cover image TROUBLE ON THE TRACKS

TROUBLE ON THE TRACKS

Kathy Mallat, . . Walker, $15.95 (24pp) ISBN 978-0-8027-8771-2

Mallat's (Brave Bear) engaging artwork, rendered in permanent marker and colored pencil, keeps this clever caper rolling at a brisk clip. As passengers scurry to board a train, the engineer remarks, "I hope we don't run into trouble today." Given the title, readers know in advance that there surely is trouble ahead, but will be surprised—and amused—to discover exactly what kind. After viewing a bucolic scene as the train passes a farmhouse whose friendly residents wave cheerfully, kids flip the page to find the startling image of two enormous yellow eyes staring out against a black background. This is a close-up of Trouble, the cat of the boy who is playing with his toy train, now derailed by the curious pet. Youngsters will eagerly flip back to search for the sometimes subtle textual ("All aboard! Next stop, Black Paw Crossing!") and visual clues (even the cover, on close inspection, offers a hint at what is to come). Mallat's brief, understated narrative leaves ample room for readers' own interpretation of what is real and imagined. Though on subsequent readings they'll know what kind of trouble to expect, kids will happily climb aboard this train for repeat excursions. Ages 3-7. (Aug.)