005, ABDO Publishing Co, $21.35. Reviewer: Mindy Hardwick (Children's Literature). Ages 4 to 6. ISBN: 1-59197-830-0 Trains: Steaming! Pulling! Huffing! Patricia Hubbell Illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy    Trains do come in all shapes and forms. They are well loved and held close to hearts of people both young and old. This delightful book evokes memories of trains that have been or are popular across our nation. The prose is catchy and combined with the illustrations, packs a bunch of fun into a small package. Children can be encouraged to investigate further into the meanings in the illustrations. My own grandson, who is four, will love the rhythm of the words and the trains in general because he is a fan. This could also be a great souvenir of a train ride, whether it's Amtrak, a narrow gauge in Colorado, or the cable cars of San Francisco. The author has also published ten other books of poetry. For those whose primary interest is trucks, please look at Trucks: Whizz! Zoom! Rumble! by the same author and illustrators. 2005, Marshall Cavendish Books, Ages 2 to 5, $14.95. Reviewer: Barbara Youngblood (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7614-5194-3 To stay up to date on new books by these authors, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Updated May 30, 2007