OLD TRACKS, NEW TRICKS

Three sections of wooden train tracks inspire new ideas and fun.

Trixie, Tracky, and Tinker sit in the $1 replacement-track bin, longing to be part of a complete train set. In order to stand out, they stack themselves in twisty ways. A little white boy notices their tricks and brings them home. Now they are finally part of a set! However, their excitement fades when brash, bossy trains start barking orders. “THAT’S ENOUGH! / We trains are here to puff and chuff. / You tracks are supposed to be in line. / Where’s our railway? It’s half past nine!” The tracks quickly snap into place, but it’s really dreary being stuck in the same spot all of the time. They need to shake things up! Photographs of wooden track pieces, digitally collaged with expressive eyes and mouths, populate the pages. Stacked together with other blocks, covered in foil, with marker inked details, or glowing under a black light, Trixie, Tracky, and Tinker show the older tracks creative ways to have fun. Even the grumpy trains—in a most prescriptive lesson—learn new tricks. “Spec-track-ular” train track tips and activities are appended.

A jaunty rhyme and inventive toys-come-to-life spin on challenging the status quo, with especial appeal to fans of all things Thomas.