Tom Jellett, The Train at the End of My Street, Affirm Kids, April 2025, 32 pp., RRP $22.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781923022362
This book is definitely for all young, budding ferroequinologists! Or in layman’s’ terms, a person who studies trains and rail transport systems. For those interested in etymology and fun facts, the word means “iron horse”, from the Latin – “ferro” for iron and “equin:” meaning horse.
The story follows a family of four and is narrated by the young boy. They have a station at the end of their street and take train trips for both work and leisure activities. Different types of trains are depicted, as are different types of platforms. Simple procedures for train travel are shared. Double-decker trains, which are predominantly used in New South Wales, are also depicted, which might be a point of discussion for children not familiar with them.
The endpapers perfectly frame the narrative and the timetable of suburban trains. As the book is opened, the reader sees empty platforms and trains ready to pull out of the station in the morning, and as the day draws to an end, we see the same station in darkness, passengers long gone, with a soft glow from the train windows and platform lights.
Tom Jellett’s familiar illustrative style is readily identifiable, having illustrated many children’s picture books and series such as Sporty Kids, Aussie Nibbles and The Besties. It is bright and detailed. This new book is the first one he has authored.
Recommended for ages 2-7 years.
Reviewed by Bronwyn Joseph
