On The Book Shelf
REVIEWS: AnnaMaria Carleton
JAMES AND
THE EXPRESS
(Birth to 3) • By The Reverend W. Awdry
Train-loving boys and girls will be captivated by the classic
illustrations, which perfectly capture the personalities of James
and the engines in this adventure. This sturdy board book
follows the adventures of James, Gordon, and Sir Topham Hatt.
James has always wanted to pull the express like Gordon but
was always left to do chores around the yard. Until one day
when Gordon could not do the job, and Sir Topham Hatt offered
James the chance. Soon he set off on his rst adventure. Stations
and br idges
ashed by. The
p
a s s e n g e r s
wav e d a n d
cheered, and
very soon they
reached their
destination.
Danger in
the Darkest Hour
(7-9) • By Mary Pope Osborne
Mary Pope Osborne gives young readers a rst
glimpse into this critical time in history with the rst
super edition in the Magic Tree House series. This
book is set in World War II and Europe is in trouble.
Will Jack and Annie be able to make a difference
during one of the darkest times in history? Their
adventure nds them parachuting into Normandy,
France, behind enemy lines. Will they nd the
right people to help them crack the code? Can
they do it all before the great Battle of D-Day
begins? They do not know, but they must try!
Follow Jack and Annie in yet another wonderful
addition of the Magic Tree House book series.
Firefighter Gil!
(4-5) • By Mary Tillworth
Sound the alarm for a day of
re station fun! On his walk to
school, Gil and Bubble Puppy
end up nding themselves in
need of help. Bubble Puppy
chases a squirrel up a tree
causing them both to be
stuck. A re truck raced over,
and a reghter rescued Gill
and Bubble Puppy. Gil could
not wait to get to school and
share his adventure with Mr. Grouper and his classmates. Gil
told of the shiny truck and the tall ladder and the brave reghter
who rescued them. Gil decided when he grew up, he wanted to
be a reghter and help others. This story will spark curiosity
in your preschooler’s imagination and allow creativity as they
use the 30 story related stickers to create their own day at the
re station.
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