The Best of I Love Toy Trains Parts 1-6

Has the I Love Toy Trains series been chugging down the tracks long enough to put out a “best of” compilation drawn from the first 12 titles? Well, if the steam rising from almost 3 million copies sold is any indication, this series has indeed been a runaway success. The live-action format remains highly appealing, combining footage of imaginative and fun model sets (reflecting a variety of themes, from accurate depictions of freight and passenger conveyors to more fanciful set-ups) with shots of real-life trains, from vintage to modern (steam, electric, and diesel). More than just riding the rails, the model trains here often do extra duty (like loading, hauling, and unloading jelly beans). Along the way, kids receive basic lessons in rail transportation and related matters (such as types of bridges). The voiceovers are often performed by children, animals are given narrative roles, and original music is performed by James Coffey, who has a talent for writing and singing catchy tunes that help propel the visuals. A second volume is also newly available, The Best of I Love Toy Trains Parts 7–12. Sure to appeal to young rail fans, this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)