Engine, Engine, Number Nine

by Stephanie Calmenson, Paul Meisel (Illustrator)

A lively, rhythmic text and bold illustrations bring to life a boisterous train ride as all the passengers--human and animal--board Number Nine to go on a journey to the county fair to have a day of fun.

Genres: Transport, Trains, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1997

About the author

Stephanie Calmenson's many popular titles include concept books, funny school stories, poetry collections, books about dogs and, with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole, anthologies and beginning reader chapter books.

Stephanie's books have been called "marvelous" (PW), "lyrical" (SLJ), "hilarious" (SLJ), "sweet, funny, and right on the mark" (Booklist).

Before turning to writing, Stephanie was a teacher, a children's book editor, and Editorial Director of Parents Magazine's Read-Aloud Book Club.

Website: my link text

Reviews

[Kyra Arland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a child. The story follows a busy train that picks up passengers, both humans and animals. This book includes rhymes such as "engine engine number nine, rolling rolling down the line, wheels are turning, whistles blowing, soon we'll find out where it's going". This is a great book to read to toddlers. It is engaging and has great illustrations that keep the audience engaged. Although, older children may be become bored with the simplicity and repetitiveness of the book. I would recommend this book to any parents looking for a fun and quick read to their children before bed or for pleasure.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An older book, but has a cute, sing-song rhythm that would be great for storytimes for littles. A train travels along, picking up all sorts of strange passengers, and at the end delivers them all to the county fair. Cute and an easy segue into a song or activity.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming verse of a noisy train picking animal and human riders going to the fair. Then it's a quiet, sleepy ride home afterwards. Very enjoyable.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story that could be read to toddlers too if some pages were skipped
A busy train makes many stops along the way, picking up a variety of passengers both human and animal.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to read before bedtime.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli loved it.