Jul
31
Oi! Get Off Our Train
By
It seems that John Burningham has never forgotten what makes children tick and this wonderful fantasy with a ‘green’ message is perfect. A little boy goes to bed and dreams of going on an amazing journey with his pyjama case dog on board none other than his own toy train. Inspiringly illustrated, with more than a hint of Turner, the train sets off from the city and passes through all kinds of weather with frequent stops to play ghosts in the fog, swim in the se… More >>
5 Comments
July 31st, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I’m not offended by the eco message of this book, but more importantly I want to defend the illustrations, which I think are thrilling, complex and very beautiful, with things to talk about on every page. My children like the shout-y element of the story.
Rating: 4 / 5
July 31st, 2009 at 7:56 pm
The ecomoralising in this book is really nauseating for this adult reader, but I suspect such things completely pass toddlers by. However I can’t agree with the above reviewer (Mr happymango, if that is your real name) about the compensating merits. I found the illustrations really poor, and was reminded of the queasy feeling one got as a child when looking over a book illustrated with more whimsy than talent. The language of the book is downright clumsy and completely devoid of charm. Do your bit for the planet by not buying this waste of organic matter.
Rating: 1 / 5
July 31st, 2009 at 9:30 pm
This book is very nicely illustrated and my 2 year old really enjoyed shouting “Oi! Get Off Our Train” every time a new passenger boarded. However, what could have been a fun book is completely ruined by packaging it up with a political message about biodiversity. For anyone who has read the “Modern Parents” cartoon strip in Viz magazine and admired the parents, this book is for you!
Rating: 2 / 5
July 31st, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I had this out of the Library for months, my son, barely a year at the time loved the pictures, above all. We bought this recently, apparently for 4 and above, my son, now 20 months has this book as a regular favorite for bed time. He loves the amazing illustrations of the train (I make train noises to go) and points to all the animals as we go through. I only have to say ‘oi!, get off our train!’ and he’s found the book and demanding another read through.
As for political messages, John Burningham doesn’t lay it on heavy but tells it how it is but in a way that kids can take it in without feeling they are somehow to blame. More and more material aimed at kids makes them aware of the state we are leaving the planet. As a child of the 70’s I thought then, by now we would have it better sorted but there’s still a very long way to go. I hope the next generation do better than we are.
Rating: 5 / 5
August 1st, 2009 at 12:00 am
A wonderful journey of a small boy and his faithful toy dog, on a charismatic train as they travel the world in his dreams. They meet numerous endangered species en-route who explain the plight of creatures in our modern world and argue their case for salvation. Many issues can be raised from this superbly illustrated text. What remains unsaid is as important as that which is stated clearly. Highly recommended for use during the Literacy Hour for children of a range of ages and abilities. Will also support work in art, social and religious education.
Rating: 5 / 5