Crossing

This is a superbly illustrated large format picture book which celebrates in counting-rhyme verse the passage of an old American goods train through a level crossing. Booth's splendidly rhythmic poem, depicting all the different types of box car as the count progresses, was written in 1953. Ibatoulline's almost hyper-realistic paintings touchingly recreate the characters, costume and cultural objects of that time. They reflect the simple, dramatic vividness of the text. You can almost hear the thunderous approach of the steam engine, the metallic chant as the great procession goes by, and the slow fade-out as it vanishes into the distance. The title of the book is printed on a gate barrier, and even the end papers, painted to resemble rusting metal, are fascinating. Very highly recommended (and not just for rail enthusiasts) as a counting book, a storybook, an historical source book and a great visual treat.