The Prairie Train
Grade 1-5-"Once upon a time, there was a train that dreamed of being a boat." And once upon a time, there was Conor, a heartsick immigrant boy traveling across the prairies to a new home, his toy boat in tow. When the two meet, the world re-forms itself into a lovely fantasy. In prose rich with images and metaphor ("...the Prairie Train traveled through towering grass that moved in the wind like gigantic green waves"), O Flatharta's fanciful tale flows across the pages, drawing readers into the dream journey of the train and the boy. The story has wisdom and depth: "There's bigger boats waiting for you," his grandfather tells him in the dream. "It's the same moon that's shining on all of us. Makes no difference if you're in Connemara or San Francisco." The tale also has a satisfying and uplifting conclusion: "As the morning sun climbed higher and higher in the sky, Conor and the Prairie Train moved forward together." Rohmann's stunning paintings evoke a dreamlike state. Dramatic use of light, bold brush strokes and surprising perspectives combine to make memorable illustrations that truly complement the prose. A unique and powerful book.Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WICopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.