Trouble on the Tracks

When the train leaves the station on a gorgeous day, it does not suspect the trouble that lurks ahead, in a charming picture book that invites readers to search for hidden clues and surprises.

reS-Gr 2-A passenger train is leaving the station. The engineer checks his engine and the conductor gives the all-clear signal as a few last-minute riders climb aboard. The train rolls forward through fields and villages. Suddenly, there is trouble, two huge amber eyes fill a double-page spread, and cars are overturned. Yes, the train is a model trundling along the playroom floor and Trouble is a cat who enjoys causing derailments. The child engineer and his toy finally appear in their true relative sizes as the train is laid back on the tracks, and the tumbled little forest is also righted. The cat pads away. The fun for her is over. The page-filling illustrations stand out in deep rich colors. The toylike look of the conductor and the passengers nevertheless seems real enough until the secret is revealed. Children who lose themselves in the world of play will enjoy this happy depiction of a favorite game.

Ruth Semrau, Upshur County Public Library, Gilmer, TX

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Mallat's (Brave Bear) engaging artwork, rendered in permanent marker and colored pencil, keeps this clever caper rolling at a brisk clip. As passengers scurry to board a train, the engineer remarks, "I hope we don't run into trouble today." Given the title, readers know in advance that there surely is trouble ahead, but will be surprised and amused to discover exactly what kind. After viewing a bucolic scene as the train passes a farmhouse whose friendly residents wave cheerfully, kids flip the page to find the startling image of two enormous yellow eyes staring out against a black background. This is a close-up of Trouble, the cat of the boy who is playing with his toy train, now derailed by the curious pet. Youngsters will eagerly flip back to search for the sometimes subtle textual ("All aboard! Next stop, Black Paw Crossing!") and visual clues (even the cover, on close inspection, offers a hint at what is to come). Mallat's brief, understated narrative leaves ample room for readers' own interpretation of what is real and imagined. Though on subsequent readings they'll know what kind of trouble to expect, kids will happily climb aboard this train for repeat excursions. Ages 3-7.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Ages 2-5. The conductor calls "All aboard!" The train pulls away from the station and speeds along until . . . "Oh no, Trouble on the tracks!" The illustration shows two scary yellow eyes peering from black fur. That's "Trouble" with a capital "T," because once more, Trouble the cat has derailed the toy train set. Trouble's owner, a boy wearing his engineer's hat and a red bandanna, admonishes his black cat, replaces each car, and sets the train in motion again. The central surprise is well done, but enjoyment of the story doesn't depend upon it. Indeed, many preschoolers will derive great satisfaction from knowing that Trouble can be counted on to derail the train each time the book is read. Looking back at the opening pictures, observant kids will notice clues about what's to come (e.g., the people all stand on little rectangles, tiny manikins in a model world). Colorful, well-textured pencil drawings define setting and characters. A short, pleasing picture book. Carolyn Phelan
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