Whoosh and Chug!

The idea that slow and steady wins the race doesn’t only apply to tortoises and hares—it also holds true for trains. First published in the U.K. in 2012, Braun’s story follows two earlier vehicular buddy tales, Toot and Pop! and Digger and Tom! Chug the engine “works hard collecting and delivering heavy freight,” while Whoosh, a passenger train, loves to speed down the track; after Whoosh races into an area that’s being worked on, Chug comes to the rescue. While the overall feel is that of a generic cousin to Thomas the Tank Engine, Braun’s clean, telegraphic illustrations and bright palette have plenty of eye-catching appeal on their own. Ages 4–8. Agency: The Bright Agency. (June)