Ladybug Nominee Profile

 How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton; illustrated by John Rocco (published by Candlewick Press, 2013 )

"Finding advice on caring for a dog, a cat, a fish, even a dinosaur is easy. But what if somebody’s taste in pets runs to the more mechanical kind? What about those who like cogs and gears more than feathers and fur? People who prefer the call of a train whistle to the squeal of a guinea pig? Or maybe dream of a smudge of soot on their cheek, not slobber? In this spectacularly illustrated picture book, kids who love locomotives (and what kid doesn’t?) will discover where trains live, what they like to eat, and the best train tricks around—everything it takes to lay the tracks for a long and happy friendship. All aboard! Loco for locomotives? Get your ticket ready -- here is everything you need to know about finding, keeping, and training your very own pet train." --Publisher's blurb

Obviously the thing to talk about with this book is trains!

• Trains can be sorted in several distinct categories, separated by the way their locomotives are powered, their use, and by the design of their tracks.  There are pictures of several different kinds at trainhistory.net
• Did you know that camels used to pull trains? There is a picture of one in the Australian Rail Transport Timeline.
• According to TrainsNH.com New Hampshire has more tourist railroads than any other geographical location in the United States.
• There are 459 miles of active railroad in New Hampshire. The state is the largest railroad owner with over 200 miles of active line, and there are nine freight railroads operating here according to the NH Department of Transportation.
• There are more fun facts about trains at Easy Science for Kids.
• Pintrest has lots of train crafts for kids.

This is one of the ten titles nominated for the 2014 Ladybug Picture Book Award. John Rocco's book Blackout was nominated in 2012. This is Jason Carter Eaton's first Ladybug nomination.