When my toddler’s included trucks as well as trains, I knew I needed a book to help me with the vocabulary for this traditionally male territory. Not knowing if I may need to know about other types of transport, I was glad I found this bumper book!
Recommended for ages 9-12, this hardcover 150 page reference contains more than 400 full colour photographs of the “biggest, boldest and most stunning models” of all time (as at 2006, that is).
My 2 year old drummed his feet in excitement when he saw it and couldn’t wait for me to read it with him!
With him on my lap, we explored every page of full-colour illustrations, while I quickly skimmed the names of each vehicle. A brief history and up-to-date information about each mode of trasnport is included. Also, I find the “How It Works” sections really useful as I can imagine revisiting this book when he starts learning Science in primary school.
This section provides simple and clear illustrations of each type of vehicle with name labels and concise explanation of how they work. That way, when Lucas now asks me,
“What is this?”
I can confidently name the parts of a train e.g. a “piston bar”, a “flange”, a “chimney” and a “dome” while explaining in as simple a way as possible what each function is for.
Needless to say, this book has become one of our regular reads during the daytime and at bedtime. While he drooled over the number of trains featured, he also learned about other types of transport.
Interestingly, he taught me that the Stirling 8ft Single Class 4-2-2, which was one of the most beautiful engines ever made is “Emily” (from the Thomas and Friends series). Also, Flying Scotsman, which was the first express passenger locomotive and sole survivor after the British Railways scrapped over 70 similar others” and the Turbomotive 4-6-2 is “Henry”.
The Turbomotive looked like Gordon to me but my tiny tot was very firm about this! I decided to bring out his “Railway Rhymes” for comparison…and he was right 
As we continue to read the book, I learnt a lot about the history of transport, how they work and other interesting trivia in their “MEGA FACT” boxes. Initially, I watered down the names of the transport by calling them “big, yellow train” etc which later sounded really silly to me.
I found that it’s better for me to read them as they appeared on the pages and now, Lucas can point out to family and friends these:
the Centennial, the TGV, monorail, airport train, Eurostar, Pendolino, Shinkansen, a motorbike, a scooter, big rig, a monster truck, a petrol tanker, a dumper, a concrete mixer, a fire engine, a rubbish truck, a crane, a Hummer, a helicopter (or Harold the helicopter), a hot air balloon and a glider!
All in all, I’d say that this is an excellent buy that will see me through the preschool (for language and special interest) and primary years (for language, science and general knowledge), while fuelling his interest in trains and trucks.
The Great Book of Transport: The Beginner’s Guide to Land, Air and Sea transportation
by Lynne Gibbs
Publisher: Alligator
(ISBN: 1-84239-944-6)
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