IVOR THE ENGINE

A beguiling book -- with the name sort of appeal that The Little Engine That Could exercises, but with a really original turn of plot. Ivor was an engine on a tiny branch line in Wales. His greatest joy was to be sidetracked where he could hear the Welsh singers practising; his greatest ambition to join the choir. How this goal was achieved makes an amusing tale, and small listeners will find points at which they can join in the telling. English yes- but that could be made into an asset. The Firmin pictures are fun.