Common Sense Note
We found no objectionable content in this book.
The spare story of a train's journey rhythmically complements the artwork, which dramatically illustrates the feeling of a train in motion.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Karyn Wellhousen
Even though the train's stature in our culture has diminished, generations of children have spent hours playing with toy train sets, and the memory of a train ride lasts a lifetime. Perhaps this explains children's continued fascination with the visual appeal, sound, and movement of trains, as well as kids' enthusiasm for this book.
Donald Crews has effectively captured our enchantment with trains. By four or five years of age, children will begin recognizing the color word strategically placed above the corresponding car. This recognition of familiar terms is crucial to supporting beginning readers. Older, reluctant readers will find it reassuring to see familiar color words as they read.
Crews won the 1979 Caldecott Honor award for his expressionistic art in Freight Train. His style draws readers quickly into the book by eliminating unnecessary details. For example, as the train rushes past cities, a simple, two-toned skyline is in view. Majestic mountains are depicted by an effective but vague use of shades of violet.
From The Book
Freight train. Moving. Going through tunnels. Going by cities ... going, going ... gone.
Plot Summary:
All aboard! Donald Crews takes his young readers for a ride on a traditional freight train pulled by a steam engine. The cargo is loaded in colorful cars that blur together as the train picks up speed. Young train lovers will be intrigued by Crews's award-winning art.
Related Books:
Readers intrigued with trains may also enjoy Kevin Lewis's Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo, illustrated by Daniel Kirk. If it is the artistic elements of Freight Train that catch your eye, try Truck or School Bus, also by Donald Crews. Children who love trains will enjoy watching them in motion in the video Train Adventures for Kids.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
|
||
Violence |
|
|
||
Language |
|
|
||
Message |
|
|
||
Social Behavior |
 |
|
||
Commercialism |
|
 |
||
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
||
