Whoo! Whoo! Goes the Train
not part of a series
on Goodreads (146)
What’s inside...
Allan, who loves trains and learns all that he can about them, has a wonderful time when he finally takes his first train ride. On Allan's first train ride, every twist and turn brings a new sound. Clickety-clack! The train goes over a bridge. Clang! Clang! It nears a crossing. Whoosh! The doors slide open at a station. But Allan's favorite sound— Whoo! Whoo! —doesn't come until the very last stop, when he gets the best surprise of all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the train go 'Whoo! Whoo!'?
How do you feel when you see different parts of the train in the illustrations?
Can you imagine where the train is going? What kind of adventures might happen there?
Why do you think trains are important for people and the places they visit?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and what would they do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show interest in their answers, and respond with follow-up questions to dive deeper into their thoughts and imagination.
Relate the story to personal experiences, such as a family trip by train, to make the conversation more engaging.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, discussing the elements they include and why they chose them.
Use expressive reading techniques like varying voice pitch and speed when reading dialogue from different characters to make the story come to life.
Discuss the importance of journeys and how they help us explore new things, prompting your child to think about journeys they would like to embark on.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to run the train smoothly, demonstrating how each role is important in achieving a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others, which can be applied in group activities at school or in play, teaching them to value every team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The young protagonist explores different parts of the train and asks questions, showcasing a natural thirst for knowledge.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to ask questions and explore their surroundings, fostering a love for learning and discovery in real-world contexts such as school or during family outings.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating community helpers
Explanation: The story highlights various train workers and their roles, helping children understand and appreciate the different jobs people do.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the roles of different community helpers they encounter daily, like bus drivers or postal workers, enhancing their social awareness and respect for others.
Example Lesson: Time management
Explanation: The train has a schedule to keep, which teaches children the importance of being on time and how punctuality impacts others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding to their routines, such as arriving at school on time or managing their time while doing homework.