Locomotive (book)

Locomotive

Company type	Children's book
Industry	Publishing
Founded	2013 (2013)
Founder	Brian Floca
Products	Children's literature

Locomotive is a children's book released in 2013 by Brian Floca, blending factual content with free verse poetry. The narrative centers on a family's journey aboard a transcontinental steam train in 1869, illustrating the roles of workers and passengers, the evolving scenery, and the transformative effects of the inaugural transcontinental railroad. Additionally, the book features prose sections that explore the history of locomotives. Floca devoted four years to its creation, initially focusing on the train crew before shifting attention to the family's perspective, undertaking thorough research that included his own train travel experience and consultations with experts.

The publication received widespread praise, securing the Caldecott Medal for outstanding American picture book and earning a Sibert Medal Honor for nonfiction excellence. Reviewers lauded both the literary style and illustrations, emphasizing the immersive layout and use of second-person narration that draws readers into the experience. Some critics observed that the mixture of narrative approaches left the intended readership somewhat ambiguous.

Background and publication

Floca acknowledged the significant contribution of his longtime editor in refining this high-caliber work, although he personally invested four years in writing and illustrating it. His initial fascination with trains stemmed from their dynamic movement and sense of place, which led him to concentrate on steam locomotives and the transcontinental railroad to establish a deeper historical connection. To ensure authenticity, Floca recreated part of the journey by traveling on Amtrak.

Mastering the technical details of steam engines proved demanding, as did changing the storytelling focus from railroad workers to a family’s viewpoint. Key design elements were planned early on, such as featuring a locomotive image on the cover and including a bison illustration inside. Historical accuracy was maintained through expert advice, while feedback from fellow illustrators like John Bemelmans Marciano and Caldecott recipient Sophie Blackall supported its development.

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing released the book on September 3, 2013, accompanied by an audiobook version narrated by Eric G. Dove.

Synopsis

Locomotive opens with historical background about the 19th-century construction of the transcontinental railroad, undertaken jointly by the Central Pacific Rail Road Company starting in Sacramento, California and the Union Pacific Rail Road Company beginning in Omaha, Nebraska. The federal government granted them authority to determine their meeting point, which was established at Promontory Summit, Utah. This railroad dramatically shortened cross-country travel from several months down to just days.

Presented through second-person free verse narration, the story follows a mother and her children traveling on this railroad during 1869. It describes various train personnel roles, shifting landscapes and landmarks encountered along the route, operational details of the train, life aboard for passengers, and difficulties faced during early rail travel.

An extensive author's note offers additional historical context about locomotives, other transcontinental rail projects, and the broader consequences of railroad expansion—highlighting increased mobility alongside adverse effects on Native American communities and bison populations. It also discusses developments such as the emergence of the Pullman Company in the 1870s and technological advancements in locomotive design. The back cover provides an explanation of how steam engines function.

Writing and illustrations

Floca characterized Locomotive as a picture book focused on precision and factual accuracy. Reviewers applauded his use of poetic devices such as alliteration and onomatopoeia, which effectively mirror the rhythm of the journey. His integration of descriptions covering passengers, workers, landscapes, and historical elements received widespread commendation. The Wall Street Journal emphasized the book’s clear exposition of steam engine mechanics.

The narrative fits within a growing trend in children’s nonfiction that utilizes second-person perspective to immerse readers in historical contexts. Floca’s large-format presentation incorporates diverse fonts and text sizes to deepen meaning and enhance atmosphere. His intricate endpapers, along with the skillful depiction of expansive terrains alongside detailed locomotive cross-sections, garnered significant acclaim.

Although the content is complex, it remains accessible thanks to vivid artwork and a fictionalized travel narrative. Floca’s innovative use of both horizontal and vertical space distinguishes the book from typical train-themed publications, which tend to emphasize horizontal layouts. Painted with watercolors, Locomotive exemplifies how nonfiction can evoke wonder comparable to that found in fiction.

Reception and awards

Locomotive was met with widespread critical praise, though some reviewers pointed out that its broad intended age range might pose challenges for certain readers. The New York Times commended Floca’s captivating design and described it as an "unconventional picture book" with appeal across diverse audiences. Although published in 2013, it was named one of the top 10 illustrated books of 2014 by the Times. Amazon, Booklist, and the Wall Street Journal also included it among their best books lists for 2013.

Sara Rofofsky Marcus from Walden University offered a nuanced critique, noting inconsistencies in the depth between the poetic verses and informational segments. Conversely, Elizabeth Bird of The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books praised its ability to attract readers with varying preferences for detail. Kristi Elle Jemtegaard writing for the Washington Post highlighted how Floca "blends poetic text with striking illustrations to create a compelling story."

Kirkus Reviews awarded it a starred review, describing it as "Absolutely spectacular," and acknowledged Floca’s thorough research on America’s inaugural transcontinental railroad, including his cross-country journey for firsthand experience. The School Library Journal also gave a starred review recognizing excellence in writing, artwork, and conceptual presentation. The audiobook version earned accolades for Eric G. Dove’s "lyrical narration." Starred reviews were additionally granted by The Horn Book Magazine and Publishers Weekly.

As a nonfiction children’s title that is not biographical, Locomotive stands out among major award recipients. It received the prestigious Caldecott Medal for best picture book, with committee chair Marion Hanes Rutsch praising Floca’s imaginative portrayal of the locomotive’s grandeur intertwined with a family’s westward expedition. In his acceptance remarks, Floca reflected on the particular challenges and demands unique to children’s publishing.

The book also secured honors including a Sibert honor and an Orbis Pictus honor for outstanding nonfiction. The Sibert committee lauded its "fluid, richly detailed blank verse text complemented by warm and meticulously researched illustrations." Upon learning of his Caldecott victory, Floca expressed gratitude for recognition from librarians and noted the enhanced exposure it would bring to his work. He later commemorated the achievement alongside fellow children’s authors and illustrators sharing his studio space—some of whom served as models featured within the book.