Shortcut - by Donald Crews (Paperback)

About the Book

It's getting late. So seven children decide to take the shortcut home, even though that means walking along the train tracks when they've been told to always take the road. They look, they listen, and the coast seems clear. Just when there's no turning back, the train appears. Here it comes! WHOO-WHOO! Full color.

Book Synopsis

From Donald Crews, the Caldecott Honor artist and award-winning creator of Bigmama's, Freight Train, and many other classic picture books for young children, comes "a superb example of the picture book as theater; a suspense thriller for younger audiences" (Horn Book starred review).

It's getting late following a day of play, So seven children decide to take the shortcut home to Bigmama's, even though that means walking along the train tracks when they know they should always take the road. The coast seems clear...

This companion to Bigmama's will enthrall young readers at home or in the classroom. An exciting story with a clear implicit lesson and a happy ending, children will be on the edge of their seats as they follow along. A fun read-aloud, it also helps children ages 3 to 6 learn about how to share details of place in storytelling. Celebrate the bonds of family over generations with Donald Crews's evocative picture books Shortcut and Bigmama's.

From the Back Cover

The train tracks ran right by Bigmama's house in Cottondale, and the children were warned to stay off the tracks. But one night they were late, and the tracks were a shortcut, so they started off. And when there was no turning back, they heard the train coming.

Review Quotes

"An out of the ordinary drama set forth with uncommon artistry." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Beautifully crafted from cover to cover." - Booklist (starred review)