Changes

What a super picture book! It's packed with excitement and plot by the bucketload. The emergencies, in case you were worried, are just in Titus' imagination - he's writing an alternative version of his trip in his notebook. This twist is clearly illustrated, but doesn't feature in the text itself. It's a great choice, which places the right amount of trust in the young audience, draws them in to into the joke, and doesn't sell itself short by spelling it out too obviously. Even if the youngest book fans don't quite get it, the action-packed adventure will still thrill them. The writing is crisp and engaging, with intriguing vocabulary to interest everyone.

As wonderful as the writing is, it's Sarah McIntyre's illustrations that are the real star of the show. It's a unique style that immediately grabs your attention - the station, the city, the train whizzing through canyons, all have characteristics and charm that cry out to be pored over. The action scenes bring to mind some elements of a comic strip or graphic novel, but not just a disposable comic - it sells the action and perfectly supports the text. Throw in the drawings that Titus himself did, and the overall beautiful design, and you've got a real treat of a book on your hands.

More trains, you say? [[Big Blue Train by Julia Jarman and Adrian Reynolds]], [[The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg]] and [[Oliver Who Travelled Far and Wide by Mara Bergman and Nick Maland]] it is then. A sophisticated idea that places trust in its young audience? [[This Is My Book by Mick Inkpen]] and [[Limelight Larry by Leigh Hodgkinson]] are both super. Gorgeous illustrations? [[Three By The Sea by Mini Grey]] is an absolute joy. We think you'll also like [[Dinosaur Police by Sarah McIntyre]].