The Train

This is an extraordinary book by an extraordinary author. It is literate beyond the probably intended audience of chidren but not elusive in any sense. A single reading doesn't begin to reveal the depth of both the story and the art work. The many shifts between dreams and reality are compelling and delightful and unlike most "children's literature". I read this book to my children, boys and girls both and they read it to me. It was exciting for all of us on every read. It is, as one of them said, "a travesty" that it is out of print and as another said, "a tragedy" that I did not buy hundreds of copies to hoard just for the appreciated value. Perhaps, but the real appreciated value is that we all shared McPhail's vision repeatedly over the years. It is a great read, buy it at any cost and keep it in the family forever.

The only sad thing about this book is that it is out of print, and if this review can, in some small way, contribute to bringing the book back, I'll be very happy. David McPhail has a wonderful way of blending the worlds of reality and fantasy, awakeness and dream. In this book, Matthew goes to bed after his baby brother breaks his beloved model train. He apparently tries and fails to fall asleep, then climbs out of his bunk bed to see a full-size steam locomotive parked in his bedroom! He enjoys several adventures on the train, and gets to help the engineer drive the train. Then, as he becomes sleepy again, the engineer cradles him in his arms, and carries him to his own sleeper car--which bears a remarkable resemblance to his bunk bed. This is a tender, magical story, and every child who loves trains will love it.

Great illustrations and a lovely story of a boy's dream of his fixing and then riding on his toy train.