Next Stop Grand Centr

I read this book last week for an elementary school storytime, and it was a rousing success. Questions and riotous laughter abounded. The giant chicken on the tracks was a big hit, especially. There are lots of small visual gags for the sharp eyed, as well as marvelous wordplay. This is a book easily enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Not since Roald Dahl has a writer spoken to kids with such respect and imagination. When I read this to my 4 year old she was filled with questions and ideas and that is all I need to know. Some people have an unconventional style that fits both children and adults and Maira Kalman is certainly one of those people. This book and the Max series will be included in the lives of all the children I will ever know and they will be the happier, more imaginative and more creative for it.

The artwork is unappealing, and seems as though she is ridiculing people. The tone is too bitter for children, and the book lacks any emotional truth that might appeal to a teenager or an adult. Like most of Kalman's work, this book generally is pointless; like when a college student feels embarrassed after making some vapid comment, and so pretends that it's an "inside" joke.

Author Maira Kalman takes us on a fascinating and entertaining whirlwind tour of Grand Central Station, "the busiest, fastest, biggest place there is." Meet some of the people who work there from Lenny Maglione who's in charge of the whole building, Wanda who hears complaints, Ed, the lightbulb changer, and Marino Marino who makes oyster stew at the Oyster Bar, to Audrey in the information booth who will answer your questions, Melvin Johnson who helps you find the right train and step aboard, and Frank Chidester who runs the Lost and Found. And watch the travelers, waiting, looking up and down and all around, rushing, eating, and going to work, or play, or appointments, or visits. The action never stops at Grand Central because people need to come and go all day and all night long..... Ms Kalman's creative text is full of wordplay, puns, energy, humor, and fun that will send imaginations soaring, and is only outdone by her bold, busy and engaging artwork. Kids will love poring over all the marvelous detailed illustrations and are sure to find something new and exciting each and every time they open the book. Perfect for youngsters 5 and older, Next Stop Grand Central is an innovative smorgasbord of fast-paced action and fun that transports the reader to this very "grand" place for the adventure of a lifetime. "Trains are trips. And trips are adventures. And adventures are new ideas and romance and you can't ever know what in the world will happen which is exactly why you are going." Jump aboard and enjoy!

This book rules. I work at Grand Central TERMINAL (not Station!) and Kalman captures the marevelous energy and wackiness of the building. I can think of few places that offer such a great opportunity for people watching, and "Next Stop Grand Central" portrays this in a bright and colorful way that adults and children alike can enjoy.