Editorial Review

A little boy in a striped engineer cap and overalls extols the manyvirtues of trains in this boldly colored celebration of that most romantic formof transportation. Holding a toy train, he gazes out his bedroom window onto thebucolic countryside bisected by a set of tracks, while train cars "hoot and roaras they rumble by my door." One long train stretches over the course of thebook; every two-page spread features several types of cars and the boy's simple,rhyming descriptions. "Some carry steel; some carry scrap, or secret stuffthat's under wrap." The latter shows what's obviously an airplane, under cover.Vibrant swaths of color and heavy black outlines make the vivid, almostchildlike pictures particularly pleasing to the eye. And as the last car roundsthe bend, we discover there's a special reason our hero loves trains so much,especially the caboose! Tiny train fans will cheer to find this delightfulcompanion to Philemon Sturges and Shari Halpern's Read more

Reviews (8)

Great train book for young kids
I bought this book as a Christmas present for my 3 year old nephew who loves trains. He was so excited about this book! We read each page together, me reading and pointing to the words and then him reading while I pointed to the words. The text is so simple that after we read the book once, he practically had it memorized and was really impressed that he could "read" the book. As a Kindergarten teacher, I know that this is one of the first steps to actually reading, so I was very pleased that this book could offer this for him. Also, the page with the "secret stuff" seemed to be a space shuttle or airplane, covered with an American flag. At least that's what I thought, and my nephew (who also loves space stuff and airplanes) thought the same.
A must have
My 2 1/2 year old son has loved this book for over a year, and has it completely mesmorized.I have taped the pages so many times, I am going to have to break down and by another one.The inside cover naming all the diffent types of train cars is awesome.You have to have this book, it is THE BEST.

I loved it but...
I bought this book for my three-year old nephew, who is a serious train-lover.I was delighted with the simple, rhyming text and the comparison of the different uses of engines.i was, however, a little taken aback by the page that depicts what appears to be an American missile (too small to be a spaceship)on a journey to a destination unknown.The description of "secret stuff that's under wrap" alsomade me think of a weapon.I felt really uncomfortable giving this to my nephew, and ultimately decided not to.An almost perfect book! It was a shame. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Fiction    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Railroads    6. Stories in rhyme    7. Trains    8. Transportation - General    9. Transportation - Trains    10. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (4)

Catchy, fun books for toddlers who like all trucks
our 2 1/2 year old son is realy enjoying the whole "amazing machines" series. i like them too. they are fun, and the rhymes are clever. they even give me more to talk about with my son when we see different trucks that go by. i can "discuss" the truck parts, and the jobs that the trucks do. in my opinion, a very fun series that has helped me spend quality time with my little truck lover.

My son's most tattered book! Constantly read & re-read.
My son knows this book off by heart. He is nearly two, and he makes me read it over and over. He says the last word of every rhyming page, and is reduced to hysterics by the squelching and glugging comments. He has alsolearnt all the technical terms for different parts of diggers and he isconstantly pointing them out on our journeys.Thank you Tony Mitton and AntParker for the hours of fun we have with your brilliant book. I have justordered Roaring Rockets, and I cannot wait for it to arrive.

Great illustrations highlight a fabulous bok
Perfect for the toddler set, this book captured the attention of my not quite 2-year old.He loves to point out "diggers" from our car and the book seemed to spark an increase in his vocabulary as he shared hisenthusiasm for the book.I can't wait to try other books by this duo. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Excavating machinery    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Machinery    8. Science & Technology    9. Technology - Machinery    10. Transportation - General    11. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (19)

Great read for preschoolers and up
I have read this to pre-schoolers and they just love the illustrations. The sites of New York City come alive in this book.You'll fall in love with Maxi when you read this story and be asking for more.

How To Get a Second Grade Boy to Read For Pleasure
Second grade boys are tough critics but I've yet to find one who didn't like "The Adventures of Taxi Dog".The story, told in rhyme, is sensitive and funny. The pictures are colorful and ripe withdetails.Thededication is special and should not be skipped if you are reading this one out loud.

There is a home for every creature
I read this book to my son when he was 5 yrs old as part of the scholastic book order through his school. My son is now going to be graduating from high school and he still has the book. However, it has seen better days since it is in paperback! The first time I read this book to him, believe it or not, I got choked up. The illustrations and the story itself are outstanding. He treasures this book as a very happy childhood memory. I've decided as part of his graduation present that I would get the brand new hard cover so that he may always cherish it and read it to his own kids some day. :o) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals - Dogs    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. City and town life    6. Dogs    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    10. Social Issues - Homelessness & Poverty    11. Taxicabs    12. Transportation - General    13. Early learning / early learning concepts    14. Fiction dealing with social issues    15. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation    16. Transport technologies   

Reviews (5)

Young people need modern heroes - Robert Ballard is real.
Robert Ballard is one of the few genuine adventurer - hero models available to young people of the 21st Century. He is is incapable of being boring. He's somehow interesting even when he's talking about a can of paint. He has manifold unquestioned achievements, both scientific and spectacular in the public eye. His flair for photography and for commissioning or selecting exciting paintings of underwater scenes is unparalleled. His feeling for developing memorable themes, in this case lost ships, is gripping for both adults who allow their imaginations to seized by large events effectively told, as well as children. A look at lost liners you never even knew about
I accidentally ordered this children's book from my son's school book fair, but I really love it. I wanted the book Lost Liners also by Bob Ballard. The paintings in Ghost Liners are wonderful and the narrative is interesting and also sad at times. I didn't even know about many of the other sea disasters. My son did read the book, but I'm the one who enjoyed it the most. The haunting illustrations are, themselves, worth the price of the book.

Pretty Good Little Book
This was a pretty good little book for the money.However, it was largelya slimmed-down version of Lost Liners, which I highly recommend.Some newpictures were featured, but much of it was rehash. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. History - General    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Ocean liners    7. Pictorial works    8. Sea stories    9. Shipwrecks    10. Transportation - Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft    11. Ghosts & poltergeists    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / Modern    13. Ships & shipping   

Reviews (3)

good for early readers
I am currently reading the original Little House on the Praire to my son and he was so excited to discover that there were versions of the story he could read himself!Going West is based on the first chapter of Little House on the Prairie (each of the "my first" books is based on a specific chapter from either Little House on the Prairie, Little House in the Big Woods or Farmer Boy).My son was delighted to recognize details from the original story in "his" version.The events, and sometimes the exact text itself, come directly from the bigger books.These books made good easy readers for my son because the story was familiar and the illustrations provide many details.They were perfect for my son who isn't quite ready for chapter books, but wants to read an interesting story.Now he wants to collect the whole set!!!

Going West
I like this book Going West. Excellent for young children and their LH-fan moms!
This beautifully illustrated book nicely sums up "Little House in the Big Woods."The drawings are faithful in spirit to Garth Williams' originals, as the text is to Wilder's writing.For example, one page readssomething like, one winter's night Pa told Ma he was taking the family outwest.Definitely not PC for a husband to tell a wife what to do, butthat's what Wilder wrote and that's what the author summarizes.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1867-1957    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Fiction    6. Frontier and pioneer life    7. Girls & Women    8. Historical - United States - 19th Century    9. Historical - United States - General    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. Transportation - General    13. Wilder, Laura Ingalls,    14. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / 19th Century   

Reviews (3)

amazing book!
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in how things work.Beautiful artistry and informative.My son loves it!

Inspires the not so avid reader to sit down and browse...
My 10 yr. old son brought this book home from the library and loved it. The graphics are second to none and the labels and short captioned boxes oftext encouraged him to read several excerpts. The broad range of equipmentcovered is intriguing even to an adult.It is educational for the youngreader to identify vehicles they've read about in school but nevervisualized. This book will be under our Christmas tree AND under the treeof a nephew who loves figuring out how things work!

Award-Winning Book
This book is a 1997 NCSS Notable ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobiles    2. Bulldozers    3. Children's 4-8    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Curiosities & Wonders    6. Design and construction    7. General    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Railroad trains    11. Technology - How Things Work/Are Made    12. Transportation - General    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Curiosities & Wonders   

Reviews (2)

2 year old son loves these books
My son loves trucks these days and got these truck board books for his 2nd birthday a few weeks ago and he loves them. He did manage to separate the book because it's a board book and he likes to snap the pages around but even in pieces he still loves to read it, look at it and have it read to him. The only reason I don't give this 5 stars is because there aren't many pages to them, but this doesn't matter to kids who like the same few pages read over and over anyway.

Great Truck Lovers Book!
My just 2 year old loves bulldozers and backhoes and this book is everything he loves!! It is a nice size and easy for him to carry everywhere! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Earthmoving machinery    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Machinery    7. Specimens    8. Toy and movable books    9. Transportation - Cars & Trucks    10. Transportation - General    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Transportation / Cars & Trucks   

Reviews (8)

A wonderful book for all ages
I discovered this book at a friend's house several years ago. It was quick bedtime reading. Upon returning home, I got my own copy, and have since given away other examples as Christmas gifts.
Simply fascinating.
This book describes how gigantic steel and iron parts were fabricated and assembled into giant steam locomotives years ago.It is a fascinating read for any one with any mechanical aptitude or interest.The illustrations -- meticulously drawn and rendered by the author -- are spellbinding.You can't help but say "Wow!" when you see some of them.The only negative I saw was the overly warm and folksy background story as told in an autobiographical style by the author.

Marvelous !!
I'm rekindling my fascination with steam locomotives again.I had read this book about 10 years ago and came across it again on my bookshelf. I'm re-reading it with the same joy/fascination I did the 1st time ! (and I'm no kid at 42 years old - would be nice to have a son to share it with!!) I'm glad I haven't lost that child-like wonder at these huge machines of yesteryear.I feel like I'm the young apprentice in the book, ravenously learning the complexicities of designing and building one of the magnificent monsters !Read more

Subjects:  1. Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton Corporat    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Engineering - General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Locomotives    9. Railroads    10. Railroads - General    11. Trains    12. Transportation - Railroads & Trains    13. Trains & railways: general interest   

Reviews (26)

Titanic
Do you like old ships? Well, I know the right one for you. It is the Titanic. It is about a ship that hit an ice berg and went down. So go under water with Dr.Robert Ballard and explore the Titanic. Good Luck! This book is recommended for 8 and up.
A Sad, Yet True Look at the TITANIC
Exploring the TITANIC is a very profound read. Robert Ballard (author of this book) is an avid diver, with the dream of finding and exploring the TITANIC. He joined a bunch of French explorers, and traveled far into the deep of the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland where the TITANIC sank in 1912. Ballard used Argo (an advanced water-safe camera) to take pictures of the TITANIC until he found that he could not use Argo anymore because the rough waves were pounding against it. Minute after minute, hour after hour, the Knorr (the submarine Ballard was traveling on) floated in a sea of darkness because the only light they had was the light from Argo. About ten hours went by before Ballard decided to use Angus. Angus was an older camera that Ballard had used in previous explorations. In an hour or two, Ballard had found the TITANIC. Somehow he was not satisfied. He wanted to take clear pictures but did not know how to get them with the technology that he had with him. He pondered this for days. He knew that he was about 13 feet above the TITANIC. Then it came to him that he just needed to go down 13 feet more to get his pictures. Ballard convinced the Captain to go down the 13 feet. When they reached their target, they were able to get their pictures.
If you like reading about the Titanic you will love this book!!
It's a true story about the Titanic and what things Robert Ballard and his team find in the Titanic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - History - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. History - General    5. History - Other    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. North Atlantic Ocean    9. Shipwrecks    10. Titanic (Steamship)    11. Transportation - Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft    12. Underwater exploration   

Reviews (25)

An American Archetype
There is a traditional story of the retired firehorse that responds to the bell. John J. Harvey is a true example of that. She and her crew answered the bell that day. It troubles me that so many reviewers want to "revise" this book to remove the horror of that day. You can not revise the events and remove the horror from them. It needs to be recalled, remembered and dealt with, both by children and adults. I love this book. As a firefighter and Naval Reservist I can't say enough good things about the story here. More importantly enough good things can not be said about John J. Harvey and the crew that saved her and then brought her back into service that day.

Great kids' book on an almost impossible subject
I was amazed at E. Bird "Ramseelbird's" negative review of this book.He feels that Kalman's treatment of September 11 was flippant and cutesy-pie??
Thank you, Fireboat, For Helping Me Discuss 9-11 with my Son
This is a book about heroes, an interesting tale that takes an obscure little boat and makes it the centerpiece for a story of the September 11 attacks.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Boats and boating    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fire extinction    5. History - United States/21st Century    6. John J. Harvey (Fireboat)    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. September 11 Terrorist Attacks    11. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    12. Transportation - Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft    13. World Trade Center (New York,    14. Juvenile Nonfiction / People & Places / General   

Reviews (2)

A favorite gift
I first got this book for my son two years ago and we've been giving it as a gift ever since.The rhyming text and colorful pictures hold their attention and the special train info in the back is cute also.My sonloves the other 3 titles in the series: Dazzling Diggers, Roaring Rockets,and Flashing Fire Engines. Great price for a hardcover book!

"I want it NOWWWWW"
A must-have for the young train enthusiast, this book's cadence is charming and infectious.Its pictures are simple yet engaging.I have just ordered a replacement copy for my 3-year-old, who is heartbroken atthe loss of his original copy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Animals - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Railroads    8. Transportation - Railroads & Trains    9. Transportation - Trains    10. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Subjects:  1. Automobiles    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Babies & Toddlers    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Readers - Beginner    7. Specimens    8. Textured books    9. Touch    10. Transportation - Cars & Trucks   

Reviews (9)

My son's favorite!
I thought this book looked old-fashioned and boring, so I didn't buy it.I checked it out from the library and my son loved it.We kept rechecking it out and at the book store he would continue to look at it.So I buy it.He knows the story so well, that he knows some of it by memory.(My son is three years old now.)
Great choice for train fans!
I love Virginia Lee Burton--she is a fantastic children's author and artist!My first introduction to her was through Katy the Snowplow but I love Maybelle the Cable Car, too!

My Favorite Book
I remember very few things about elementary school, but one of the things I do remember is my class taking a weekly trip to the library.Each student was allowed to check out a book and had to return it on the next visit.I read many other books, but the one I would come back to get over and over again was this one.I loved it and after some thinking back, I remembered why.One of the greatest children's books of all time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Fiction    4. Railroads    5. Trains    6. Transportation - General    7. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (2)

Truck Duck
This is a great book especially for preschoolers.The pictures are bright and colorful and attract even my 10-week old grandson.As a teacher, I highly recommend it.

Truck Duck Cab Crab
My son really enjoys this book.At 15 months, he has started being very particular about which books he wants to have read to him, and this one is always a favorite.I've never heard him turn it down yet.It's very simple - each page has a vehicle being driven by an animal and two words, such as "truck duck" or "blimp chimp" or "cab crab."Even though it's a favorite, I gave it just 4 stars, because I don't know if it will be a favorite for kids who aren't obsessed with vehicles and wheels, like my son is. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Animals - General    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Fiction    6. Stories in rhyme    7. Transportation - General    8. Vehicles    9. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (8)

rap girl
The Titanic is a very good book.I hope that you like it and that you will read the Titanic.It has sad parts in it and good parts that was the best book.

GHOST OF THE ABYSS
In 1912 a magnisafint new ship namd the TITANIC was made. Peopol clamed it an unsincaboul ship.Why? The titanic did`t have one bottom it had two.Then at last the titanic set sail. Then one night in the crows nest one of the men saw a iceberg.Thenanother man rang a bell and shouted ICE BERG RIGHT AHEAD! but they saw it too late. the titanic hit the iceberg on the starbord side.and the engons stoped and the ship stoped move ing. the titanic begen to sink.it sank hier and hier and hier then a crashing and booming and craking sound was herd. the titanic split in two.while the bow section sank down to the bottom of the ocean the stern section stuck up and began its final plung to the bottom of the ocean 78 Years later dr. Robert balerd descoverd the titanic sank in two insted of sinking in one.

Beginnings and Endings.
This wonderful children's book explains the history of the ill-fated ship, from the beginning of its maiden voyage in England to the discovery of the boat at the bottom of the ocean depths by Dr. Robert Ballard. The illustrations are lively and vibrant, giving depth to the easy to understand, yet enchanting text. I have read several children's books about the Titanic and this one seems to have the best of everything. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. History - Other    4. Juvenile literature    5. North Atlantic Ocean    6. Shipwrecks    7. Titanic (Steamship)    8. Transportation - Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft    9. English    10. English language readers    11. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Other   

Reviews (2)

On of the best!!
My one year old son loves the things that go series by DK publishing and when he found the bigger version with new photos in it he had to have it.He actually sits still to look at it.

This book has traction!
My son loves tractors and trucks and cars and he loves his tractor book with wheels on it. If your little boy loves anything that digs or rolls or drives buy this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Farm life    4. Farm tractors    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Tractors    8. Transportation - Cars & Trucks    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Transportation / Cars & Trucks   

Reviews (1)

a bright and delightful romp with shapes
The artwork in this book is so cheerful and cleverly done. It gives you a really fun way to teach shapes to your child. The discovery of a sunken treasure chest adds to the adventure and excitement for the child. The boats and fish are so colorful you wish you could jump into the pictures. I took it out of my library but am going to buy a copy for my child.She is 22 months old and is learning her shapes, but is not able to count high enough to count the number of some of the shapes on the pages. But then, that means she can grow with the book. And isn't that exactly what you want out of a children's book? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boats and boating    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Preschool    4. Concepts - Size & Shape    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Nature & the Natural World - General    8. Rafts    9. Shape    10. Transportation - General    11. Picture books    12. Shapes & patterns   

Reviews (1)

Perfect Picture Book for Kids
We originally had the Big Truck book...but it eventually wore out because we read it so many times. I bought this one to replace it, and it's even better. The pictures are great, and it helps me use my imagination...to come up with stories to go along with the pictures. My son requests this book as his bedtime story every night. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Kindergarten    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Transportation - Cars & Trucks    4. Transportation - Railroads & Trains    5. Juvenile Nonfiction / Transportation / Railroads & Trains   

Reviews (3)

An excellent book for young airplane lovers!
My 14-month old son absolutely loves this book, and I have to admit that I do, too.The text is well-written and rhymes, with a nice cadence to it that is fun to read, even after you've read it three times in a row!The book explains how you travel by airplane -- packing your bag, going to the terminal, checking in, getting on board, etc.It even (briefly and simply) tells how airplanes fly.The illustrations are bright and colourful, and the story really feeds a little one's excitement about going on a flight.If your child (age 6 or less, I'd guess) is interested in airplanes, or if you are planning to travel on one, I would highly recommend this book.

My son loves this book...
...whenever I'm on the road, this is the book he reaches for my wife to read to him!

My 2YO loves it
My son who just turned two asks for this book frequently. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air travel    2. Airplanes    3. Animals - General    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Kindergarten    7. Children: Preschool    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Preschool Informational Books    11. Transportation - Airplanes    12. Transportation - Aviation    13. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Editorial Review

The little red plane is getting ready for takeoff. Load the last few pieces of luggage. Check the controls. And "up, up, and away!" What a day to fly!Read more

Reviews (10)

Pilot Seal of Approval
Another big vote for this book.As a small red plane pilot, I've given out two of these books to friends kids, with very positive results.90% of the activities are amazingly accurate, from "chocks away" to refueling.
Not for rough players....
My two-year-old son loves this book but he has already destroyed more than fifty percent of it after two months of use. My daughter loves it. Not just for boys.
I am writing in response to the reviewer who said that the book is especially great for boys. (let's not gender-type!) This is our daughter's favorite book. She is 13 1/2 months now and it has been her absolute favorite since we started reading it to her when she was just a few months old and we just ordered a second copy because hers is so tattered from use. Highly recommended for girls as well! :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics    2. Airplanes    3. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    4. Children: Preschool    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Specimens    8. Toy and movable books    9. Transportation - Airplanes    10. Transportation - General