A Ticket to Ride is another truly wonderful children's book from Sue Wickstead. Filled with brightly coloured pictures, jokes, poetry and riddles, this book will entertain and excite younger readers. The jokes are dreadful! I absolutely loved them! I hopped on the bus the other day… is my favourite. I'd not heard that one before. The calligram poem is a novel idea, and had me turning the book in all directions trying to follow the trail of words. I bet that will cause lots of merriment when the grandchildren try reading it! A Ticket to Ride is a fantastic book to read with the children and I think it works for the adults as well. Some children's stories I have read have bored me to tears, so I lose interest and therefore the children do too. But A Ticket to Ride has the mix of poems, easy-to-read stories and groan-inducing jokes that will hold the adult’s attention as well as the child's. My grandchildren are now learning to read by themselves and I believe this will become a favourite for them to read at bedtime. I am a big fan of Sue Wickstead's books for younger readers and this one has something for everyone to enjoy. I think this is probably my favouite now and highly recommend for early readers.

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers’ Favorite A Ticket to Ride: Stories and Rhymes by Sue Wickstead is a lively collection that invites readers on whimsical trips through poems, jokes, and silly journeys. Throughout its pages, bus rides become windows into a world of imagination. Whether it’s following a mouse zipping through a maze or watching a lion take an unexpected bubble bath with apple shampoo, children are shown how enjoyable life can be. Each one is packed with fun twists and gentle surprises, such as bees “catching the school buzz” or clever cats negotiating for affection. The adventure celebrates curiosity, kindness, and everyday magic—such as wildflower seeds planted to honor a king’s coronation, or a fairy’s glittering mischief in a castle. With humor, creativity, and small joys, it’s sure to brighten any day. As an educator, this compilation brought back memories for me. I recall reading rhymes and verses to my students, and I believe A Ticket to Ride by Sue Wickstead should be included in any preschool or elementary classroom. The lion’s bubble bath scene is sure to make kids giggle and beg to hear more. This book can be used to introduce poetry to children, and they could be asked to write their own poem as an extension activity. They could also create their own black-and-white drawing to pair with it. Sue Wickstead’s background as a teacher shines through in her playful words and relatable childhood scenarios. I also appreciate the artwork because it doesn’t overshadow the text. Every turn of the page is a fresh invitation to laugh, wonder, and daydream alongside cheerful animal friends and creative bus rides, perfect for sharing aloud.