Ocean Star Express

Joe is having a fine seaside holiday at the Ocean Star Hotel, with blue skies, sunshine and everything the beach can offer, until the fog rolls in, the rain sets in and he starts wishing he were back home. Then the hotel's owner invites him up to the loft. It is black as night at first, until a thousand tiny stars sparkle overhead and, somewhere in the dark, a model train goes chug-chug-chug.

What opens up is a whole miniature world of snow-capped mountains, great deserts and rocking fishing boats, only a few steps from a rainy hotel room. Mark Haddon's picture book knows exactly how a wet afternoon can turn into an adventure. A lovely bedtime choice for small train lovers and anyone who has sat out a soggy summer by the sea.