Trains (Blastoff Readers: Mighty Machines) by Mary Lindeen

This is a Blastoff Readers publication. They have 5 rankings of reading levels and this book is Level 1,  meaning it provides the most support through repetition of high-frequency words, light text, predictable sentence patterns, and strong visual support.

 

As the title implies, this is a book about trains, the different types and uses. There is no detail regarding the actual mechanics and makeup of the trains, very high-level. 

 

The book is geared towards kids at reading level 1, which is the beginning reader. I picked it up for a 4-year-old who loves books and wants to read, but this one was clearly not for him. While illustrative and light and easy to understand words, it was not a story, it is technical in nature. At 4, he like many I suspect, 4-year-olds want more character stories than technical like this one. That said, he was patient enough to have me read through it, but I could tell it was a bore for him. 

 

This is a straightforward read and as stated, technical in nature, not story telling. It is matter of fact writing, very short descriptions.

 

The illustrations are photos of different trains, some with them in use, no drawings. 

 

This is a book that talks, which offers the ability to have your child listen on their own as the book reads itself and they turn the pages, or you can read along, explaining areas they might not understand or answer questions they may have. 

 

I give this book a 3-star rating. It hits the intended purpose, which is to educate about trains.