Stop, Train, Stop! a Thomas the Tank Engine Story (Beginner Books(R))

Book Description

Illustrated in full color. When Thomas the Tank Engine decides to bypass his usual stops and speed directly to the end of the line, havoc ensues. Passengers bounce up and down in their seats and in their beds, no one can get on or off the train, and everything in the baggage car gets mixed up!

Customer Reviews:

The Perfect Combination!.......2007-09-01

I can't think of anything better for a two year old obsessed with trains! Dr. Seuss meets Thomas is an incredible combination. Both this book and "Go Train Go" have become my son's favorite bedtime books. They finally got him excited to sit down and read/listen to books.

Nice, sturdy, and fun for a little train lover in your home.......2007-06-26

Some people complain about the overly simplistic plot, but it is about the right level of complexity for a young child.

Thomas the Tank Engine has a daily routine that involves passing through towns, seeing the waives from a little boy, and letting the passengers get on and off of the train. One day he decides to go real fast and not stop for the passengers. This results in a bad day. The people are not satisfied, and Thomas doesn't get a chance to see the cows mowing and the little boys waving.

Yeah, its not the most captivating of plots, but it shows a simple form of "cause and effect," which is something that young children must learn in order to understand more complicated concepts. It goes beyong the simple "cause and effect" of pressing a button and seeing a light go on, it shows that more complex actions might have a larger effect as well.

You child will probably love the pictures. Thomas the Tank Engine is a very popular train with a huge smile. Little kids love trains and they'll like the bright and colorful illustrations in this book.

It is a durable book that you can leave on the floor and let your infant or toddler play with; and the cover and pages will remain intact. With young children, durability is important and often overlooked in non-board books for infants and toddlers.

It's a nice book to add to your child's library.

Stop Train Stop.......2007-02-10

Loved this book. My grandchildren loved and we read it over and over again.

A Thomas Book for Small Fry - a review of "Stop, Train, Stop!".......2006-02-09

"Stop, Train, Stop" is an odd little book. For one thing, it purports to be a reader, and for another thing, Thomas not only has Annie and Clarabelle but dining, sleeping, and luggage cars!

Now as most people know [;-)], Thomas' branch line is not long enough to warrant either a sleeping or dining car. (Sometimes its frightening how much this mom knows about Sodor-but I know I'm not alone.) Still, the plot is interesting enough that most fans won't be too worried about this discrepancy. And Owen Bell does a nice job in illustrating this little story (even though it is not his best work).

The story takes place one day when Thomas decides not to stop at any of his assigned stations. Instead he rushes head-long and willy-nilly to the end of the line, only to find that this rushing about didn't make him as happy as he thought it would. Turns out Thomas missed his friends along the way. He missed seeing the cows that `moo' hello to him, and he missed the children that wave as he goes by.

In it's own way, "Stop, Train, Stop!" is a stop and smell the roses allegory. It explains to children how `bad' things can happen if you rush about your business. [Certainly the cook on the dining car and the passengers weren't happy!]

Which brings us to the other oddity about this book, that Random House considers it to be a beginning `reader'. Now, I'm no expert, but I do have a beginning reader -kindergartener-and she certainly can't even begin to read this as there are frequently 20 or more words per page and a heavy use of past tense.

But judge for yourself from the text below. The first page has more text than most pages.

Every day Thomas the Tank Engine
chugged from the start of his line
to the end of his line
and back again.
"All aboard!"
called the little blue engine's conductor.

Three and a Half Stars. Okay story that young Thomas fans will no doubt like. A sort of stop and smell the roses tale.

Great for the very young book lovers!.......2000-08-23

This book uses simple language and a simple plot that is just right for very young children. I bought this book for my son when he was about six monthes old and he loved it even then. Now he is two and it is still his favorite. It has also proved to be fairly durable. I do agree with another reviewer that it is not the most facinating book for adults to read, but...This is a great "starter" book to help your young child learn to love to read.

Next Stop Honolulu! The Story of the Oahu Railway & Land Co.

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The Oahu railway : packed with vintage photos, maps, charts, history
Right Up There With Gerald Best!
Next Stop Honolulu

Next Stop Honolulu! The Story of the Oahu Railway & Land Co.
Jim Chiddix , and MacKinnon Simpson
Manufacturer: Sugar Cane Press Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0970621310

Product Description

"Benjamin Franklin Dillingham fell off a rented horse, and the history of modern Hawai'i was changed forever. Dillingham was a New Englander, born on Cape Cod in 1844, and he went to sea at the age of 14. After a series of adventures - including capture by a Confederate raider - and a rapid rise in rank, he landed in Honolulu as first mate aboard the bark Whistler in 1864. He was 20. After breaking his leg in the topple from the horse, he was carried to the American Marine Hospital in Nu'uanu to heal. The Whistler sailed without him, and Dillingham was an ex-seafaring man, ashore for good. "After recuperating, he found work at a local hardware store. An entreprenurial spirit bubbled within, and in a few years he had borrowed some money and was the store's owner. He also married the daughter of a local missionary and started a family. Frank Dillingham's businesses - the hardware operation and later a large dairy - struggled with heavy obligations for decades, and he was constantly searching for a "big score" that would finally eradicate his debts and provide for his family. "That score was the Oahu Railway & Land Company, a narrow-gauge operation that established sugar as a phenomenally profitable crop on Oahu. The primary line headed west from the main station in downtown Honolulu, eventually stitching together sugar plantations in Aiea, Waipahu, Ewa, Waianae, Waialua, and Kahuku. A later branch wending its way to the center of the Island served the pineapple plantations around Wahiawa. For almost 60 years - from 1889 to 1947 - OR& L trundled both freight and passengers around the island, creating great fortunes not only for the Dillinghams, but for many others as well. This book is the story of that line." quarto (12.25x9.5"), color & b/w pictures, maps, topos, bibliography, appendices,rosters with extensive pictures and commentary, annual report data.

Customer Reviews:

The Oahu railway : packed with vintage photos, maps, charts, history.......2006-03-19

If you're a rail buff you'll already know most rail books focus on the mainland railways and give little recognition to Hawaii: to fill the gap choose NEXT STOP HONOLULU: THE STORY OF THE OAHU RAILWAYS & LAND COMPANY. You can't get any more comprehensive than NEXT STOP HONOLULU, which traces the growth of the Oahu Railway from its roots when a New Englander fell off a rented horse and was stranded in Hawaii to its establishment as an opportunity for the sugar cane industry to become a profitable crop on Oahu. It comes packed with vintage photos, color illustration, maps, charts, reproductions, and history tracing almost sixty years of OR&L achievements. A truly outstanding, definitive achievement.

Right Up There With Gerald Best!.......2006-01-14

Comprehensive, profusely illustrated history of one of the less well-known railways in the U.S. I lived on Oahu from 1947 to 1968 and knew the OR&L only from the occasional line of pineapple cars crossing Nimitz Highway from the harbor to the canneries. A few mispellings of Hawaiian words, but otherwise it's a treasure.

Next Stop Honolulu.......2005-05-09

'Next Stop Honolulu' is obviously a wonderful book for railroad aficionados. For me, although the book's principal subject is interesting (the explanation of how steam locomotives work on page 66 was the first one I've ever actually found understandable), it is the general facts about Hawaii and its history and local lore that are fascinating. This is a very interesting book, with lots of delightful illustrations, beautifully reproduced, which include old newspaper articles, photographs, maps, etc. For someone who hasn't read much about Hawaii since Michener, this was an engrossing read about the railway company that linked the sugar plantations in Oahu, but with lots of additional colorful detail. Anyone who likes Hawaii or railroad history would love this book.

Shoveling Fuel for a Runaway Train: Errant Economists, Shameful Spenders, and a Plan to Stop them All

Average customer rating:

Slow down that train
This book does more harm than good
Another important clue in uncovering the world we live in
Part I by itself would have earned 5 stars
Rampant overspending begins with buying this book

Shoveling Fuel for a Runaway Train: Errant Economists, Shameful Spenders, and a Plan to Stop them All
Brian Czech
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0520225147

Book Description

Americans have been conditioned to appreciate, cheer, and serve economic growth. Brian Czech argues that, while economic growth was a good thing for much of American history, somewhere along the way it turned bad, depleting resources, polluting the environment, and threatening posterity. Yet growth remains a top priority of the public and polity. In this revolutionary manifesto, Czech knocks economic growth off the pedestal of American ideology. Seeking nothing less than a fundamental change in public opinion, Czech makes a bold plea for castigating society's biggest spenders and sets the stage for the "steady state revolution."
Czech offers a sophisticated yet accessible critique of the principles of economic growth theory and the fallacious extension of these principles into the "pop economics" of Julian Simon and others. He points with hope to the new discipline of ecological economics, which prescribes the steady state economy as a sustainable alternative to economic growth.
Czech explores the psychological underpinnings of our consumer culture by synthesizing theories of Charles Darwin, Thorstein Veblen, and Abraham Maslow. Speaking to ordinary American citizens, he urges us to recognize conspicuous consumers for who they are--bad citizens who are liquidating our grandkids' future. Combining insights from economics, psychology, and ecology with a large dose of common sense, Czech drafts a blueprint for a more satisfying and sustainable society. His ideas reach deeply into our everyday lives as he asks us to re-examine our perspectives on everything from our shopping habits to romance.
From his perspective as a wildlife ecologist, Czech draws revealing parallels between the economy of nature and the human economy. His style is lively, easy to read, humorous, and bound to be controversial. Czech will provoke all of us to ask when we will stop the runaway train of economic growth. His book answers the question, "How do we do it?"

Customer Reviews:

Slow down that train.......2005-11-03

This book is an excellent introduction to the steady state economy. The idea of the steady state economy has been around for decades, but I think it may finally be gaining some traction (note the recent appearance of an article by ecological economist Herman Daly in Scientific American).

Czech is a lively writer. I especially liked the chapter giving responses to the cornucopian Julian Simon's arguments. Part of the problem I see with modern environmentalism is that it spends nearly all of its time preaching to the converted, with the result that evidence and arguments against truly wrongheaded ideas don't get properly developed. This book takes on the best arguments that the mainstream economists have to offer, and demolishes them. Bravo!

I appreciated Czech's suggestion to use the phrase "economic bloating" instead of economic growth. Words do count in this kind of high-stakes contest.

Czech's ideas about using social disapproval to influence the consumption habits of the top 1% of society (the liquidating class) are interesting. I like the fact that it puts the influence of women on public opinion front and center. Whether it will really work or not, I'm not sure, but it might be worth trying.

Czech talks about investment being bad because it will just waste more. I don't agree with this. I think the problem is that due to the enormous externalities in our economic system, resources are not being allocated correctly. This is what causes the waste, not investment as such. Investment in something that will provide long-lasting benefits or help in the conversion to a steady-state economy is GOOD, not bad. Czech also contrasts "bad" investment with "good" contributions to charity. I think he is correct that charity is more likely to benefit society, but this is not always true. Some charities engage in poorly-thought-out schemes that only encourage population growth beyond what an area can sustain. This helps no one in the long run.

This book does more harm than good.......2004-10-25

While the first part of the book provides compelling reasons for re-examining how we view economic policy, you can find all the same arguments better explained within the introduction of Herman Daly's excellent book Beyond Growth. Czech adds nothing to Daly in repeating him, and the second part of Czech's book is dangerous in its ignorance. Czech basically says that the more something costs, the more it wastes; and therefore the best thing to do to stop waste is to villify spending. He gives several extravagant examples of luxury by members of the upper classes as proof that they waste far more per capita than normal people and thus (psychological) class warfare (though he doesn't call it that) is the answer to our environmental problems.

There are SO many things wrong with this view. First, a $100 bottle of wine doesn't waste any more or less than a $6 bottle of wine, nor does more expensive organic produce cause more environmental damage than cheaper conventional produce (quite the opposite). Did Czech entirely miss Daly's explanation of the difference between quantity/growth and quality/development? Second, if the large estates that Czech chides the upper classes for saves trees and land from cookie-cutter suburban housing developments, I for one am all for them (i.e. the large estates). Third, villifying *anyone* as part of the ecological economics revolution is counter-productive, particularly in that blaming the rich for their waste ignores the hideous waste of the lower classes themselves. (So richer people have more boats, perhaps, but what classes are more likely to have a beat-up car that leaves trails of grey exhaust?) Taking personal responsibility for the greater good is key to reaching a solution -- not passing blame on others. If, for instance, ecological damage (in production, use, and disposal) is taken into account in pricing goods and services (with the proper funds going toward mitigation of the damages rather than general government coffers), then it doesn't matter WHO is doing the purchasing. Czech presents good arguments for fundamental economic reforms; but these arguments are better presented elsewhere, and Czech's proposed solutions are quite awful indeed.

Another important clue in uncovering the world we live in.......2004-05-03

Brian has really impressed with his thoughtful analysis of our economy from both an intellectual and spirtual viewpoint. Unfortunately, none of this can be easily proved, but that is the case with the most important things in our lives, all of which have a spirtual base (religion, our role in society, role in the family, etc.).

Brian has uncovered and clarified issues which have probably been rolling around in the back of many of our minds, for example the link between Darwinism, Maslow's heirarchy, and sexuality. (The real spirit of how things work is deeply embedded in our passions, sexuality, etc, and we must uncover these things to get to the root of all critical life issues). He also proposed a viewpoint of the role of the wealthy in our society, how their behavior impacts our economny and ecology, and how we all are capable of the same behavior if we had a few more dollars in our pocket, so perhaps a little better understanding of each other across "classes" is in order.

Brian only loosely alluded to the role of addiction in the behavior of the wealthy (e.g. if you have a hundred million dollars, why do you need more, what are you trying to prove, and aren't you in a position to exercize the most important human / spirtual values?). Perhaps a closer look at the role of addiction and prevalance of addictive behaviors and how they contribute to "success" and sustain destructive behaviors and ego based delusions at the expense of a more spirtual well roundedness would be in order.

Brian makes an excellent point about how a real solution requires a change in the mindset of the populace (very Jeffersonian) to be more aware and more involved in solving these problems, however he falls short with solid solutions. But then again, maybe there are no simple solutions. This book is about awareness, and it does a great job at it.

Part I by itself would have earned 5 stars.......2004-01-04

The first 106 pages of the book are well written and present a number of interesting notions about the dangers of our society's high regard for economic growth. Czech's arguments against the practicality of infinite growth (even though it may be theoretically possible according to neoclassical economists) are clear and well documented.

The underlying theme of the book is that neoclassical economists support a theory that the economy can sustain infinite growth, while the ecological economists claim that at some point, the growth will inevitably slow and then stop (more likely crash) because it is impossible in practicality to sustain growth forever. The book starts off with some interesting points about economic growth and sustainability in Part I, and then goes off the deep end in Part II as the author shares his proposed plan for achieving a 'steady-state economy.'

The plan in a nutshell: everyone should live very modestly, regardless of their income level, and whenever they notice someone else spending more money than they feel is necessary, they should immediately judge them and try to shame them into changing their ways. The goal is for society to become repulsed by conspicuous consumption to the extent that those in the financial top 1% of society are pressured to reform themselves and give their extra money away to those in need.

Although Part I is good enough to justify the purchase price, I would recommend skipping Part II in its entirety.

Rampant overspending begins with buying this book.......2003-11-19

I was drawn to this book after it was suggested as an alternative here at Amazon to a so-called "perpetual growth" tome (a book, by the way, that actually points to no such thing), but I've decided against buying Czech's book for fear of becoming an overspent American. Sorry, but I'm not contributing to the royalty check of Czech.

Average customer rating:

Great book for a great place
FORGET BARNEY AND RUGRATS -FINALLY A DECENT BOOK FOR KIDS
Inappropriate for any age level
Just Another Day at Grand Central.....
It's like Grand Central in here...

Next Stop Grand Centr

Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 069811888X

Amazon.com

"Trains are trips. And trips are adventures. And adventures are new ideas and romance and you can't ever know what in the world will happen which is exactly why you are going." This is precisely the species of serendipity that bounces and leaps through the pages of Maira Kalman's picture book Next Stop Grand Central, a charming tribute to New York's Grand Central Station by the artist whose murals currently spice up the historic terminal. Kalman--brilliant creator of Max the millionaire poet dog in Ooh-la-la (Max in Love)--not only reflects the vibrant nature of the busy hub, she paints comical portraits of the folks behind the scenes who make it all happen: ("Etha delivers the mail--a letter to Mr. Pickle cannot go to Mr. Schnikle.") We're also introduced to the people who "zip and zap and whiz" through Grand Central as passengers: ("The woman with the blue pancake hat is going to Chinatown to buy Poo Nik Tea.") Snapshots of "things you'll see" in the terminal include someone waiting patiently, someone waiting impatiently, and someone looking up. Things you won't see? Einstein sailing and the pyramids of Giza. Next Stop Grand Central is a compassionate, quirky view of a cross-section of humanity--and that, Kalman seems to be saying, is what Grand Central Station is all about. (Ages 5 and older) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

At Grand Central Station, Chief of Police George Coppola finds lost people, and Mr. Chidchester, head of the Lost and Found, finds lost dogs. Marino Marino makes oyster stew, while thinking up interesting math problems. A man in a porkpie hat buys cherry pies. Maira Kalman's stylized artwork, along with entertaining text, brilliantly captures the excitement of Grand Central Station, "the busiest, fastest, biggest place there is."

Customer Reviews:

Great book for a great place.......2005-11-16

I read this book last week for an elementary school storytime, and it was a rousing success. Questions and riotous laughter abounded. The giant chicken on the tracks was a big hit, especially. There are lots of small visual gags for the sharp eyed, as well as marvelous wordplay. This is a book easily enjoyed by adults and children alike.

FORGET BARNEY AND RUGRATS -FINALLY A DECENT BOOK FOR KIDS.......2003-07-03

Not since Roald Dahl has a writer spoken to kids with such respect and imagination. When I read this to my 4 year old she was filled with questions and ideas and that is all I need to know. Some people have an unconventional style that fits both children and adults and Maira Kalman is certainly one of those people. This book and the Max series will be included in the lives of all the children I will ever know and they will be the happier, more imaginative and more creative for it.

Inappropriate for any age level.......2002-09-27

The artwork is unappealing, and seems as though she is ridiculing people. The tone is too bitter for children, and the book lacks any emotional truth that might appeal to a teenager or an adult. Like most of Kalman's work, this book generally is pointless; like when a college student feels embarrassed after making some vapid comment, and so pretends that it's an "inside" joke.

Just Another Day at Grand Central............2002-02-25

Author Maira Kalman takes us on a fascinating and entertaining whirlwind tour of Grand Central Station, "the busiest, fastest, biggest place there is." Meet some of the people who work there from Lenny Maglione who's in charge of the whole building, Wanda who hears complaints, Ed, the lightbulb changer, and Marino Marino who makes oyster stew at the Oyster Bar, to Audrey in the information booth who will answer your questions, Melvin Johnson who helps you find the right train and step aboard, and Frank Chidester who runs the Lost and Found. And watch the travelers, waiting, looking up and down and all around, rushing, eating, and going to work, or play, or appointments, or visits. The action never stops at Grand Central because people need to come and go all day and all night long..... Ms Kalman's creative text is full of wordplay, puns, energy, humor, and fun that will send imaginations soaring, and is only outdone by her bold, busy and engaging artwork. Kids will love poring over all the marvelous detailed illustrations and are sure to find something new and exciting each and every time they open the book. Perfect for youngsters 5 and older, Next Stop Grand Central is an innovative smorgasbord of fast-paced action and fun that transports the reader to this very "grand" place for the adventure of a lifetime. "Trains are trips. And trips are adventures. And adventures are new ideas and romance and you can't ever know what in the world will happen which is exactly why you are going." Jump aboard and enjoy!

It's like Grand Central in here..........2001-12-14

This book rules. I work at Grand Central TERMINAL (not Station!) and Kalman captures the marevelous energy and wackiness of the building. I can think of few places that offer such a great opportunity for people watching, and "Next Stop Grand Central" portrays this in a bright and colorful way that adults and children alike can enjoy.

Stop, Look, and Listen for Trains (Safety Town)

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Stop, Look, and Listen for Trains (Safety Town)
Dorothy Chlad
Manufacturer: Childrens Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

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ASIN: 0516019880

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London Tube

One Stop Short of Barking
Mecca Ibrahim
Manufacturer: New Holland Publishers Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Customer Reviews:

London Tube.......2006-04-10

This is a very funny and informative book on the London Underground. IT is a must for the transport lover, Anglophile, and tourist. So real.... It is one of my favorite. GREAT

Theatre of Tennessee Williams, Vol. 5: The Milk Train Doesnt Stop Here Anymore / Kingdom of Earth (The Seven Descents of Myrtle) / Small Craft Warnings / The Two-Character Play

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Theatre of Tennessee Williams, Vol. 5: The Milk Train Doesnt Stop Here Anymore / Kingdom of Earth (The Seven Descents of Myrtle) / Small Craft Warnings / The Two-Character Play
Tennessee Williams
Manufacturer: New Directions Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0811205932

Train Stations : Whistle Stops, Rail Stations of North America

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Train Stations : Whistle Stops, Rail Stations of North America
Alexander D. Mitchell
Manufacturer: Courage Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0762412607

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Why Won't The Train Stop
Train missed the Station
A book that will entertain readers of many ages.
Wonderful read for kids and adults

Stop the Train
Geraldine McCaughrean , and Ellen Myrick
Manufacturer: Full Cast Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 193332242X

Book Description

From the author of The Kite Rider comes another great historical novel—this time set in the American west, where the residents of a new settlement struggle against nature and the railroad to keep their town alive. Pulse-pounding adventure, moments of gut-bustin’ humor, and a deeply moving sense of community.

Customer Reviews:

Why Won't The Train Stop.......2006-12-31

Geraldine McCaughrean's book Stop the Train is a dramatic story set in the year of 1893. The U.S. government has just opened up the territory of Oklahoma to settlers and they came flocking. The new citizens of Florence Oklahoma are faced with the challenge of building a railroad town for trade and business out of a lifeless prairie. But the story takes a turn for the worse when the stubborn railroad owner refuses to stop the train at Florence because of his son deciding to give up his railroad job and live in Florence instead. Throughout the rest of the story you follow Cissy, a young school girl, and the rest of the town's attempts to stop the train. If they do not, Florence citizens will be forced to leave and the town will become an abandoned ghost town. They come up with a bunch of crazy plans to stop it all while following the town's journey. It is filled with all kinds of problems and trouble that the town has to unite together to even have a chance to overcome them.
Even though McCaughrean has plenty creative ideas throughout the book to "stop the train," it does not grab the reader's attention very well. The humor in Stop the Train is very limited and rare. The exciting action in this book is not very often, but when it does come about the reader is really yanked into the book. The book has a really big twist at the end which is very surprising and you don't see it coming in the least bit. In all, this book is fairly dull with some exceptions through the story. Readers who would enjoy this book the most are American History lovers who like learning about some stuff that actually could have happened in 1893.

Train missed the Station.......2006-03-24

The Sissney family decided to start a new life and move to a new town named Florence in Oklahoma. When they arrive there is nothing there except dirt. Cissy is the main character -- her dad helps plan the building of the town. The train that goes past their town decides not to stop at Florence. So the people of Florence try to make the train stop, but their attempts to force the train to stop do not work. Then Cissy's mom decides to leave and stay with her mom because she thinks Florence is not a good place to raise a child. Her father decides to send Cissy to see her mom. But instead, her mom gets off the train and decides to stay in Florence. One day the train stops because they have so many passengers who want to get off the train because they want to become Florentines. Then the town decides to change its name to Olive to make peace with the owner of the train. Loucien, Florence's schoolteacher marries Everett Crew, and one of the passengers who got off the train becomes the town's new schoolteacher.

Sometimes when I was reading the book I could not follow the author. I do not think the author made clear transitions from paragraph to paragraph. What I liked about the book is that the Florentines never gave up trying to get the train to stop in their town because they wanted their town to grow and prosper. Out of five, I would rate this book a three.

A book that will entertain readers of many ages........2004-07-01

Cissy doesn't quite know what to expect as she and her family clatter across the prairie in a train towards Florence, Oklahoma. They are going to claim some land on the new frontier and start a new life in the township. But when Cissy, her father, her mother, and a handful of other people get off the train, travel-weary and unsure of themselves, all they find is open prairie. Florence does not exist; it is a place they have to create for themselves.

At first the people feel totally unequipped for such a state of affairs. Cissy's own parents cannot seem to get along at all, her mother being very upset that they came to this dreadful spot in the first place and making her feelings vociferously and abundantly clear at frequent intervals. But with each other's help, they begin their new lives and Florence starts rising up out of the prairie. The townspeople agree that though they don't have much of a town yet, they are all sure it will grow once the train station is built. Commerce will come and Florence will prosper.

However, angered by the fact that the people of Florence have turned down his offer to buy their claims, the railroad owner refuses to allow his train to stop in Florence. He intends to cut the town off from the world. Now the townsfolk have to find a way to get that train to stop in their town before the town dies.

STOP THAT TRAIN! is a gripping story that pulls one along towards an extraordinary and unexpected finale. Part mystery and part western, with delightful characters who leap off the pages, this book is hard to put down. Armed with a delightful sense of humor and a keen understanding of human nature and its foibles, author Geraldine McCaughrean has created a book that will entertain readers of many ages.

--- Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber (mjansengruber@mindspring.com)

Wonderful read for kids and adults.......2004-01-31

Cissy, her parents and a handful of other colorful characters are the first to arrive in the not yet town of Florence. They've come to homestead and build a life out of nothing but vast Oklahoma prarie, but the first night after their arrival, a man from the railroad attempts to buy each of their shares for $50 a piece. When all but one refuse to sell, the spiteful railroad owner refuses to stop the train in the town. No train means certain doom for the new town and all of its inhabitants so they set out with a series of schemes to get the train to stop.

Customer Reviews:

The Parallels of Tennessee Williams.......2000-11-14

The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore is at first confusing, but as a work, very concrete. Set in Italy, Tennessee William's play, places us into the last days of the very wealthy Flora (Sissy) Goforth. Suddenly, a young man, Christopher Flanders, makes his way to the estate, with very unclear motives. His stay is brief, but the tense relationship between Christopher and the rest of the characters makes for a very energetic play, similar to a mystery. Why did he really show up? Of an interesting note, the situation in this play, a terminal illness, is similar to the situation Tennessee was dealing with in his own life. The personal connection to William's own life makes this a very honest play. Enjoy it.

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