If you’re a parent seeking to trade in your peaceful nights for some thrilling late-night conversations with your little ones, Stephen King’s new children’s book might just be what you need. Titled Charlie the Choo Choo, this story features a rather unsettling talking train.
Penned under the pseudonym Beryl Evans, Charlie the Choo Choo tells the tale of Charlie, a “gruff” little engine with a sinister grin and lifeless eyes, who has a close friendship with his conductor, Engineer Bob. The plot thickens when Bob learns from his boss, Mr. Briggs, that Charlie is being retired after his last maintenance job. This news sends Charlie into a dark spiral, contemplating his fate in the train yard as he rusts away. Perfect bedtime fare, right? Try tucking your child in with a cheerful reminder that we all face aging, abandonment, and ultimately, death. Sweet dreams!
Amazon suggests this book is suitable for ages 4-8 and grades preschool through 3rd, a claim that may warrant some skepticism. This book is part of a promotional effort for the upcoming movie Dark Tower, set to release in February and starring Idris Elba—definitely a factor to consider if you’re contemplating the film.
In the third volume of the Dark Tower series, titled The Waste Lands, a character named Jake discovers Charlie the Choo Choo in a bookstore, leading him to question the train’s seemingly happy facade. “You look happy, but I think that’s just the mask you wear,” he muses, setting the stage for an eerie narrative.
To summarize, King has cleverly crafted a real children’s book based on a fictional one from his earlier work, where the child perceives the train as potentially malevolent. While the upcoming release promises a narrative about friendship and loyalty, the unsettling imagery of Charlie’s face—reminiscent of a train that could have taken out Thomas the Tank Engine—might leave some parents hesitant to display it on their shelves. Nevertheless, it may serve as a unique collectible for fans eagerly awaiting the Dark Tower film.
If you’re interested in exploring more about family planning, you might find useful information in our other blog post about home insemination kits, such as the Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit. For further insights, check out this excellent resource on IVF, as well as the Impregnator At-Home Insemination Kit for those considering self insemination options.
In conclusion, Charlie the Choo Choo may not be the typical children’s book you envision. It offers an interplay of childhood innocence and the darker themes that King is known for, making it a curious addition to any bookshelf.
Keyphrase: Stephen King children’s book
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]