Customer Reviews

Old Penn Station

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

My 7-year-old son and I both enjoy this book. It tells the simple, but poignent story of the destruction of the grand old Pennsylvania station in New York, by a world entralled with the automobile and unable to see a future in passenger train travel. With today's $4.00/gallon gas prices, the shortsightedness is all too apparent. I have often marveled at how plain and uninviting (and difficult to access) the current Penn Station is. Well, this is the story why. My son is a big fan of trains and he enjoys the beautiful illustrations. This book is not on the usual lists of great, prize winning children's books, but it should be.

For special insight into this book and its wonderful illustrations, see:

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Obviously the previous reviewer expected an adult's illustrated history book. That it is not. Its a wonderful children's book with lots of thoughtful and painstaking details. My kids look at the pictures and imagine what it would be like to be in the station.

Finally a book that dosn't dumb it down for kids. We received it 2 weeks ago and we still love exploring it again again. It seems there is always something new we find in the illistrations.

A delightful book to read. The art in the book is so real, I felt myself walking throughout the beautiful station. Children will definately enjoy reading this book.

As a teacher, I had to have this book. As a small child, one of my earliest memories is getting off the train to view the Pennsylvania Railroad's Manhattan palace. At the time, it had less than a year to stand. I remember that I could not stop looking up, and I knew before anything else happened that New York City was a very special place. I didn't return to Penn Station until the 1980's, and had somehow not heard of the great station's demise. I was heartbroken to say the least. This book brings back the station's grandeur like none other that I have seen. The color is brought back to a place that I have seen only black and white photographs of. The language in the text makes kids feel like they are there. they were horrified to hear that such a beautiful building was torn down. They were disappointed to hear what had taken its place. In a time that promotes the new and the sensational, they now understand that some old things are worth saving. To me, it is obvious the goal set by the author/illustrator in creating this book has most certainly been achieved. My students will remember this book and its message.

I bought this book over a year ago for no other reason than my boys love trains. We've read it at least twice a week ever since. The artwork is beautiful--my little one loves the construction workers on the front end paper and the demolition workers at the end. We've used the book to discuss everything from construction techniques (builders throwing hot rivets!) to still-standing landmarks like Grand Central Station to how books are illustrated, and when we drive through NJ, I point out (roughly) where the rubble was dumped. It's too bad some people gave it a bad review simply because they didn't notice it was a children's book before they bought it. It will teach your kids to respect and protect things that are old and beautiful and get them interested in history.

William Low masterfully uses mixed media (oil and digital) to illuminate the grandeur of New York's bygone Pennsylvania Station of the early 20th century. Most readers will never have been there in that time, but reading and EXPERIENCING this book will place the reader there. The visuals are so evocative that they invite the creative will of the other four senses to play along. Part of the book's power is that the real thing can no longer be witnessed. But this book makes a wonderful alternative. Small historical inaccuracies (the statues' are carved from marble, not granite) are moot in comparison to the overall effect the book will leave on your imagination.

Penn Station lives on through this wonderfully illustrated story by Mr. Low. How sad this building was destroyed in the name of progress. Mr. Low brings it alive again. It would be a great addition to any classroom library.

Beautifully illustrated and delightfully written. Underscoring the importance of landmark preservation, Old Penn Station brings NYC history to life in a most enjoyable way. Great read for both parents and children.

I can only assume that "Aaradman" never actually took a look at this book, because what a stunning book! The drawings are rich and full, luminous and even sumptuous. My budding artist daughter poured over them to explore the detail. It makes you long for them to tear down the monstrosity that is the Madison Square Garden/Penn Station of today and rebuild Penn Station in all its grandeur of yesteryear. Hats off to William Low for another great book!