Clackety Track: Poems about Trains

A poetry book for the early-elementary train lover looking for some clever verbiage to complement the cabooses. It’s no mean feat to conjure up an original train book for kids, but, by gum, Brown and Christoph manage it…The overall package is a beautiful gift for locomotive lovers. A book unafraid to go on beyond choo-choo.—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Not all of the poems rhyme, but each piece reflects the trains’ characteristics with their words, use of space, and design. Illustrator Christoph has created a beautiful homage to the world of trains with bright colors and bold double-page images…This title is a must-have for train aficionados.—School Library Journal (starred review)Reflecting the changing moods of the poems, Christoph’s expressive digital artwork includes spare, beautifully composed scenes as well as others with interesting details for kids to discover. Some of the broad, double- page illustrations suggest period settings, but most have a timeless look. A slender, handsome volume celebrating trains.—BooklistThe midcentury modernity of Jamey Christoph’s pictures give a nice retro touch to this good-natured appreciation.—The Wall Street Journal

Skila Brown has an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is the author of two young adult novels and the picture book Slickety Quick: Poems about Sharks, illustrated by Bob Kolar. Skila Brown lives in Indiana.

Jamey Christoph has illustrated numerous picture books. His illustrations have also appeared in the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and elsewhere. He lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.