The New Engine/La máquina nueva
Book Review:
In The New Engine/La máquina nueva, Carlos Encinas tells a heartwarming
story through the wondrous eyes of a young boy. The boy's father has
been warned by his employers about possibly losing his job at the railroad
company. New, unfamiliar electric engines are replacing the steam engines
his father works with. Suddenly, the boy begins to fear this change
that brings with it an uncertainty he has never felt before. After attempting
to resist the change, he realizes that he must instead face it and learn
to adapt. His father too will get the opportunity to adapt and will
be trained to work on the new engines.
This remarkably touching story resonates with childlike sincerity and
wholesomeness. The illustrations are equally as fascinating, with expressive,
assertive and nostalgic elements all present simultaneously. The author
achieves this through computer-generated artwork which allows him to
compose his collages, altering and overlapping images to create illustrations
that enhance the story's powerful message.