The Winter Train

September 29, 2014
In the imagination of the Spanish writer Isern (The Magic Ball of Wool), all but a few of the animals of the forest migrate in winter: they pack their bags and ride the train from the Northern Forest to the Southern Forest. In spreads that read like friezes, García draws the animals in shades of sepia and ochre, accentuating the soft fuzziness of their coats and the graceful curves of their necks and tails as they wait near the ancient tree that serves as their train station. There’s even an animal unknown in North America—a genet, a
carnivorous mammal related to mongoose and civets. Genet is the one who realizes that they’ve left Squirrel behind. “But if we go back, we could get trapped in the snow,” says Beaver. Squirrel is rescued safely and, amid a blizzard, the animals clear the tracks of snow so they can get underway. The tranquil bedtime diversion ends by invoking the Peaceable Kingdom, as predators and prey snuggle together, Squirrel under Eagle’s wing. The story is low-key, but García’s artwork is rich and worthwhile. Ages 3–5.

October 1, 2014
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. (Picture book. 3-5)

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