Hey there, parents! Are you feeling well-rested and wishing for more late-night bonding time with your little one? Have you had enough of your child’s obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine? Look no further—Stephen King, the master of suspense and horror, has just the solution for you: his latest children’s book, Charlie the Choo Choo.
Written under the alias Beryl Evans, this whimsical tale features Charlie, a “gruff” (read: slightly unsettling) little train with a quirky grin and hollow eyes who shares a special friendship with his conductor, Engineer Bob. The story takes a dark turn when Bob learns from his boss, Mr. Briggs, that Charlie is being retired to make room for a shiny new diesel locomotive. As Charlie languishes in a train yard, reflecting on his lost potential and inevitable decline, it’s the perfect moment to say goodnight to your kids with a cheerful reminder that “one day, we will all grow old and face the end.” Sweet dreams!
Target Audience and Background
Officially aimed at ages 4-8 and grades preschool through 3rd, we might suggest a reconsideration. King crafted this book as part of a promotion for the upcoming movie adaptation of his Dark Tower series, set to release soon. In the third installment of the series, The Waste Lands, a young boy named Jake discovers a book titled Charlie the Choo Choo by Beryl Evans in a bookstore. That’s when the creepiness begins: “As he looked down at the cover, Jake found that he did not trust the smile on Charlie the Choo Choo’s face.” You’ve got to love those good, old-fashioned panic tears!
A Unique Concept
To recap, King has created a real children’s book based on a fictional one within his own story. While it’s not outright terrifying, the train’s face begs the question: would you really let this character babysit your kids? Marketed as a tale of friendship, loyalty, and hard work, it also features a train with lyrics like: “I guess that I’ll just sit right here, until I finally die.” Yikes!
Charlie the Choo Choo might be best suited for adventurous kids who aren’t easily frightened and for adults who are fans of the Dark Tower universe. While we admire King’s creativity, we’re not sure if we can handle having that cover on our shelves. Between Charlie’s sinister grin and the questionable expressions of the children in his caboose, we might just be too spooked for this one. Still, it could make for a fun collector’s item for those eagerly awaiting the movie adaptation.
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Conclusion
In summary, Stephen King’s Charlie the Choo Choo is a unique addition to the children’s literature landscape, combining whimsy with an unsettling undertone. While it may not be for every child, it could make for an intriguing read for those who enjoy a touch of the macabre.