Shortcut

I love to read books with few words with my kindergarten class. This one is great, the words match the feeling.

All of my children have loved this book, so much so I've had to buy several replacement copies.Some people criticize it for teaching a bed lesson (glorifying doing something dangerous and keeping secrets from adults), but what it does is perfectly capture a child's perspective of doing something wrong (and dangerous) and learning a lesson independent of adult input.In case you are wondering (spoiler alert), the kids take a short cut on train tracks and almost get hit by a train.Crews is at his best in this one with succinct sentences that are wonderful to read out loud, lots of action, and beautiful illustrations.

I read this book to my son when he was a toddler and he loved it so much I had to read it over and over. Of course you have to add the train effects to the story...but here it is 16 years later, and am now reading it to my grandson. He isnt quite a toddler yet, but he enjoys the story as well. Its a good read for any child.

One of the things I love about Shortcut is that it gives young children a chance to be scared/tense (like adults enjoying John Grisham or a suspenseful movie) in a way that isn't like to keep them awake later! I used to teach four-year-olds, and, if read with expression, this book keeps them on the edge of their seats!Donald Crews' relating of an actual childhood experience is powerful -- they decided to take the shortcut home -- over the train tracks. What happens when they realize a train is coming?

A favorite! I’ve read it a hundred times to my little one. He had wide eyes each time.

My grandson's school suggests that the student purchase a book for the school library on their birthday. This was on the recommended list. We read it before he took it to school and thoroughly enjoyed it together.

This book and pictures rode a train right through my heart!! Oh, but please don't tell Big Mama!

A perennial winner! Donald Crews is so talented. My grandchildren noticed that the same train from "Freight Train" appears again here. An amazing story, breathless illustrations and fabulous lesson!