#365PictureBooks 7. How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton, illustrated by John Rocco

Eaton, J.C. (2013). How to Train a Train. London, UK: Walker Books.

ISBN: 9781406350784
Pages: 40
Age Level: Early Childhood 4-6 / Middle Childhood 7-10
Genre: Picture Storybook
Rating: 5 stars

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Oh My God!  I LOVE this book.  From the eye-catching cover and title, to the 'instructional' text and wicked illustrations.  If you can't buy a copy you have to at least borrow a copy to read.  Must!  Must!  Must!  Do it!  Go on - I know you want to. :-)

There are so many books out there on how to train your pet budgie, or dog, or even your dragon.  But what about those kids that don't want a conventional pet.  

"What about those who like cogs and gears more than feathers and fur?  People who prefer the call of a train whistle to the squeal of a guinea pig?  Or maybe dream of a smudge of soon on their cheek, not slobber?"

This hard bound, slightly longer than standard, picture book is a take-off of How to Train Your Dragon, or a conventional pet guide book.  Eaton tells you where you can find trains, suggestions on how to catch one, ideas for naming your train, and how to look after it.  It is told in a very convincing instructional way, as if it were a real training guide.  It's wickedly, tongue-in-cheek, funny! 

John Rocco, recipient of a 2012 Caldecott Honor award for his book Blackout, has spun his magic and illustrated this book.  His use of digitally coloured illustrations, combined with the cleverly incorporated facial features on the engines, perfectly captures the playfulness of the pet trains.

The expressions on the children's faces are just awesome.  From the narrator asking you to follow him while he shows you the best way, to the young girl casually walking down the path in front of her train, to the young boy who's train left a mess in the kitchen.  Classic!  And so true to life.

Oh, and this book is not just for boys!  Oh no!  There are no stereotypes.  Rocco includes girls in some of his illustrations, even one in a pink tutu!  He has also include children of different nationalities, making this a book to be read by anyone. 

Told in a cross between picture book and graphic novel this book is sure to be a hit.

Just in case you are worried that the author doesn't care about his reader, especially as there is an image of a young girl standing in the tracks cornering a stationary train, there is a postscript:

While the author believes that it would indeed be wonderful to track, own, and train one's very own train, he does not suggest that you make a practice of standing in the middle of train tracks.  Just as he does not suggest swimming in a train's bathtub without adult supervision, or traveling to the desert without an adequate water supply and SPF 1000 sunblock, or building a fire by yourself, or operating a train without the proper paperwork, or disobeying traffic laws, or walking across a train trestle several thousand feet up from the ground.  All of these things are extremely dangerous and should be performed only by fully trained illustrated characters. 


There is just so much to like about this book and it will meet the reading needs of so many.  Fans of How to Train Your Dragon will love it.  Kids that have, or want, a pet will love it.  Kids that love trains will love it.  Little kids will love it 'cause it's funny.  Big kids will love it 'cause the just 'get it'.  And teachers & parents will love it.  Did I mention that I LOVE this book!!!  It's  a great book to add to your collection.

Right-o, I'm off to track down my very own train.  I'm thinking a Silver Bullet would be nice.  Hope to catch you all tomorrow ... 

I got my copy of How to Train a Train from the Taradale Primary School library where I work. 

Oops I can't find this at our local library.
You can check out some other reviews for How to Train a Train on Goodreads.