Adelaide and the Night Train

As Adelaide tries to fall asleep in her bed, she can hear real trains in the distance, louder, then softer. But afterward, the night seems even quieter and darker. She's lost her way to sleep. But then the conductor calls, ``All aboard!'' and the imaginary train takes her past fields, a river and a sleepy lighthouse. Back home, the conductor tucks Adelaide in, and forever after, when she can't sleep, Adelaide listens for the night train and the conductor's call, ``All's well.'' With a succession of rich, poetic images, the text establishes a soothing mood. Desimini's paintings seem to have a glowing patina, as if they were rubbed in lighted colors from a night sky. Peaceful to the end, the night train will call to all readers to take a hushed and gentle ride. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)