Finn climbed aboard the Red Express, the shiniest red train he had ever seen. Its bell gave a bright ding-ding, and the seats bounced as if they were excited too.
A brass ticket popped from the conductor box and landed in Finn’s hands. “Zoo stop!” chimed the Red Express, and Finn held the ticket tight as the train began to roll.
The Red Express rushed past tall windows where painted animal shapes slid across the sun. Finn saw zebra stripes, monkey tails, and a huge sign pointing the way to the zoo.
Suddenly the tracks ahead had a big empty gap. The Red Express rattled its wheels, gathered a puff of brave steam, and Finn whispered, “We can jump it!”
Whoooosh! The Red Express sprang into the air like a leaping grasshopper, wheels spinning above the open gap. Finn’s hair flew up, but his smile stayed right where it belonged.
Clackety-clack! The Red Express landed smoothly on the far tracks and rolled up beside the zoo gate. Finn peeked out at fluttering flags and listened for the first animal sound.
A soft rain began tapping the roof in a cheerful rhythm. Ahead, the tunnel lights shimmered in every color, making the Red Express glow like a rolling rainbow.
The Red Express slipped into the tunnel, and the windows turned blue, green, and gold. Finn pressed his nose near the glass as raindrops raced each other down the pane.
Plink, plonk, plink! The rain tapped a tune on the roof, and the train wheels answered with clickety-clack. Finn laughed when tiny rainbow droplets sparkled on his sleeves.
A line of glowing drops slid under the seats and made a path down the aisle. Finn tiptoed after them, careful not to splash the little rainbow puddles.
At the end of the path, something twinkled beside the conductor box. Finn picked up a smooth rainbow raindrop gem, and the whole train gave a happy little shiver.
The tunnel began to brighten ahead, pale and misty like morning. Finn held the rainbow raindrop gem up high as the Red Express rolled toward the next surprise.
