All Aboard the Alaska Train

PreS-Gr 2--Rhyming railroad fun until it's done is what this book is all about. Each page begins with onomatopoeia of a train sound, along with a verb that describes how the train moves along the track. "Chugga-chugga, clickety-clack! Rocking down the railroad track." Then the animal identification begins, with the name of the animal (done in large font) set apart from the typed words. A different animal (all of them native to Alaska) is featured on every page and appears to be happy and excited about the railroad adventure. As the train keeps moving along, the animal from the previous page is shown as a passenger, now peeking out the window. Joseph's bright and inviting pictures fill the entire page and are done in a similar style to the books in his "Little Blue Truck" series. People in the story are of varying skin tones. Two paragraphs at the end of the book offer more details about the Alaska Railroad Corporation, followed by a map. The final page features four railroad cars in the Alaska Railroad colors, labeled and defined for readers. VERDICT A cheerful ode to Alaska, its animals, train system, and landscape that is sure to leave readers demanding, "Again!"--Tracy Cronce

A rousing, rhyming tour of Alaskan wildlife and scenery. . . .this book offers a perfect pairing of big, bright, expressive color illustrations and engaging read-aloud text. For budding train enthusiasts, animal lovers, and nature buffs. -Kirkus Reviews