The Train Home

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The endpapers for The Train Home show some station entrances of the author’s favorite places to take the train or places she wishes it could take her. Have students create art that shares the destinations, real or imagined, that they want to travel to.

Have students cut a piece of paper in half, then fold the half sheet in half. On the inside ask them to draw a picture of a place that they want their train to take them. On the outside, have them draw a station entrance that names the destination. Display the folded pieces on a bulletin board and encourage students to “enter” the stations (lift the fold) and see where their classmates can take them!

If students have a number of destinations in mind, consider having them make lift-the-flap books to share them all.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. Nari describes her home as “a bit too full and a little too loud” but also as “where her favorite people in the world are gathered.” What words describe your home?
2. What places does Nari consider for her dream home? What is your favorite place that she visits? What would your dream home look like? Where would it be? Who else would be there?
3. How does Nari feel about her family? What is your favorite activity to do with your family? How does spending time with family make you feel?
4. Do you ever use your imagination to escape? What are some places your imagination takes you to?

Related Resources

NY Transit Museum Online Collection
Another Brilliant Lift-The-Flap Book from Bookmaking with Kids