  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 12/15/2019 Pizzoli gives new life to Brown’s classic story about two little trains heading West. Neon colors in bright orange, yellow, green, and blue pop, while occasional oversize text CHUGS and PUFFS down the long steel track. The streamlined engine always puffs and the steam engine always chugs as they follow the route. The simple, descriptive rhyming text says it succinctly: rain coming down on the two little trains makes them darker, wet, and shiny; snow covers them, and they get white and furry; and dust storms swirl around them. The trains go through a tunnel, cross a river, and climb great high mountains to their destination and the satisfying conclusion. This is a storytime winner, as the repetitive words give children a chance to chime in as the trains go “to the West.” The vibrant illustrations were created digitally using custom-made rubber stamps. Blocky clear shapes, vivid colors, and simple designs make each page burst with an energy that will appeal to the smallest child. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. School Library Journal - 02/01/2020 PreS-Gr 2—First released in 1949 and illustrated by Jean Charlot, this classic story has been reimagined for a new generation with brand new illustrations. Brown tells readers that "Two little trains went down the track, two little trains went West. Puff Puff Puff. Chug Chug Chug." Two different trains—a streamliner and a steam engine—both travel down a long steel track, through a dark hill, over a river, through the rain, through the snow, and on until they reach the edge of the West. Pizzoli's illustrations have the look of sponge painting; stamps and a mix of digital media add texture, vibrancy, and bring the journey to new life. Train lovers will delight in the simple singsong text. VERDICT Toddlers and preschoolers who love trains will delight in the tale while adults familiar with the original book will appreciate the opportunity to introduce it to a new generation.—Kristen Todd-Wurm, Middle Country Public Library, NY - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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