Train Song (Hardcover)

by Harriet Ziefert (Author), Saaf (Author) "Chug-a-chug-chug and clickety-clack ... Steam is white and the engine's black..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Simple rhymed couplets accompany pictures of a little boy playing on a hill with his toy train while watching a real train (with a conductor that looks just like him) wind through the hills and valleys before him. "Chug-a-chug-chug and clickety-clack-/Steam is white and the engine's black." The train goes across bridges, through tunnels, past a station, and disappears into the distance, but the boy knows that, "Tomorrow when it's almost ten,/Freight train will be back again." Saaf's gouache illustrations are childlike and straightforward; the colorful double-page spreads are bordered in a wide band of white with text printed in bold black at the bottom. The book should not be confused with Diane Siebert's book of the same title (Crowell, 1990), which is more sophisticated in text and aimed at a slightly older audience. Ziefert's title will be received eagerly by young train enthusiasts. A natural for preschool storytime.
Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
A little boy stands on a hill as a freight train travels through the valley below. Waving at the engineer, the boy watches each car as it goes by, carrying logs, pigs, ducks, cows, and the like. As the train pulls out of sight, the child reflects that "Tomorrow when it's almost ten, / Freight train will be back again." The same steady rhythm chugs through the book, telling the story in rhymed couplets. Large in scale and naive in style, Saaf's gouache paintings illustrate the text with becoming directness and simplicity. An homage to the fascination many young children feel for trains, this picture book will find a ready audience. Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Orchard (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531302040
• ISBN-13: 978-0531302040
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #826,479 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun for All Ages, December 19, 2003

By	Sarah (Norwalk, CT United States) - See all my reviews

My son is almost two. He absolutely loves when I read him this book...over and over again. He even tries to read it with me. The rhyming and repetition keep his attention. He turns each page with great anticipation. He really loves the illustrations and pointing to all the pictures. It's one of his favorites and it's fun for parents to read, too! I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loads of pleasure for your child, November 15, 2001

By A Customer

My 16 month old loves this book. He would have us read it over and over again and never seems to tire of the story. The rhtyhm of the words and the simple and bold illustrations make this book an attention getter. As soon as I come home in the evening my son starts "choo-choo" and "clikkity-clak". He loves it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Illustrations, January 26, 2001

By	"55dw" (Blagoevgrad Bulgaria) - See all my reviews

Every child I have given this book to loves it-especially the wonderful illustrations by Donald Saaf-all of his books are illustrated beautifully,but this one is really superb.