Shortcut

Written & illustrated by Donald Crews

Seven kids take a risky shortcut home, but danger looms on the tracks.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 558 ratings

32 pages· 232 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

$7.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Seven children, eager to reach Bigmama's before dark, choose a forbidden shortcut along the train tracks. As they venture forward, the distant rumble of an approaching train threatens their safety. Will they make it home unscathed, or will their daring decision lead to peril? This suspenseful tale invites young readers to explore the thrill of adventure and the importance of heeding warnings, all while celebrating family bonds. Join the children on their heart-pounding journey and discover the lesson hidden within their race against time.

From the publisher

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.

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