Train Man

May 1, 2012

PreS-Gr 1-The siblings from Digger Man (2003) and Fire Engine Man (2007, both Holt) are back. While his younger brother looks on, Oliver plays with a set of trains. He imagines himself collecting tickets, inspecting the cars and wheels, and steering the train across a bridge, up a hill, and through a dark tunnel. Oliver's loving attention to his brother resonates in an illustration in which the older child hoists Gabe up to pull the train whistle. With its bright acrylic spreads and simple text, this gentle story is a pleasant addition to picture-book collections.-Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2012
Preschool-K This endearing ode to an object of childhood fascination is exceedingly consistent with Digger Man (2003) and Fire Engine Man (2007), both also by this wife-and-husband team. Opening with two ruddy-faced brothers playing with a toy track, the elder proclaims his love for trains, which is shared by the younger, even though he's too little to say CHOO-CHOO.' Then they're off with their parents for a ride on a zoo train, and the big brother uses simple declarative sentences to enumerate his plans for what his grown-up steam engine will be like, what uniform he'll wear, what safety precautions it will be important to take, and where he is going to travel. The full-page landscape spreads of bright acrylic paint are determinedly cheerful and full of friendly faces and sunny skies (with a few mild moments of tension provided by a dark tunnel and a herd of sheep). As the affectionate family's journey circles back to the boys' bedroom, many kids will be excited to ride along again and again.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)