All Aboard the Train of Thought

About the Book

Anna has been assigned to write a poem for her class, but she doesn’t really know what a poem is, let alone how to write one. As she and her brother Sam fall asleep in their sleeping bags (they’re camping out in their back yard), they embark upon a wonderful adventure aboard the Train of Thought, where (in addition to the Conductor) they meet an array of fanciful characters like the Balladeer, the Heroic Couplet twins, the Master of Metaphor, the Mix-Master of Metaphor, the Doggerel Dog, Peter Patterfeet (who’s in charge of rhythm and meter), and ultimately the King and Queen of Poetry. When Sam and Anna return from their journey, Anna not only knows what a poem is, but is able to write one herself.

About the Author

Paul F. Cummins is the Executive Director of the New Visions Foundation in Los Angeles. He has been the primary founder of New Roads School, a co-founder of Camino Nuevo Charter Academy, Los Angeles Academy of Arts & Enterprise Charter School, and the New Village Charter School. Before New Visions, Cummins was the primary founder and headmaster of Crossroads School and founder of P.S. Arts. Paul is a poet who has published two collections of poetry: A Postcard from Bali and Under Cover. His book for adults on understanding poetry is titled Why Poetry? Reflections on Poetry, Writing, and Culture. PETER BEDGOOD has been drawing since he could hold a pencil. When he’s not illustrating he enjoys performing stand-up comedy, performing and listening to music, writing, and acting. This is Peter’s fourth illustrated work; some of the other titles are The Case of the Missing Blanket and Monster Street.