Product Description

At Grand Central Station, Chief of Police George Coppola finds lost people, and Mr. Chidchester, head of the Lost and Found, finds lost dogs. Marino Marino makes oyster stew, while thinking up interesting math problems. A man in a porkpie hat buys cherry pies. Maira Kalman's stylized artwork, along with entertaining text, brilliantly captures the excitement of Grand Central Station, "the busiest, fastest, biggest place there is."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #264533 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 40 pages

Amazon.com Review
"Trains are trips. And trips are adventures. And adventures are new ideas and romance and you can't ever know what in the world will happen which is exactly why you are going." This is precisely the species of serendipity that bounces and leaps through the pages of Maira Kalman's picture book Next Stop Grand Central, a charming tribute to New York's Grand Central Station by the artist whose murals currently spice up the historic terminal. Kalman--brilliant creator of Max the millionaire poet dog in Ooh-la-la (Max in Love)--not only reflects the vibrant nature of the busy hub, she paints comical portraits of the folks behind the scenes who make it all happen: ("Etha delivers the mail--a letter to Mr. Pickle cannot go to Mr. Schnikle.") We're also introduced to the people who "zip and zap and whiz" through Grand Central as passengers: ("The woman with the blue pancake hat is going to Chinatown to buy Poo Nik Tea.") Snapshots of "things you'll see" in the terminal include someone waiting patiently, someone waiting impatiently, and someone looking up. Things you won't see? Einstein sailing and the pyramids of Giza. Next Stop Grand Central is a compassionate, quirky view of a cross-section of humanity--and that, Kalman seems to be saying, is what Grand Central Station is all about. (Ages 5 and older) --Karin Snelson

From Publishers Weekly
PW wrote, "Kalman succeeds in recreating the station's frenetic pace and the blurred sense of passersby, and her creative reportage conveys the importance of all the individuals whose lives intersect at New York's Grand Central Terminal." Ages 4-8.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 5?Lovers embrace, loiterers loiter, hungry travelers nosh, and harried commuters grand-jete through the panoramic pages of this exuberant tribute to New York City's newly renovated landmark. Kalman re-creates the energy of the place?and the energy of the place is people. Pages swarming with a variety of figures, each intent on his or her own destination and purpose, generate compositions alive with movement, placing readers squarely in the middle of the hustle and the bustle where people-watching is inevitable. The artist breathes life into her teeming masses from Police Chief Coppola, who keeps the place safe from "no-goodniks;" to singer Olga Shmedvig, whose high notes are often mistaken for a train's whistle; to Mrs. Clarence Pffafenburger, who left her show dog Mitzi on the train to Greenwich; and many more. Not to mention those nameless characters in the background whom readers can wonder about. Along with her trademark zany humor, Kalman has managed to weave a surprising amount of information into her text, such as how many people pass through, how many trains there are, how the light bulbs are changed, where you go to complain, and who built the place in the first place. From cover to cover, this is a giddy, quirky, unforgettable romp through "the busiest, fastest, biggest place there is," the truly grand Grand Central Station. All aboard!?Marcia Hupp, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Just Another Day at Grand Central.....
Author Maira Kalman takes us on a fascinating and entertaining whirlwind tour of Grand Central Station, "the busiest, fastest, biggest place there is." Meet some of the people who work there from Lenny Maglione who's in charge of the whole building, Wanda who hears complaints, Ed, the lightbulb changer, and Marino Marino who makes oyster stew at the Oyster Bar, to Audrey in the information booth who will answer your questions, Melvin Johnson who helps you find the right train and step aboard, and Frank Chidester who runs the Lost and Found. And watch the travelers, waiting, looking up and down and all around, rushing, eating, and going to work, or play, or appointments, or visits. The action never stops at Grand Central because people need to come and go all day and all night long..... Ms Kalman's creative text is full of wordplay, puns, energy, humor, and fun that will send imaginations soaring, and is only outdone by her bold, busy and engaging artwork. Kids will love poring over all the marvelous detailed illustrations and are sure to find something new and exciting each and every time they open the book. Perfect for youngsters 5 and older, Next Stop Grand Central is an innovative smorgasbord of fast-paced action and fun that transports the reader to this very "grand" place for the adventure of a lifetime. "Trains are trips. And trips are adventures. And adventures are new ideas and romance and you can't ever know what in the world will happen which is exactly why you are going." Jump aboard and enjoy!

FORGET BARNEY AND RUGRATS -FINALLY A DECENT BOOK FOR KIDS
Not since Roald Dahl has a writer spoken to kids with such respect and imagination. When I read this to my 4 year old she was filled with questions and ideas and that is all I need to know. Some people have an unconventional style that fits both children and adults and Maira Kalman is certainly one of those people. This book and the Max series will be included in the lives of all the children I will ever know and they will be the happier, more imaginative and more creative for it.

It's like Grand Central in here...
This book rules. I work at Grand Central TERMINAL (not Station!) and Kalman captures the marevelous energy and wackiness of the building. I can think of few places that offer such a great opportunity for people watching, and "Next Stop Grand Central" portrays this in a bright and colorful way that adults and children alike can enjoy.