Overview
The legend of Casey Jones has been around for more than 100 years. It started when, after a horrible train accident in April 1900, a train worker named Wallace Saunders wrote a little ballad to honor the great trainman, Casey Jones. Over the years, verses were added to the original and the legend of Casey Jones grew until it became a tall tale. It's true that investigators said that Casey was responsible for the accident that April night because he was driving too fast and failed to respond to flag signals. Casey will be remembered as a hero, though, because he saved the lives of the train's 300 passengers. Casey's actions also made it possible for his fireman, Sim Webb, to escape the wreck. That's just the sort of thing that turns an ordinary person into a legend -- one fit for a tall tale. Learn more about Casey Jones's wild adventures inside, where you will also find a great recipe for Hobo Beans. Casey himself would have loved them! A glossary and places to discover more information are also included.Presents the life story of John Luther Jones, an American railroad engineer whose death was celebrated in the ballad Casey Jones, which made him a folk hero.
Synopsis
The legend of Casey Jones has been around for more than 100 years. It started when, after a horrible train accident in April 1900, a train worker named Wallace Saunders wrote a little ballad to honor the great trainman, Casey Jones. Over the years, verses were added to the original and the legend of Casey Jones grew until it became a tall tale. It's true that investigators said that Casey was responsible for the accident that April night because he was driving too fast and failed to respond to flag signals. Casey will be remembered as a hero, though, because he saved the lives of the train's 300 passengers. Casey's actions also made it possible for his fireman, Sim Webb, to escape the wreck. That's just the sort of thing that turns an ordinary person into a legend -- one fit for a tall tale. Learn more about Casey Jones's wild adventures inside, where you will also find a great recipe for Hobo Beans. Casey himself would have loved them! A glossary and places to discover more information are also included.
Trina Heidt - Children's Literature
Casey Jones' legend has been around for over 100 years. It began with a simple ballad written by Wallace Saunders after the tragic train accident that killed Casey Jones. It was meant to honor the legendary trainman and it has grown over the years into the tall tale we are familiar with today. This book brings to life the tale of the man turned legend born John Luther Jones and now known as Casey Jones. Children will be delighted to learn in short form of Casey's childhood and early career as a railroad engineer or "hogger." They will marvel at his accomplishments and will likely also learn a lesson or two from the well-known motto of this tall tale trainman. Illustrations bring to life the energy and enthusiasm of the larger than life Casey Jones. Also included is a page devoted to the real Casey Jones, a recipe for Hobo Beans, a glossary, index and resource page. As part of the "Tall Tales Imagination" series, it would be a wonderful addition to a unit study. 2004, Compass Point Books, Ages 5 to 9.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Casey Jones' legend has been around for over 100 years. It began with a simple ballad written by Wallace Saunders after the tragic train accident that killed Casey Jones. It was meant to honor the legendary trainman and it has grown over the years into the tall tale we are familiar with today. This book brings to life the tale of the man turned legend born John Luther Jones and now known as Casey Jones. Children will be delighted to learn in short form of Casey's childhood and early career as a railroad engineer or "hogger." They will marvel at his accomplishments and will likely also learn a lesson or two from the well-known motto of this tall tale trainman. Illustrations bring to life the energy and enthusiasm of the larger than life Casey Jones. Also included is a page devoted to the real Casey Jones, a recipe for Hobo Beans, a glossary, index and resource page. As part of the "Tall Tales Imagination" series, it would be a wonderful addition to a unit study. 2004, Compass Point Books, Ages 5 to 9.—Trina Heidt