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maryhannawilson's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Kate is frustrated by her dull life. Nothing interesting ever happens to her or her brother. But that all changes the day she decides to send her mysterious and wonderfully rich Uncle Herbert a birthday request. The next day he arrives in her backyard with a full-size steam locomotive called The Silver Arrow. Kate and her brother hop aboard and take off on a thrilling adventure full of magical animals and unexpected events.
This book was a surprising delight to read and a great pick to discuss a book's theme with my online book club students. There is a very clear theme about protecting the animals and the environment around us as well as themes about teamwork and never giving up. The book allowed me to foster a great discussion.
I know many kid's books contain talking animals, but this book has some surprising animals such as a Mamba Snake, Pangolin, and Porcupine. These are the typical animals used in children's literature.
This book was full of fun surprises and that is how we discussed it at book club. We focused on the various surprising events throughout the story. From the magical candy car to the sinking train, there were unexpected moments in every chapter.
I am a sucker for a great opening and this book has a fantastic opening line and first chapter title.
Overall, this was a fun magical journey to read and discuss with elementary school students.
This book was a surprising delight to read and a great pick to discuss a book's theme with my online book club students. There is a very clear theme about protecting the animals and the environment around us as well as themes about teamwork and never giving up. The book allowed me to foster a great discussion.
I know many kid's books contain talking animals, but this book has some surprising animals such as a Mamba Snake, Pangolin, and Porcupine. These are the typical animals used in children's literature.
This book was full of fun surprises and that is how we discussed it at book club. We focused on the various surprising events throughout the story. From the magical candy car to the sinking train, there were unexpected moments in every chapter.
I am a sucker for a great opening and this book has a fantastic opening line and first chapter title.
Overall, this was a fun magical journey to read and discuss with elementary school students.
mdevlin923's review against another edition
3.0
Kate leads a rather uninteresting life with parents who focus more on their jobs than on Kate and her brother, Tom...so for her 11th birthday, she writes to her mysterious and rich Uncle Herbert to ask him for a wonderful gift. The next morning, Uncle Herbert arrives with his gift: the Silver Arrow, an actual steam engine. Kate and Tom are exploring the train when it magically goes into gear and starts rolling along tracks that have appeared. They learn how to operate the magical train and transport their passengers: talking animals who need to migrate. Throughout their journey, both Kate and Tom learn more about themselves and the world around them.
A good choice for a classroom or family read aloud. There's something for everyone to enjoy: magic, adventure, and talking animals. A huge focus on animal and wildlife conservation, environmentalism, and being present in the moment.
A good choice for a classroom or family read aloud. There's something for everyone to enjoy: magic, adventure, and talking animals. A huge focus on animal and wildlife conservation, environmentalism, and being present in the moment.
allicatca's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this on audio. I was somewhat put off by the reader's voice and British accent but nonetheless liked this book. Nice descriptive language and such a beautiful message:. Take care of this earth and its animals. The animals and plants need our help!
jemimaannie's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
melinda_and_her_books's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Netgalley and Hachette audio for my gifted copy.
This is a middle grade novel about a magic train with talking animals.
This gave me a Harry Potter and Alice and Wonderland feel. I would like to read the actual book to my daughter. I feel this would be better as an actual book.
This has the potential to be a series.
This is a middle grade novel about a magic train with talking animals.
This gave me a Harry Potter and Alice and Wonderland feel. I would like to read the actual book to my daughter. I feel this would be better as an actual book.
This has the potential to be a series.
leilabp4's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
pointeluv's review against another edition
5.0
Did not anticipate where this story was going or the final lesson at the end. It was perfect.
foxmcjoel's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
jackdziatkowiec's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Magical journey around the world on a talking train. I learned some new facts about trains and endangered animals; not many, but I had fun doing it. Has a good message for young people, about the changing climate and how it impacts the creatures we share the planet with. Drawings are nice addition.