Master Track's Train (Happy Families)

I love books by this pair, and this book is no exception. Nice large book (wasn't sure if I might get a mini-version).

Much loved by my grandson (aged 4). I enjoy reading it to him and he likes following the pictures which have enough detail for extra conversations as we go.

another great book from happy families

Great bedtime (indeed, any time) reading for little tots !

great series of books.

Superb illustrations with lots of detail and opportunities to talk, plus following the track with your finger. The story is mostly fun, though I dislike the ending: why is the train sideways?? My 6yo was happy to work out his own explanation after consulting the picture - the train goes along the track but the last carriage just comes in at an angle. I also find the narrator/loudspeaker conversations too offbeat for my liking, particularly the ending when the story abruptly stops. It's a shame because most of the text is great with lots of repetition, rhythm and wit. I relished the opportunity to read the "handbag" bit in my best Lady Bracknell voice. This is the only title we've read in this series so I can't really comment on the gender balance, but in this story the train driver is Mr Track, the hero is young son Toby and Mrs Track is "the driver's wife".

Toby Track is a good boy for his parents as he grows up, helping out at the station and with the family train etc.Then one night the train goes missing and so does Toby. Mr and Mrs Track wonder what on earth has happened? But Toby had woken in the night to see the Crook family taking the train so he stowed away and rescued it. Both elements of the story, trains and crooks, appeal perfectly to my two-year old son. He loves Toby learning about the railway trade; he loves spotting Toby peeking out of the trunk when the Crooks think they've got away with it; and he loves the double page where Toby drives the train back (and gets a bit lost). The illustrations are great, kind of dynamic, and there are the usual Ahlberg quirks. I think this is one of the best of the Happy families series and I'd definitely recommend it.