The Christmas train by Mike Lucas. Illus. by Sofya Karmazina

The Christmas Train is a new picture book written by multi-talented South Australian children’s author and poet Mike Lucas. This is an enchanting story with stunning illustrations that will bring joy and the magic of a northern hemisphere Christmas to young and old. The striking front cover showcasing a Christmas train in the snow is bright and bold and with the shiny gold lettering will instantly appeal to all. The red and white knitted style of the endpapers will remind older readers of long forgotten Christmas jumpers and scarves and feature in the story on some very special characters.

This engaging rhyming story is about a brother and sister who join other children on the Christmas Train to the North Pole. Throughout their journey are references to Christmas traditions such as choral singers, gingerbread houses, snowmen and sleighs, frozen lakes and skaters, and beautiful Christmas lights in the night sky.

Above the dark forest,
the sky is alight
with pinks, greens and blues
and a star shining bright.

Closer to the North Pole, the Christmas star appears and there are polar bears, candy canes, reindeers, elves, and Santa with his sleigh packed full of Christmas presents.  With a little bit of Christmas magic the children find themselves back in bed waiting for Santa. Was it all a dream?

The Christmas Train will be a wonderful and much-loved addition to your home, school or public library Christmas book collection. The colourful illustrations by Sofya Karmazina are captivating and full of life - the elves and reindeers are particularly delightful. Merry Christmas!

Themes: Christmas, Trains, Snow, Children, Joy, Magic, Traditions.

Kathryn Beilby