Locomotive

All aboard for this iconographic adaptation of author-illustrator Brian Floca's 2014 Caldecott Medal winning book Locomotive, which takes viewers for a passenger train journey on the First Transcontinental Railroad—circa 1869—from the Omaha depot (eventually switching from the Union Pacific to the Central Pacific line) to Sacramento. Narrated by a gravelly-voiced Eric G. Dove in conversational tones that offer running commentary and advice (“if the chicken tastes like prairie dog….don't ask why”), the story also serves up tidbits on the work of the brakeman, engineer, and conductor; the steam engine mechanism; smells, including oil, hot metal, switchgrass, and “all the cigars you can smoke”; and the surrounding scenery and history of areas (including brief mentions of Native American tribes). Backed with a folk-like soundtrack and sound effects of engines and crowd murmurings, the handsomely-produced Locomotive features realistic colors in illustrations reminiscent of the style of Quentin Blake. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)