Barbara Lehman tells silent tales for children: no words, only conversation between parent and child.

A girl waits with parents for the train.  A trip commences out to the country. Of little people?

Train stops, girl gets out. A strange place. She follows a crowd of little people. A man and his plane caught in a tree. A problem for her to solve. She tiptoes and figures out to release him with help. Great rejoicing.  She must leave, go back home.

The little people arrive with a gift (minature tree). She plants. It grows. A tree in the city, imagine that.

As with Rainstorm, this is a tale of imagination, exploration,  and friendship. Lehman illustrates with a mix of watercolor, gouache and ink drawings that are detailed, colorful and lifelike with a bit of a graphic novel feel.

Trainstop is an enjoyable diversion on a quiet afternoon, one that my six-year old enjoyed (drawing is now her favorite topic).  We discussed the images and the little girl's actions. Parent and child decipher the tale together. A fine diversion for the 6 and under set. (three stars)

Author: Barbara Lehman
2008, Houghton Mifflin
32 pages

Recommended: Yes