About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is winding down for bed or needs a calming moment to connect over shared stories of a simpler, rural world. It is the perfect choice for toddlers and preschoolers who are beginning to show a deep curiosity about how things work, from steam engines to farm life. These gentle tales from Apple Tree Farm center on the steam train, Rusty, and the small, helpful community that keeps things running smoothly. The stories emphasize themes of cooperation, problem-solving, and the quiet joy of discovery. Because the language is repetitive and predictable, it serves as an excellent bridge for children transitioning from being read to toward early independent reading. Parents will appreciate the wholesome atmosphere and the interactive element of finding the hidden yellow duck on every page, which encourages visual tracking and sustained attention in a playful, low-pressure way.
