Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Steam Train, Dream Train
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Board Book
For ages 3 to 5
Chronicle Books, 2018 ISBN: 978-1452152172
The sun has set and the moon is hanging in the dark blue sky. Something is coming towards us down the track with a “clickety clack” and a “huffing and chuffing.” A whistle blows and then there it is, a mighty steam train rumbling along with smoke pouring from its smokestack and with its bell ringing.
Then, with the squealing of brakes, the train comes to a stop. At the Night Falls station a crew of animals awaits. The driver gives them a signal and then the animals get to work. They have to load up the train cars “Before it gets too late,” and fill them up with “all the freight.”
Without delay the monkeys put “Things that rock and roll and spin,” into one car. The way they work is rather usual, but the job gets done all the same. Toys of all kinds end up in another car, bounced in by rabbits, and carried in by a two-humped camel.
Further down the line some helpful elephants are filling tankers with “paints to go,” and several gondolas are being filled with sand; sand which will be used to build sand castles and other wonderful things. Then there are the well cars, and on these there are two enormous dinosaurs who are being given “enormous feasts” to keep them happy.
This wonderful board book, with is delicious rhyme and its luscious illustrations, would make a perfect bedtime title to share with young children.
