How to use this Page

Author Sue Fliess selects "Five Family Favorites" to share with readers ... Read the rest of this post

Choo-Choo by Virginia Lee Burton. (She’s one of Huck’s favorite author/illustrators, going by how often he requests her books.)

Freight Train by Donald Crews. (You may detect a theme.)

Little Witch by Anna Elizabeth Bennett. (Chapter 1, to Rilla. I remember riding my bike to three different library branches in search of this book—not all on the same day—because I’d read it and loved it so, and couldn’t remember the author’s name later, only that it began with B. Today it would take my mom ten seconds on the library website to locate a copy. Back then it meant a bona fide, muscle-burning quest, and all in vain. I couldn’t find it. Years later, when I took a job at HarperCollins, I discovered that it was a Harper book, still in print. And yet somehow I didn’t reread it. This go-round with Rilla will be my first time in decades. I’m eager to see if it holds up to the glowing memories I have of that first reading so long ago. Minikin, nicknamed Minx! I got goosebumps. It’s out of print again, I see: pity.)

Speaking of Little Witches, it’s time to put another round of Dorrie books on hold at the library. One, two, three, ten…there, I’m done, no bicycle required.

Karen Edmisten made my day with a delightful account of a Prairie Thief luncheon held by her daughter’s book club. Potato chowder, dried berry scones, a bucket of hazelnuts (brilliant!), and brownies, of course. They even brewed some horseradish tea, which demonstrates an impressive degree of commitment. Thanks, Karen, for that wonderful post.

This morning we discovered that the passionflower vine I planted ages ago had snaked its way halfway across the butterfly garden. We untangled the wandering tendrils and tied them up along the back fence. I have every suspicion that it is out there right now, busily untying itself, and I’ll find it embracing the hibiscus bush tomorrow.

#42 Freight Train by Donald Crews (1978)
40 points

Trains, colors, simplicity. What a mix! – Angela Reynolds

Perfect blend of art and language, from the first line to going, going, gone. - Pat Vasilik

Ah.  At last we reach another book I like to read to my daughter.  Tell me, does anyone else do a little Kaiser Soze puff of air from the lips when you reach that last “gone” in the book or is that just me?  Don’t answer that.  At any rate there are few books that manged to grab kids quite as young as this one.  It’s something to do with the combination of the pacing, the design, the colors, and the content.  I can’t explain it, but whatever it is it has allowed a book that shares my age to stick around for as long as I have.  Entirely awesome.

The plot according to Kirkus reads, “As trains do, this one simply–splendidly simply–comes and goes. Starting with an empty track, Crews sets down and names the six different ears: each a different primer-bright color, all together a streaking rainbow when pulled along by the moving black engine. Through tunnel and city and darkness and daylight moves the freight train, “Going, going–gone,” leaving behind a trail of smoke and a strong, sharp impression.”

According to Anita Silvey’s 100 Best Books for Children, Freight Train was originally conceived when Crews served in the military in Germany.  It was based on his own memories of watching the trains move past his grandparents’ farm in Florida.  And if you’re like me you probably have noticed the “1978″ and “N&A” in the book.  The first is the date of publication, the second a tribute to his kids Nanette and Amy.

In 1979 it won a Caldecott Honor.  One wonders if new parents that encounter it today just assume that the art is computer generated.  In fact he made the art with stencils and blocks of color.

Back in 1978 Kirkus gave it a star and said it had, “Clean, clear, brilliant design, with no drag.”

Booklist said, “Clear bright illustrations show all the cars of a train bringing the reader the excitement of movement through day and night, country and city.”

Freight Train is notable these days because of its incredibly clever app.  Here’s a look at it:

And here is Donald Crews himself talking about the app:

Hard to beat the original, of course.

Hosted by School Library Journal, it’s a fantastic day-long event filled with panels, author signings, lots of swag, and networking.  And it wouldn’t be a BEA event if it didn’t end with a cocktail event, of course!

Patty and I will be there along with Donald Crews, editor Virginia Duncan, Thanhha Lai, Cindy Pon, and Rita Williams-Garcia.  For a full list of events, check out the schedule.

We hope to see you there!

~ Laura