Inside Freight Train

by Donald Crews

Book Overview

In this special version of the Caldecott Honor classic, little hands can slide the doors to reveal the contents of each car, from apples, peaches, and pears in the refrigerated car all the way to caboose--which opens to show the train crew!

In simple, powerful words and vibrant illustrations, Donald Crews evokes the rolling wheels of that childhood favorite: a train.

This Caldecott Honor Book features...

• Format: Board book
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0073AQ6XK
• ISBN13: 9780688170875
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Length: 12 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.0" x 5.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 5 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Kindergarten

Customer Reviews

Fun book for a train-loving kid!

This is a great companion to Donald Crews’s Freight Train. Only giving three stars because the copy I purchased was to supposed to be in “good” condition but half of one of the slide out pages is missing, which removes a good chunk of this very short book. This should have been noted, and certainly accounted for in the price.

classic book made even better

If your child loves trains, you are undoubtedly always on the lookout for railroad-themed books and toys that are a little special -- this is one of them. Alternate pages pull out to reveal the goods that are carried on a freight train -- a novel concept that helps a toddler understand how a bit of the world works. Simple text defines the various types of train cars, and the cover and back illustrations are very nice too. The book is quite durable.

pull up your drink--you'll be reading this one a lot!

Normally I'd be upset if a book fell apart on me like Crews' Inside Freight Train. But the truth is, the book had no chance. From the moment we bought this book our 14-month-old son had to read it. And read it. And read it. Worse, he had to have it read to him. And to him. And to him. I don't know what the guaranteed amount of "pull-outs" the page had, but I'm sure we exceeded them in the first week. No sooner would we turn the last page and slide it back in than he'd sign more and we'd start all over. I stopped counting after 20+ readings in one sitting. The pages slide in and out easily even for little hands. The illustrations are clear and colorful, not overly busy. The amount of text is just right. The interactiveness--being able to pull the pages out, being able to anticipate what will be inside--is a wonderful bonus. Highly recommended. Though I'd also recommend buying two--we eventually did.

Bright and Colorful Treasure

This bright and colorful board book is one above the others. Each sturdy page depicts a car of a freight train. Every other page slides open to reveal the contents of that car. What fun to see toys and books when the purple boxcar is opened! With just the right amount of text, pre-schoolers will delight in discovering what's inside the freight train.

Donald Crews has done it again!

All of Mr. Crews' books are favorites in our house...so it is no suprise that my son, Ben (3), loves this one too! I am buying another copy for my girlfriend's children. I think this man is one of the best authors/illustrators of children's books around. He has a way with beautiful pictures and simple verses that are so pleasing for young children. This book is a little different from his others because of the sliding pages but it only adds to the charm. This book is a winner! Also, check out Freight Train, Flying and School Bus by Donald Crews as well, you won't be disappointed!