Steam Train Ride

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Christopher, an appealing preschool railroad enthusiast, takes a train ride (without adult accompaniment) and meets the railroad crew. Mott provides a simple explanation for how a steam train works, but her photographs do not always clearly illustrate or amplify the text and may frustrate the mechanically curious. The inside of the engine is all black, and what shows up most is the grandfatherly engineer's white glove. The water tower pouring water into the tender car is another unclear photo; kids may well miss what's happening. The train signals are well explained. The trip itself begins with Christopher buying his ticket, waiting for the train, and meeting the conductor. These shots are much clearer, as they feature the engine from front and side. A blurred photo of the moving train is meant to show speed, but its juxtaposition with Christopher hanging his head out the window does not give any basic awareness of safety; the idyllic farm scenes are lovely, but don't really have anything to do with steam trains or how they differ from other trains. While the reproduction of the full-color photos is excellent and some individual photos are picturesque, the book does not work well as a nonfiction title. This is one ride that young engineers can miss.
- Dorcas Hand, Annunciation Orthodox School, Houston
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.