The publisher recommends this book for children aged 3+, although some of the moveable parts in particular are quite intricate and require very careful handling which might be beyond such young readers. My six year old loves reading this book and is generally quite adept, but even he finds at times he needs a little assistance to get some parts to move properly.
Having said that, the book is ideal for young children who have an interest in trains beyond the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine and Chuggington. The book offers information about different types of locomotives and carriages, record breaking trains, the challenges of building railway lines in different geographic locations and general information about railway stations.
The book is quite brief and contains only basic information, however the very visual nature of the layout, with the wonderfully interactive pop-ups, means that it is likely to appeal to a younger audience less interested in reading numerous facts and figures.
This pop-up book is a firm favourite in our home and is regularly taken from the bookshelf to be explored and enjoyed.
- this review by Susan Whelan
Title: Trains: A Pop-Up Railway Book
Author/Illustrator: Robert Crowther
Publisher: Walker Books, $29.95 RRP
Publication date: September 2006
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780744596564
For ages: 4+
Type: Pop-Up Picture Book