This post is part of a weekly series of synopses of children’s books, written by First Book staff members.

Little Red Caboose, by Marian Potter, illustrated by Kathy Wilburn. The Littlle Red Caboose doesn’t think that he is a useful member of the train. He wishes that he was a big, black engine, or a coal, flat, or oil car – just so he wasn’t always last. One day everything changes when he saves the train from plummeting down a steep hill. The children cheered for the Little Red Caboose and he learned that everyone is important when it comes to accomplishing difficult tasks. Grades K-2.


Trouble Don’t Last, by Shelley Pearsall. A breathtaking, suspenseful tale of 11-year-old Samuel and old Harrison, escaping from a Kentucky slavemaster in 1859. Their journey is filled with trials, close calls and intimations of secrets ahead in Canada. Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Grades 3-4.


Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford. The Incredible Journey is an exuberant tale of three pets stranded away from their home. These friends face starvation and wild animals as they try to find their way back to their master. Instinct and their love for each other help lead them back to their home in Western Canada. Grades 5-6.