THE WINTER TRAIN

When Squirrel is left behind on the animals’ annual journey south, they return to collect him and then must work together to make a passage through the snow.

This sweet story of friendship and cooperation begins with the premise that numerous animals of the Northern Forest will travel south by train together to avoid the long winter. The cover illustration, with Bear, Squirrel and Eagle in a train made of cardboard boxes, suggests the playful fantasy within. First the animals rush around to pack. They say their goodbyes to those who will stay. Tortoise arrives last, and the group sets off, but Genet soon realizes that Squirrel is missing. Careful readers will find amusing details in the mixed-media illustrations (probably colored pencil and watercolor; some cut-paper images are set on a white background). Cat can't find his toothbrush, but his hairbrush hangs high in a tree. Bear has a backpack; the little rodent rides inside. Readers who are familiar with the linear nature of railroad tracks will blink at how easily the conductor “[brings] the train to a halt and turn[s] back” to retrieve Squirrel; others may notice inconsistencies in the train’s trajectory and orientation. This quibble aside, the book is a fine read-aloud for a fall storytime.

A pleasing import, available in both English and its original Spanish.