The Train to Glasgow [Hardcover]

Wilma Horsbrugh (Author), Paul Cox (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

The train to Glasgow is about to depart from Donibristle Station. Mr. MacIver, the engine driver, is anxious to get going, and the guard is all set to wave his flag and blow his whistle. . . . But wait! Here comes young Donald MacBrain, racing full-tilt. Will he make it? Yes, and just in time! Donald, Mr. MacIver, the guard, various passengers, and some very lively feathered friends all play important roles in what turns out to be an unforgettable train ride to Glasgow.

This exuberant tale by Wilma Horsbrugh, told in a cumulative rhyme in the style of "The House That Jack Built," has delighted generations of British youngsters. For its first appearance as a picture book, it has been strikingly illustrated by Paul Cox.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Horsbrugh's cumulative poem has been frequently anthologized since its initial publication in 1954. In flowing but tightly rhymed verse, it chronicles a train trip to Glasgow in which young Donald MacBrain, hauled onto the train at the last minute by the kindly driver, saves the day by his quick thinking when some chickens escape. Both the poem and Cox's watercolor illustrations, reminiscent of the work of Edward Ardizonne, have a nostalgic feel. An additional purchase.
Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. First published 50 years ago, this joyful cumulative rhyme by the late children's poet Horsbrugh has been newly illustrated with exuberant, detailed watercolors that capture "the flurry, the fuss, the noise and commotion" on a steam train when the squawking chickens get loose from their box and invade the passenger cars. A young boy, Donald MacBrain, "who came to the station to catch the train," saves the day: "He caught the hens and he caught the cocks / And he put them back in their great big box." Grandparents will enjoy sharing this with children not only for the period setting and the romance of the old trains but also for the timeless appeal of chaotic uproar, a young rescuer, and a rhyming story, just right for joining in. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; First edition (April 19, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618381430
• ISBN-13: 978-0618381432
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #907,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great poem, excellent book, January 14, 2011

By 

Hanah (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Train to Glasgow (Hardcover)

This book is a cumulative poem in the style of The House that Jack Built, or There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, or Green Eggs and Ham. The lines change a bit as new things are added, and the last verse is completely different.

The story is about a boy named Donald, maybe around ten years old, who almost misses the train from Donibristle to Glasgow. The guard grabs his hands and yanks him into the train as it is leaving the station. But then a cage full of chickens falls over and the chickens escape and begin running around the train. Donald gathers them back up for the guard, who is so pleased that he invites Donald to have tea with him and his wife.

The illustrations provide the opportunity to anticipate what is going to happen next, at least once you've read the book through a few times. As the guard blows the whistle to start the train, for instance, you can see Donald in the background, running across a bridge, trying to catch the train. As the guard yanks Donald into the train, a corner of the cage of chickens is visible just beside him. When the chickens get out of their cage, you see them running toward the passengers they'll be stepping on top of on the next page.

This is also a great free range book. This boy is traveling alone on a train between two cities. He doesn't even have an adult bring him to the station! Once on the train, he saves the day by rounding up the chickens. And then at the end, he is allowed to go to tea, again without any parents, with this man and woman he's apparently never met before. This kid is capable, independent, trusting, and friendly--all excellent qualities.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great preschool book!, June 30, 2011

By 

K. Drake (IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Train to Glasgow (Hardcover)

My 3yo loves this book! She has been really into trains for the past year, so we added some train books to our collection. This is one of her favorites, I think in part due to the catchy rhythm of the poem. A fun book about a trip to Glasgow on a train that is carrying hens who get out of their box...an enjoyable read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for Toddlers!, December 18, 2008

By 

Nicholas Kirkbride (New York) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Train to Glasgow (Hardcover)

We had borrowed this book from the library and after it stayed at home for three months, I had to return it only to hear that same day "Where is Glasgow book?" Now, I have to buy our own copy! Both my 2-year-old and my 5-year-old love the book - they have almost memorized every line and recite it often and it has helped the older one to read on her own. We have read it every single evening since it appeared in the house and we love the melody of the language and the illustrations.
We all greatly recommend it!