The Train Ride

We can almost feel the rhythm, sounds and motion of the engine's wheels as we board this steam train. The journey takes us through meadows, past a farm with its 'shiny red tractor/Pulling its load,' through the tunnel, past 'A gaggle of geese / Strutting about,' and into sight of the seaside town with its market square, lighthouse, sand and sea. And who is waiting open armed and smiling? None other than Grandma, of course. Three vital elements - rhyme, rhythm and repetition - combine to make this a marvellous book for sharing with a class or group of under-sixes. Equally it offers maximum support for beginning readers who may either be reading through the oft-repeated 'What shall I see? / What shall I see?' and 'That's what I see / That's what I see.' or 'playing' the part of the child narrator for the entire journey. The glowing pictures, with their views outside and inside the train, ride over the wide awake sleepers of a memorable text. Big Book version please!