The Gingerbread Train Book Cover

Photo of author, Ann Tarpley Francesco,
with Matthew and Courtney,
​at his high school graduation.

Story behind the Story

One holiday season, Ann Tarpley Francesco and her two children, Matthew and Courtney, made a gingerbread train and proudly displayed it on the kitchen island. This sparked the idea of a story where the train was made out of gingerbread.

Originally written as a Christmas present for her children, The Gingerbread Train took on a life of its own! 
​ Matthew’s love of trains inspired Ann to write The Gingerbread Train - Santa’s Secret Gift.  Memories of making the gingerbread train with Matthew and Courtney inspired her to name the book's characters after her children. Illustrator Becca Solow even captured their child-like wonder and expressions from real-life photos of the two siblings growing up. 

Ann's love of writing, cooking and teaching has inspired so much more including the baking gift set, as well as fun family activities and teacher's lesson plans! 
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$15.95 + tax/shipping

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TRAILER​

About the Story

Matthew has loved trains since he was four years old. Could he just be imagining The Gingerbread Train with Santa and his elves ... or is it real? 

His sister, Courtney, never sees it. His mom doesn’t believe it’s anything but his active imagination. Even his friends laugh at him when he describes the train in all its candy-adorned glory. 
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This book will have you wondering and then believing, just like Matthew! Plus, you can make your own gingerbread train!​
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You can buy the book at these online retailers.​