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applegnreads's review against another edition
1.0
terrible. I'm unsure as to what the moral of this is supposed to be... rich people such and attached their guilt by bestowing gifts in the poor? put people want to stand beside by train tracks waiting for handouts? memories change? ick. ick. ick.
jaij7's review against another edition
5.0
A little teary-eyed with goosebumps as I write this review. What a sweet story about giving back.
sducharme's review against another edition
5.0
This is the story of two men: One who repays an emotional debt to a small town in the Appalachian mountains. He was nursed back to health after a car accident there, but the villagers refused his offer of money as repayment. To thank them, he returns every year by train to deliver presents wrapped in silver paper at Christmas time.
The other man: a boy, our narrator, remembers waiting for the train each year, hoping for a toy doctor's kit. But each year, the silver package tossed from the train is something else; some other toy along with some practical item, like socks. As an adult, the boy looks back and realizes the man and his silver packages have taught him something - something about giving back to others.
The other man: a boy, our narrator, remembers waiting for the train each year, hoping for a toy doctor's kit. But each year, the silver package tossed from the train is something else; some other toy along with some practical item, like socks. As an adult, the boy looks back and realizes the man and his silver packages have taught him something - something about giving back to others.
shighley's review against another edition
5.0
My district was fortunate to have Soentpiet visit a few years ago, and today while discussing Christmas books, one of my media clerks told me this was her favorite one. I had never heard of it, and was trying to come up with a book-themed Christmas decoration for a church gathering. I instantly loved the book when I read it, and set out to decorate a tree to represent the book. Who knew it would be so hard to find a simple train?? It's such a great story of paying it forward, and not necessarily appreciating a present or kindness at first, but eventually maturing enough to recognize a true gift. My tree will be decked out with red socks, brown gloves, a scarf, balls, a toy police car, some wooden train engines, and many silver packages (good luck finding a toy gun anymore) Great story and paintings. Soentpiet described working on some books for months and months.
scostner's review against another edition
3.0
I think all of Rylant's stories about Appalachia are wonderful, and this one is no exception. A great story to read to kids and point out the holiday spirit shown in its events.
rebekahmorris's review
4.0
3.5 stars
This story is about giving back to others. The pictures are delightful, and the story is based on a real "Christmas train." While written as though telling a story and not living it, it is still sweet and an interesting tale of Christmas time and how one act of kindness can lead to another and another.
This story is about giving back to others. The pictures are delightful, and the story is based on a real "Christmas train." While written as though telling a story and not living it, it is still sweet and an interesting tale of Christmas time and how one act of kindness can lead to another and another.
bookd18's review
4.0
This story is so sweet. I read it the first time at a library up in the Blue Ridge Mountains when my mom and I stopped in- and I admit, I fell head over heals. So often as kids, we get a present that isn't what we dreamed of but it helps shape who we are.
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