Customer Reviews

The Train to Glasgow

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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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.

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.

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!

I really enjoyed "The Train to Glasgow"! I'd just been in Scotland when I ordered this book & it brought back many fun memories! Loved the pictures too!

This is a wonderful book for story time with the little ones, Especially if they like trains, This is a great adventure and transportation book.

If your toddler is train mad, (who's aren't?), and you want something other than Dr Seuss (think Green Eggs and Ham), this is an excellent choice. I remember being read this poem by a Scottish friend of my father in the 60s, and although I can't exactly simulate his accent, my kids love the rythmic and repetitive rhymne, joining in with the the story as it flows along. The pictures in this edition are very well done, with a nice flowing motion and add a lot of enjoyment to the telling. Its a relatively quick read so boredom is not a issue. But be prepared to have to read this often - they'll love it!