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literarylover37's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
Premise and beginning 3.5/4, execution 2. Feel like the story skimmed a lot. Also sort of heavy handed. Plenty of areas where I was confused about the true intended audience. Not bad but not as good as I expected.
Premise and beginning 3.5/4, execution 2. Feel like the story skimmed a lot. Also sort of heavy handed. Plenty of areas where I was confused about the true intended audience. Not bad but not as good as I expected.
illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
I had to really think about this middle grade novel before writing a review. It has fun fantastical elements but feels like it has some inconsistencies in the magic, regarding what the train can and cannot do.
Animal and environmental facts are woven into the story. I like that there is a call to action to help the environment, but it also feels very heavy-handed.
The sister and brother learn to take on more responsibility. I like that while they enjoy their adventure, they are glad to return home to their parents.
I had to really think about this middle grade novel before writing a review. It has fun fantastical elements but feels like it has some inconsistencies in the magic, regarding what the train can and cannot do.
Animal and environmental facts are woven into the story. I like that there is a call to action to help the environment, but it also feels very heavy-handed.
The sister and brother learn to take on more responsibility. I like that while they enjoy their adventure, they are glad to return home to their parents.
ahpotts's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book! Perfect for late elementary, Grossman makes magic real (his trademark from The Magicians series) by unveiling the complex decisions that come with power and responsibility. The characters seem like kids who my own children might be interested in - in fact, I can't wait to share this with my almost 10yo & see if he likes it, too. I'm pretty sure he'll be giving this one 5 stars. Fingers crossed!
Listened to it with my kids - 4.5 stars from the 12yo; 5 from the 10yo
Listened to it with my kids - 4.5 stars from the 12yo; 5 from the 10yo
andrejagibese's review against another edition
5.0
This was a such a delightful read aloud. My daughter is nearly six , and she and I both devoured this. It was so fun to binge read a book with her.
bonniereads777's review against another edition
4.0
This is the audiobook version of the Silver Arrow, a middle grade children's book by Lev Grossman, narrated by Simon Vance.
This is a wonderful children's story about two kids who have an adventure on a magic train, and the passengers are talking animals! I think young kids will really enjoy this story, which also provides education about animals and the environment.
For myself, I would have liked the author to take the story further. When you have a magic train with a library car and a candy car, there are so many possibilities! The author stayed in the "environmental education" lane, where I would have liked him to make it more of a fantasy adventure. There appears to be many possibilities for a sequel, however, and I would definitely want that audiobook as well.
The narrator, Simon Vance, is amazing. He gets 5 stars. He creates a magical world you want to live in, just like Jim Dale did with Harry Potter. I will definitely be seeking out Vance's other work.
This is a wonderful children's story about two kids who have an adventure on a magic train, and the passengers are talking animals! I think young kids will really enjoy this story, which also provides education about animals and the environment.
For myself, I would have liked the author to take the story further. When you have a magic train with a library car and a candy car, there are so many possibilities! The author stayed in the "environmental education" lane, where I would have liked him to make it more of a fantasy adventure. There appears to be many possibilities for a sequel, however, and I would definitely want that audiobook as well.
The narrator, Simon Vance, is amazing. He gets 5 stars. He creates a magical world you want to live in, just like Jim Dale did with Harry Potter. I will definitely be seeking out Vance's other work.
kybrz's review against another edition
3.0
Wonderful little book trying to impart the importance of doing what you can, while you still can in regards to the environment. Would love for my kids to pick this up when they can someday.
The audiobook narration by Simon Vance was masterful as always. Such a great job of grasping the voice of the different animals. Even the picky porcupine from Michigan.
The audiobook narration by Simon Vance was masterful as always. Such a great job of grasping the voice of the different animals. Even the picky porcupine from Michigan.
mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you Libro.fm for the audiobook! I loved this magical adventure that touched on some serious environmental issues too. Reminded me of polar express, but for middle grade!
stine_reads's review against another edition
5.0
*free copy received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
What would you do if you suddenly got a magic steam train for your birthday? Yes, a real one.
This story is a wonderful journey about what happens on a magical train once it starts going places you couldn't imagine. It's beautifully written, beautifully narrated (Simon Vance happens to be one of my favorite narrators) and lets you sit back and just enjoy. I'm seriously considering petitioning my country to translate it to my native language because I would love nothing more than to be able to read this to my kids.
To be recommended to anyone between the ages 5 and 100. Equally as good for kids as adults.
4,5 stars!
What would you do if you suddenly got a magic steam train for your birthday? Yes, a real one.
This story is a wonderful journey about what happens on a magical train once it starts going places you couldn't imagine. It's beautifully written, beautifully narrated (Simon Vance happens to be one of my favorite narrators) and lets you sit back and just enjoy. I'm seriously considering petitioning my country to translate it to my native language because I would love nothing more than to be able to read this to my kids.
To be recommended to anyone between the ages 5 and 100. Equally as good for kids as adults.
4,5 stars!
nlbullock1's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book to the younger boys and they loved it (and so did I). The book has magic, trains, and adventure, which we all loved - definitely a fun book to read with the kids!