The inimitable Maisy takes her friends for a ride on the train, climbing up a hill, rushing down a valley, chugging through a tunnel, and emerging back into the bright sunshine.

Infants and toddlers will go ga-ga over this colorful and simple board book from the Maisy collection. With a focus on trains and animals, two of the most popular topics for young children, this book is practically guaranteed to be a favorite. The text is simplistic and the strong board book format encourages kids to handle the book and practice turning the pages.

Animals ranging from geese to a butterfly are greeted by the train as it chugs along, helping kids to learn the names of various animals. Perhaps you can further that lesson by teaching your child the sound the animal makes. Train sounds, like "toot, toot," are also an important part of the story that your child will surely quickly love and begin to chime in on their own.

I shared this book with my friend's one-year-old son, Tyler, and he loved the train theme. He helped Maisy chug up the hill and squealed with glee as Maisy glided down the next hill. He also enthusiastically waved bye-bye to Maisy and the train at the end of the story before wanting to open the book and start again!

--Abby