Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Jonathan Cape (1989), Edition: 1st Edition, 48 pages
Description
At bedtime a young boy takes a trip on his toy train and rescues several endangered animals.
Media reviews
[Starred Review] A fine British author-illustrator blends several of his hallmarks in an effective plea for the environment. ... A neat surprise provides a chuckle at the end; mixed-media illustrations have Burningham's usual inimitable wit, beauty, and splendor.
... A boy, playing with a toy train in his bedroom, is told by his mother to go to bed. He closes his eyes, and soon is hurtling through the countryside on his train, in the company of his stuffed dog, who has come to life. "Hey! Get off our train," they say to an elephant who climbs on board. The
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elephant explains that he is trying to escape from someone who wants to cut off his tusks, so they let him stay. The boy and the dog also give sanctuary to other endangered animals, including a seal, a crane, a tiger and a polar bear, as the train travels through different lands. ... The story's important, timely message of protection for endangered species is delivered with just enough subtlety and delightful humor. ... Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member vivacelibre
introduces the idea of extinction to young children...interesting illustrations. Grif liked it for the trains and the animals.
LibraryThing member eearly15
Chalk, crayons, coal and colored pencils bring to live one of the most entertaining fantasies of a boy who was sent to bed, and ended up imagining a trip in a train around the world where his only mission is to save some of the endangered species running away from the human harm, inviting them to
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appreciate what nature offers by engaging the animals in simple and innocent activities such as throwing a snowball or flying a kite. The truth in this metaphorical fantasy made in drawings with shades, and some cross-hatching, provokes the reader to become aware of the negative impact human decisions have in nature and over animals about to disappear. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
CCBC Choices (1990)
NCTE Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K—Grade 6 (10th Edition: 1988-1992; 12th Edition: 1996-1998)
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
0224026984 / 9780224026987
Similar in this library
DDC/MDS
| 823.914 |