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A Letter from Brian Selznick
 Dear readers,
When I was a kid, two of my favorite books were by an amazing man named Remy Charlip. Fortunately and Thirteen fascinated me in part because, in both books, the very act of turning the pages plays a pivotal role in telling the story. Each turn reveals something new in a way that builds on the image on the previous page. Now that I'm an illustrator myself, I've often thought about this dramatic storytelling device and all of its creative possibilities.
My new book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, is a 550 page novel in words and pictures. But unlike most novels, the images in my new book don't just illustrate the story; they help tell it. I've used the lessons I learned from Remy Charlip and other masters of the picture book to create something that is not a exactly a novel, not quite a picture book, not really a graphic novel, or a flip book or a movie, but a combination of all these things.
I began thinking about this book ten years ago after seeing some of the magical films of Georges Méliès, the father of science-fiction movies. But it wasn't until I read a book called Edison's Eve: The Quest for Mechanical Life by Gaby Woods that my story began to come into focus. I discovered that Méliès had a collection of mechanical, wind-up figures (called automata) that were donated to a museum, but which were later destroyed and thrown away. Instantly, I imagined a boy discovering these broken, rusty machines in the garbage, stealing one and attempting to fix it. At that moment, Hugo Cabret was born.
A few years ago, I had the honor of meeting Remy Charlip, and I'm proud to say that we've become friends. Last December he was asking me what I was working on, and as I was describing this book to him, I realized that Remy looks exactly like Georges Méliès. I excitedly asked him to pose as the character in my book, and fortunately, he said yes. So every time you see Méliès in The Invention of Hugo Cabret, the person you are really looking at is my dear friend Remy Charlip, who continues to inspire everyone who has the great pleasure of knowing him or seeing his work.
Paris in the 1930's, a thief, a broken machine, a strange girl, a mean old man, and the secrets that tie them all together... Welcome to The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
Yours,
Brian Selznick |
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Brian Selznick on a "Deleted Scene" from The Invention of Hugo Cabret
This is a finished drawing that I had to cut from The Invention of Hugo Cabret. I was still rewriting the book when I had to begin the final art. There was originally a scene in the story where this character, Etienne, is working in a camera shop. On one of my research trips to Paris I spent an entire day visiting old camera shops and photographing cameras from the 1930's and earlier, as well as the facades of the shops themselves. I researched original French camera posters and made sure that the counter and the shelves were accurate to the time period. I did all the drawings in the book at 1/4 scale, so they were very small and I often had to use a magnifying glass to help me see what I was drawing. After I finished this drawing I continued to rewrite, and for various reasons I realized that I needed to move this scene from the camera shop to the French Film Academy, which meant that I had to cut this picture. I tried really hard to find ANOTHER moment when I could have Etienne in a camera shop, but, as painful as it was, I knew the picture had to go. I'm glad to see it up on the Amazon website because otherwise no one would have ever seen all those tiny cameras I researched and drew so carefully!
--Brian Selznick |
More from Brian Selznick
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The Houdini Box |
Walt Whitman: Words for America |
The Boy of a Thousand Faces |
Customer Reviews:
Unexpectedly Educational.......2007-09-30
Although it doesn't come across as a historical fiction piece, that's exactly what this book is. Much like the film Amadeus, The Invention of Hugo Cabret uses real life historical people to create an exaggerated (if not downright false) interpretive biography.
Works of this particular genre contain a strange mixture of true and false elements, and are actually good tools for teaching. True, they may lead to some initial misconceptions, but adequate research after the reading can clear these misconceptions up in a hurry. I wouldn't make a big deal out of a minor conception though, if in turn you get a wondrous discovery to go along with it.
From this book I learned that intricate machines were being invented long before computers and television. Robots that could draw and write as far back as perhaps the 18th century. Amazing. Why aren't we taught things like this in school? Probably because the textbooks that are issued make people of the past look like complete dimwits when that really isn't the case.
The revelation of the existence of ancient robots alone is enough for me to give this book a high amount of praise. But the artistry in the book brings it to another level. So much work went into the dozens and dozens of beautiful pencil illustrations that you'd have to be a complete jerk to not give Selznick at least a little respect for his efforts.
Often I have to read five or six unexciting books before I get to one that really makes me say, "Wow!" This is a "Wow!" book, and makes a fitting addition to any library. The risk of constructing it in such an unusual style has greatly paid off. Books like this are the reason I read.
I know I'm not the first one to say this, but this might be the book of the future we're looking at here.
wonderful fresh story.......2007-09-27
I originally bought this book for my husband and son to read. They enjoyed it so much that I had to read it myself. What a lovely story. The illustrations were outstanding and placed perfectly within the story. I went strictly off of the description from Amazon and the one picture that they showed. I was so impressed with the drawing and the idea of them being inside the book that I just knew it would be worth having. What a pleasure to read. Thank you Mr. Selznick.
this is really special.......2007-09-27
I was attracted to this book by its cover. They say you can't tell a book by its cover but this book is one good exception. Because in addition to the wonderful graphic quality of the jacket, the book is full of fine and artful illustrations through which much of the tale is told. I felt like a kid again flipping through the pages and seeing the story unfold, and then there would come some exposition in text and then more of the wonderful drawings that reminded me very much of Seurat's beloved black and white charcoal sketches. I look forward to sharing copies of this book with my friends.
All Sizzle, No Steak.......2007-09-22
This is a truly innovative book, but one that is not worth buying. The storyline simply is too frail for the book's hoopla.
The Invention of Hugh Cabret.......2007-09-21
As a children's librarian, I rate this book as one of the best! I think it has a chance to win both the Newbery and Caldecott Medals.
Average customer rating:
- Too Small
- Classic Children's Book
- Curiously small size book
- I can-I can!!
- Not only a children's book but a lesson on life
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The Little Engine That Could: The Complete, Original Edition (A Platt & Munk Classic)
Watty Piper
Manufacturer: Grosset & Dunlap
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ASIN: 0448405202 |
Amazon.com
The unknowing progenitor of a whole generation of self-help books, Wally Piper's The Little Engine That Could is one of the greatest tales of motivation and the power of positive thinking ever told. In this well-loved classic, a little train carrying oodles of toys to all of the good boys and girls is confronted with a towering, seemingly impassable mountain. As nicely as they ask, the toys cannot convince the Shiny New Engine or the Big Strong Engine--far too impressed with themselves--to say anything but "I can not. I can not." It is left up to the Little Blue Engine to overcome insurmountable odds and pull the train to the other side. The Little Engine That Could is an entertaining and inspirational favorite, and the Little Blue Engine's rallying mantra "I think I can--I think I can" will resonate for a lifetime in the head of every child who hears it. (Ages 4 to 8))
Customer Reviews:
Too Small.......2007-09-21
I wish I would have looked closely at the dimensions of this book. It's so small!
Classic Children's Book.......2007-09-15
This is an all-time classic because it is such a classic, and as much fun to read aloud as silently.
Curiously small size book.......2007-04-18
Be sure to check the dimensions of this book. It's smaller and thinner than the typical children's book, and it's even smaller than most board books. It's a cheap price and good size for travel, but you may be surprised how small it is.
I can-I can!!.......2007-03-29
This is a very good book and it teaches a very good life lesson. It is a book that can be enjoyed by any type of public. I would especially read this book to a person who is giving up. It will be a very good idea to read this to an infant or a child when they are learning new stuff. This will enourage them to do may more things in life. When I first read this book it taught me that if I propose myself a challenge and I give some of my time and that I never give up I can do anything in life that I want to accomplish.
Not only a children's book but a lesson on life.......2007-03-16
I love this book. It's a great sales tool and lesson on life. It teaches us that if we think we can no matter the challenge we can.
Customer Reviews:
Worth it.......2007-10-01
This books illustrations tell a story within the story and is worth every penny spent.
wonderful!.......2007-08-25
Fantastic, amazing, stirring, engaging, empowering. I could go on... This book is a treasure & I am so glad to have it in our personal library. We bought this for my daughter and I thought it was so good I had to read it aloud to my husband that same night. Kadir Nelson is always spectacular in his illustrations, and he once again rises to the top in this book. The story is very moving, and with a few words it accomplishes the task of taking you inside the emotions and the questions, fears, and faith within Harriet Tubman's heart. I am extremely satisfied with this book & happy to give it to my daughter. I hope she shares it with her children some day.
Great Book .......2007-06-08
I am an elementary school teacher, mom of three and children's book lover. This book is visually enticing and a wonderful read. All of my children as well as my students loved it!
super good book .......2007-06-08
The cover says it all...and thanks to a great seller for fast shipping and smooth transaction!
Beautiful!.......2007-05-08
What I most appreciate about this book is the way it incorporates the role faith played in Harriet's life into the story of her leading daring escapes from slavery to freedom. Most of the history we learn in school attempts to secularize the truth about the people and events that we hold so dear, but this book does a phenomenal job in telling a more accurate, unbiased story of a remarkable woman. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson (who is GIFTED!!!!!), this is a welcome addition to any children's (or adult's, for that matter) library. I know am already collecting a slew of books
Book Description
Since the publication of the original Thomas the Tank Engine in 1946, millions of children and their parents all over the world have loved this series of bedtime stories about Thomas and his friends. All 26 of the Reverend W. Awdry's classic stories are here in one beautiful gift volume, with an introduction by the author himself. Illustrated in full color.
Customer Reviews:
An amazing Thomas book.......2007-01-18
The condition of this book was as expected. This particular book is an amazing volume of Thomas stories. It has allowed us to meet some engines who we have never met before as well as get the back story on others who we only know a little. I enjoy it at least as much as my sons do.
the best.......2006-05-04
This was my sons' favorite story book at age 3 or 4. The language is advanced, with much more challenging vocabulary than a modern book would use for preschoolers, but it wasn't a problem, so it must be a good thing!
Stories that have aged well.......2005-11-15
Having been exposed to the contemporary "commercial" version of Thomas the Tank Engine in various forms I had low expectations for _The_Complete_Collection_. After reading all the stories over the past two months at bedtime I whole heartedly give this collection 5 stars. These are the original stories by Rev. W. Awdry--not just Thomas stories, but other trains that have been forgotten by the marketplace. The language is the Queen's English and the terminology harks back to a different place and time. Fortunately the stories are robust enough to hold up without translation for my 3-year old.
While there are rude engines, naughty engines, and ample portions of just deserts as noted by another reviewer; I find the stories to be well balanced and if the young listener isn't careful some life lessons may be learned--really useful engines are happy engines. One aspect of these stories that broadens their appeal is "Each story is based on some odd incident which has happened to some engine, somewhere, some time." (quoting the author in the foreword) Many times I found myself laughing, or shaking my head and nodding in agreement with the outcome of the story. There were several stories whose full meaning was lost on my 3-year old, but never-the-less hit a tender spot with daddy. The most requested stories are those that involve Thomas and his familiar cast of friends. In October 2005 Random house published a selection of these Thomas stories that might suit an audience not interested in small steam engines or narrow gage railroads (the additional stories in the collection). For those that have an interest in trains beyond simple children's stories this book will be a pleasure to share with your young railroad enthusiast.
The edition I am basing my review on is a 1999 Random House Printing. Unfortunately this title is out of print at the time of this review, but you may still be able to find new or like-new copies through resellers. Should this book be republished, and in my estimation it is well deserving of another print run, I would encourage the publisher to include an index at the end with references to the particular engine and what happened to him. A frequent request is "Let's read the story about James getting pushed down the hill by the trucks", or some other engine and circumstance--it would be useful to have an index.
The Perfect Thomas Book.......2005-10-13
I got this book a long time ago and I must say, this book is a must have for anyone even remotely interested at all in Thomas.
This book includes many of the stories on television, as well as never before seen stories and characters. And the incredible sense of realism in this book is inevitable. If you can read this book and see something incredibly unrealistic, besides the fact that the trains can talk, then you obviously have the wrong book.
Want to know how Skarloey and Rheneas celebrated their 100th birthday? Want to see Henry rescue two broken down diesels? Want to see special trains climbing mountains? If so, grab this book and enjoy. You will recognise many of the stories, ans also find some other tales as well. Many characters you will recognize, some others maybe not. Either way, this book is a 100% must read.
And to the soccer moms that didn't like the book, you obviously have no sense in realism and reality. I know that the book versions are a tad bit darker than the televised tales, but they're much, much better. Just because Duck said "Shut up!" once, or Henry got stuck in a tunnel and refused to come out (didn't you even read the story AFTER that one? where he comes out?) and there's no silly chindish morals doesn't mean that kids shouldn't read this book. If you want your kid to enjoy the real lives of these famous locomotives, please stop squalling and read the book.
Signed,
~Reagan Wolf
P.S. Somebody should publish Christopher's Awdry's books soon. Dang.
The Original Thomas.......2005-09-30
It was a delight to read of the origin of Thomas and all of his tank engine friends. The stories speak for themselves - cherished childhood tales that have stood the test of time.
Book Description
The best-selling classic of the power of love and forgiveness in a Japanese prisoner of war camp.
Customer Reviews:
This is how Christianity is Supposed to Work.......2007-10-02
My wife and I had watched the movie a couple months ago (be warned: it is incredibly brutal) and been moved by the power of the story. Unfortunately, as it turned out, the book and the move are not the same story. In fact, other than the similarity of the major premise (a British officer in a Japanese POW camp during WW2), they had almost nothing in common.
However. . .
That was only disappointing insomuch as I kept waiting for certain events from the movie to show up. The movie had colored my expectations for the book, which meant I couldn't take the book on its own merits. Which is too bad, because, upon completing the book, I would say it is as powerful as the movie, perhaps even more so. But you have to let the book speak for itself. The story is truly miraculous, as this band of prisoners devolve into a wild bunch of animals at the hands of their captors, only to be transformed by the Spirit of Christ into a true Community of compassion and care. Somehow, in the midst of hell, these men found the power to love each other, to care for each other, to even forgive their Japanese tormentors. When people ask "Does Christianity work?", the story of this book says "absolutely!" And in a day and age of spiteful attacks, divisive language, polarized religions and selfish money-grubbing politicians and religious leaders, there is a real lesson here about what being a True Follower of Christ is all about.
Touching and profound!.......2007-06-10
This is one of the best books I've read so far... Though it may appear repetitive at times (there's really little else the author could write about beside what's happening in the POW camps along the Kwai), the reflection on the human condition and the supreme virtue of self-sacrifice in the footsteps of Jesus Christ is poignantly and profoundly written. With tour de force, the epilogue is a penetrating piece of criticism on the 'civilised' society the author returned to after the war. The reverse culture shock he experienced is a haunting reminder of how that still small voice can be so easily drowned out in the cacophony of modern society.
Inspiring, well told, and true story.......2007-01-10
It's a difficult, but true message. The author takes an unflinching look at the evil that men are capable of through his own personal experience in Japanese prison camps and carries you through the experience on to the brilliant hope on the other side of his own personal pain. The underlying truth you discover is the genuine potential to be found in one man's selfless, sacrificial care for another. It's an excellent read.
Hope Makes The Spirit Unbreakable.......2006-11-17
Formally published as "Miracle on the River Kwai" and renamed to coincide with a new movie. This book was written by Ernest Gordon a Scottish Army officer who served in the South Pacific During the war.
Back Story
During that time the Japanese advanced on Singapore, and Gordon and a few other officers try to escape on a chartered sailboat. After being captured at sea, he was incarcerated and sent to a work camp in Thailand, building the infamous railway of death, where nearly 80,000 prisoners lost their life in a little over a year. This railway and the Chungkai prison camp are the real back story to the Oscar winning film "Bridge On the River Kwai."
What the classic movie doesn't tell you is the horrific condition and constant death that the builders of the bridge met with on a daily basis.
The Book
The story is a recount of Ernest Gordon's experiences at the camp and his witness to that camps transformation from what he called "the worst that man could be" to the "best that man could be."
The book starts with Gordon laying in the hospital at Chungkai, called the "Death House" by the prisoners as there was very few he came back from the hospital. Gordon then flashes back to what led him here, and then continues from that point and tells of the camps transformation. Before Gordon wound up in the hospital the camp was very much "every man for himself" animal instinct and the law of the jungle dictated who lived and who died. During Gordon's stay at the hospital while he was suffering and near death with Beriberi, Tropical Ulcers, Malaria, and Amoebic Dysentery, he propped himself up, void of hope, and penned a last letter to his parents. That was his low point. He was nursed back to health by two other POW's Dinty Moore, and Dusty Miller. Both bartered for food and medicine, cleaned his ulcers, massaged his legs to reverse the atrophy and gave him encouragement to give him the hope he needed to recover. These two men became an inspiration to the rest of the camp, and like Ernest Gordon, many started to emulate their kindness willingness to help others. Dusty Miller a devote Christian also read the bible to Gordon which inspired him. Gordon then started to hold bible studies with other in the camp; they often shared bibles that men had smuggled in. This led to a spiritual revival of the camp, where men helped each other to survive. The camp changed from a group of individuals to a community that served each other with the same love that Christ had shown them in the bible. Many more survived the wrath of the Japanese as a result of the selfless acts of the camp members, in one part of the book one enlisted soldier, admits that he stole a shovel (which he didn't) just to save the lives of his co-prisoners, that soldier was immediately beaten to death, but his sacrifice as well as others, were what changed to mood of the camp.
The Legacy
This spiritual revival, not only led to many surviving the camp, but transcended into their life after the war. Gordon's epilogue was probably the best part of the book where he paints his perspective against the backdrop of the post-war error.
"We returned to a world divided by hatreds. We thought we had come home to a world at peace; instead we found a world already preparing for the next war. Having had as much reason to hate as anybody, we had overcome hatred."
"We had seen a vision of far horizons and caught a glimpse of the City of God in all its beauty and this vision seemed to be part of a different world."
Summary
Overall the book is very interesting, and is an intriguing story of suffering and hope. Gordon's style is very easy to read, almost like he's sitting next you telling the story. The descriptions of the people and the camp are genuine and I had no problem understanding and even "knowing" many of the characters in the book.
Editorial
It's one thing read about the word of God and the acts of Jesus, it's an entirely different think to witness it first hand as Gordon does and writes about with stunning detail. If found this to be an inspiring story of the grace of God that is given, by giving up selfishness. I have learned a lot about what true Christian's look like after reading this book. If you want my opinion, Christ looked a lot more like Dusty Miller and Ernest Gordon, than the face of modern evangelical minister today.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to see the how God's Grace can transform the most desperate situations
Moving.......2006-10-21
This is a story of ultimate forgiveness told firsthand by Ernest Gordon. The things he and his fellow prisoners of war experienced are near incomprehensible. ...and out of such despair comes the forever life-changing love they experience through Christ, Who is the example they start to follow in showing similar self-sacrificing love and kindness to their neighbors - even to their enemies.
I saw the movie before watching the book which may have been best, as I would've been disappointed had it been the other way around (ie. The book, as many books do, goes into more detail and describes other people encountered by Ernest. For time and format reason, the movie can't cover all of this.)
Also, the book is proof that such a powerful story can be told without foul language (which is present in the movie version).
Book Description
This comprehensive guide to locomotive development includes descriptions of more than 900 trains and locomotives. Arranged in four sections — steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, electric locomotives, and trains — listed chronologically within each section. Featuring 1300 photographs and artwork, as well as specification for each locomotive, this book will enthrall general readers and train buffs alike.
Customer Reviews:
limited.......2007-06-29
The authors are British and the work is heavily focused on British and Commowealth locomotives. Fairly ignores a myriad of interesting and innovative German locomotives.
Very good.......2004-05-03
I am a train fanatic and I know a good reference book when I see one, and this book is one of the best I've ever seen. I have refered to this book at least fifty times at the railroad (whose name is undisclosed) that I work as a volunteer at. Simply an amazingly informitive book that I would recomend to any train fan of almost any age.
Large book but has some short comings.......2004-03-19
The book is a fair to good encyclopedia of trains. It has a large number of foreign engines. Most of the photos are taken from the front and one side and not in profile. The Little Joe appears to be a A-unit but is in fact an A-unit on both ends. The pictures are not very large. Profile drawings would be a good addition.
It is not complete for North America and leaves out many novel, limited production engines like the S-1 Turbine and General Motors Aerotrain.
Some specifications are not available like engine length on many engines. Engine length and height are useful when determining whether a model is scale or not.
It is a good book but did not meet all my expectations and I am still searching for a more comprehensive guide to mainly North American locomotives.
Book Description
The never-before-told story of one of the worst rail disasters in U.S. history in which two trains full of people, trapped high in the Cascade Mountains, are hit by a devastating avalanche
In February 1910, a monstrous blizzard centered on Washington State hit the Northwest, breaking records. The world stopped—but nowhere was the danger more terrifying than near a tiny town called Wellington, perched high in the Cascade Mountains, where a desperate situation evolved minute by minute: two trainloads of cold, hungry passengers and their crews found themselves marooned without escape, their railcars gradually being buried in the rising drifts. For days, an army of the Great Northern Railroad’s most dedicated men—led by the line’s legendarily courageous superintendent, James O’Neill—worked round-the-clock to rescue the trains. But the storm was unrelenting, and to the passenger’s great anxiety, the railcars—their only shelter—were parked precariously on the edge of a steep ravine. As the days passed, food and coal supplies dwindled. Panic and rage set in as snow accumulated deeper and deeper on the cliffs overhanging the trains. Finally, just when escape seemed possible, the unthinkable occurred: the earth shifted and a colossal avalanche tumbled from the high pinnacles, sweeping the trains and their sleeping passengers over the steep slope and down the mountainside.
Centered on the astonishing spectacle of our nation’s deadliest avalanche, The White Cascade is the masterfully told story of a supremely dramatic and never-before-documented American tragedy. An adventure saga filled with colorful and engaging history, this is epic narrative storytelling at its finest.
Customer Reviews:
Great historical perspective of a forgotten catastrophe..........2007-06-25
Don't know why I was prompted to pick this book up...my husband is in a search and rescue group, so that was partly the reason. I read the info given on the back of the book, and having grown up in Northern CA and being a voracious reader, I thought I should have heard about this one transportation disaster. My father was born up in Washington, but somehow this one has faded from national consciousness.
What really struck me about this book is the straightforward writing of the author, Krist. He doesn't sensationalize, as some other books on disasters tend to do. He is honest and reflective, gives the reader all the information on both sides, and lets them draw their own conclusion. I especially enjoyed the information about the court trials and the aftermaths. We can dislike the typical corporate image that continues to run big companies (only now they are the pharmaceuticals who could care less...), but we also recognize that the men who dealt at the closest part of the railway with this disaster most probably did as good a job that could have been done. Unlike the Titanic, where there were some very dismaying behavior by many who were at the helm of the boat and the company, most of the rail workers, especially the superintendant who oversaw the whole week of work around this avalanche were hardworking and gallant, who did make a few mistakes but nothing overt.
By showing us how the courts handled this particular case, plus the information that came from the newspapers that did sensationalize this happening, Krist lets us see why we have come full circle to another place that if this case were tried today, it would have ended very differently for the company. Krist makes a good case for why the ending verdict was probably right (but probably would not have been reached in this era of lawsuits we are currently in). However, he also points out the impact that this case and other transportation disasters of that time had on labor and safety laws in this country. He draws a good diagram for the reader for why this trainwreck led to our current safety requirements and the change in attitudes of people towards corporations that were in control during that time period. Now we need to turn our eyes to the corporations that are currently out of control in ours...perhaps Krist would like to take some of them on?
Karen Sadler
A good story told well.......2007-05-13
This is non-fiction at its finest. As the story unfolds, you almost wish you could get a warning to the poor passengers whose fate is all but inevitable. The author expertly weaves together the series of events that led to the disaster, providing insight into the decisions that were made from those in charge. As the snow continues to fall, adding layer on top of layer, the many characters in this story slowly become individuals with whom you can sympathize.
The story takes place in 1910 at the peak of the railroad era. The automobile and airplane are introduced as only bit players. All of the background information is perfectly balanced with the drama that unfolds atop the mountain.
There is no single mistake that led to the accident, but Superintendent James O'Neil is guilty of two mistakes that might have made a difference: His refusal to meet with the passengers and his refusal to negotiate with the laborers involved in snow removal.
This is a fast read made even more so by the author's clever use of cliff-hanging chapter endings. I highly recommend the book.
The White Cascade and our genealogy library.......2007-05-13
I ordered this book at the request of one of our genealogy society members. It came soon after I ordered it and I have not had time to read it myself because some of our patrons are waiting to read it. The woman who requested that I order it said it was the best of any of the books ever written about that disaster. We have several other books about the disaster as it happened in our area but it appears this one is the very best as it has been well researched and is well written, keeping the reader's interest to the very end. It is particularly interesting to genealogists searching this area.
A Wonderful book.......2007-05-07
This book had if all and I have purchased several as gifts. I wish it could have gone on forever. I learded more about the West, Ameican econimy what life was like back then, values and morays of the time and of course the history of the railroads. It was all brilliantly woven togther with the stories of the people involved. It was never dull very easy to read yet covered some very complex issues. It got you totally involved and it was as if you where there experiencing the cold, the danger, nature and the wonder of how it would all end.
White Cascade.......2007-04-12
Great insight into the thinking of the man responsible for keeping this train route open through incredibility bad winter snow conditions. Lots of insight on how the railroads operated back then. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this exciting account of the railway disaster.
Book Description
Sinve the first Thomas stories written by a father for his son over 60 years ago, Thomas the Tank Engine continues to delight children everywhere. This collection contains 14 of the best-loved titles of the Reverend W Awdry’s classic Railway Series and includes the most famous adventures of Thomas and his Really Useful Engine friends. These exciting and funny tales, over 55 of them, are enhanced by the original artwork in this stunning new gift edition.
Customer Reviews:
Great Read!.......2007-08-17
I enjoy reading the stories to my Son! Reading them has become a ritual before going to bed.
Already a favorite.......2007-07-17
My son is only 23 months, and he LOVES Thomas! I had gotten him a very nice board book with rhymes about all of the engines, and he has learned all of their names...he also has several of the wooden trains, and knows them all...I got this book for him thinking that I could read it to him in a year or so, and he could learn to read the stories himself...he always asks to get this book down and he will carry it (it's very large and heavy for a little guy!) around the house and sit down and leaf through the pages and study the pictures...
The book is beautiful...it has a papter cover, but when removed, the book itself is red linen and embossed with silver, and it is very well made...the pictures and pages have a nostalgic feel, and I can't wait until he will sit still long enough to let me read the stories to him!!! He is familiar with most of them from the TV series, but there are a few that are new to me... I think this book will be around for decades...and I hope that he can pass it along to his children someday...Excellent book...I can't say enough!
Great book.......2007-06-23
Fun reading. My son really lights up when you occassionally get one of the vintage stories that they actually turned into the storyline for one of the shows on PBS. Definately a source of quality bedtime stories at our house.
very good.......2007-05-07
My son is in first grade. This book he used for write reading response in the most of time. He can write all different reading response base on the story in the book.
A great bedtime story book for young children........2007-01-16
I purchased this book for one of my children to read to them before bedtime. As it stands now, it is more fun for him to read to me. Great book for spending quality time with family.
Amazon.com
What else can be said about the fabulous Ferdinand? Published more than 50 years ago (and one of the bestselling children's books of all time), this simple story of peace and contentment has withstood the test of many generations. Ferdinand is a little bull who much prefers sitting quietly under a cork tree-- just smelling the flowers--to jumping around, snorting, and butting heads with other bulls. This cow is no coward--he simply has his pacifist priorities clear. As Ferdinand grows big and strong, his temperament remains mellow, until the day he meets with the wrong end of a bee. In a show of bovine irony, the one day Ferdinand is most definitely not sitting quietly under the cork tree (due to a frightful sting), is the selfsame day that five men come to choose the "biggest, fastest, roughest bull" for the bullfights in Madrid.
Ferdinand's day in the arena gives readers not only an education in the historical tradition of bullfighting, but also a lesson in nonviolent tranquility. Robert Lawson's black-and-white drawings are evocative and detailed, with especially sweet renditions of Ferdinand, the serene bull hero. The Story of Ferdinand closes with one of the happiest endings in the history of happy endings--readers of all ages will drift off to a peaceful sleep, dreaming of sweet-smelling flowers and contented cows.
Book Description
A true classic with a timeless message, The Story of Ferdinand has enchanted readers since it was first published in 1936. All the other bulls would run and jump and butt their heads together. But Ferdinand would rather sit and smell the flowers. So what will happen when our pacifist hero is picked for the bullfights in Madrid? This new edition contains the complete original text of the story and the original illustrations with watercolor tones added.
Customer Reviews:
A Childhood Favorite.......2007-09-16
You know how your child probably has a book that they want you to read again and again? Well, Ferdinad was that book for me. It was one of the first books I read by myself. I first fell in love with this book back in the 1970's. I was suprised to learn that it was written in 1936 but propbably should not have been. It is truely a classic in children's lit.
I'm sure your children will love it.
ferdinand.......2007-05-25
One of my favorite books as a child, my children enjoyed it just as much.
A classic you shouldn't miss.......2007-05-12
Great story about a peaceful bull. This award winning picture book should be read to all preschoolers!
Brilliant gem of a tale for children and adults.......2007-02-08
A brilliant, heart-warming story about non-conformity, stereotypes,
and being true to yourself ... superbly written, entertaining,
and illustrated for children, with an important and inspiring
message for adults too
Ferdinand.......2007-02-08
I will remember this book because he didn't figth.Ferdinands trait is nice because he didn't hurt anyone.
Book Description
Created for his son by a father who loved trains, the 6 classic storybooks each feature a different engine friend: Thomas, Gordon, Percy, James, Henry, and Toby. All presented in an elegant slipcase.
Customer Reviews:
The reverend's original stories, well packaged.......2007-02-17
My three year old loves all things Thomas and he enjoys these stories as well. As the original stories they are less sugar-coated than the later picture books. Most focus on a train who misbehaves then gets his comeuppance. The illustrations are beautiful.
The physical packaging is quite nice. Both the box and the books have stood up to pummeling by my son.
The stories included are:
* Thomas and Gordon, Thomas' Train, Thomas and the Trucks, Thomas and the Breakdown Train
* Coal, The Flying Ripper, Gordon's Whistle, Percy and the Trousers, Henry's Sneeze
* Toby and the Stout Gentleman, Thomas in Trouble, Dirty Objects, Mrs. Kyndley's Christmas
* James and the Top-Hat, James and the Boot-lace, Troublesome Trucks, James and the Express
* Off the Rails, Leaves, Down the Mine, Paint Pots and Queens
* Percy and the Signal, Duck Takes Charge, Percy and Harold, Percy's Promise
Great books.......2007-01-19
A must have for a little Thomas fan. And the box is fun too.
My son loves his Railway Series.......2006-11-10
I bought this set for my son's second birthday. He is a through and through "choo choo" fan and we needed more reading material for storytime at night after the local libraries inventory gave up. We like the number of stories (even though he insists on sticking to his favorites over and over again), the classic drawings (not the digitalized comic pictures) and the story content.
I was a bit surprised by the rather small format of the books only 5x6.5 inches each. I would have preferred a bigger format, but it seemingly does not matter to my child. I expect that we will get much more use out of them for the next months to come.
Amazing Railroad Adventures.......2006-11-03
These are the books I grew up with-small books that contained wonderful pictures. I read them to my own children, and they in turn are reading them to their children. Rev. Audry's pictures have a charm lost in the present day Thomas The Train tv series.These stories benefit from Rev. Audry's original illustrations. These stories are gentle and amusing .In a sometimes cold world , they invite you in to the gentler, kinder, and infinitely warmer Earth celebrated in these stories . Thomas the Tank Engine, Gordon and many others live on in these stories. My father was a railroad buff- so I suppose it was natural that I should have enjoyed these stories so much. I think that anyone with similar interests would enjoy them for their children or grandchildren. I think that the number of children who go on railroad adventures everywhere would find these books an added enrichment.
Which six books are these?.......2006-06-17
This is not a review of the books, but of the Amazon entry for this item. It's a slipboxed collection of six books out of the series. Fine, but which six? There are forty books in the series, after all. Nowhere on the page can I find this information. You'd think the actual titles of the books are kind of important....
Also, while I'm about it, who the !@#$%^ is "W. Rev Awdry"? Rev is not a name, or at least it wasn't the author's name. The first 26 books were written by The Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry, OBE, and the next 14 by Christopher Awdry.
Another thing: The illustrator is said in the heading to be C. Reginald Dalby, but from the picture it appears that one of the books in the set is Thomas the Tank Engine (#2 in the series), which was illustrated by Reginald Payne. Dalby illustrated books #3 (James) through #11 (Percy).
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