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vickylovesreading's review against another edition
4.0
The Silver Arrow was a fantastical tale of adventure, magic and mystery. Kate and Tom live very normal, very dull lives, until Kate writes a letter to her mysterious Uncle Herbert asking for a birthday present. Soon, he turns up with a real life size train in their backyard and the magic begins. The train comes alive and soon Kate and Tom find themselves off on a journey like no other!
I loved the inclusion of animals with tickets at each station and it’s a concept that I can imagine many children getting behind. The story sped along, easy to follow and easy to read. I enjoyed the environmental message that was pushed throughout the plot, including the learning about endangered species and their habitats. It didn’t feel forced either which was good. Both Kate and Tom were likeable, as was their gang of animal sidekicks. I think perhaps it would be interesting to have more character development of the two.
I hope to read more about them and their adventures – I will follow The Silver Arrow on it’s travels!
I loved the inclusion of animals with tickets at each station and it’s a concept that I can imagine many children getting behind. The story sped along, easy to follow and easy to read. I enjoyed the environmental message that was pushed throughout the plot, including the learning about endangered species and their habitats. It didn’t feel forced either which was good. Both Kate and Tom were likeable, as was their gang of animal sidekicks. I think perhaps it would be interesting to have more character development of the two.
I hope to read more about them and their adventures – I will follow The Silver Arrow on it’s travels!
sbojo32's review against another edition
2.0
This is a short, middle grade book, but can be easily read by a younger audience. The concept is simple: For Kate's 11th birthday, her rich, lazy uncle gifts her a life-size steam engine train. In her backyard. Complete with tracks.
Enter the magical element of the story. Kate and her brother Tom set off on an adventure with a talking train and talking animals.
To be honest, I wasn't quite sure of the point of this story. The author talks a lot about the different animals and the role that humans play in their environment, but I think this will be missed by younger readers. They will likely enjoy the Polar Express aspect of this story, but as for a story that gives a message and grips the reader, this one didn't do it for me.
Enter the magical element of the story. Kate and her brother Tom set off on an adventure with a talking train and talking animals.
To be honest, I wasn't quite sure of the point of this story. The author talks a lot about the different animals and the role that humans play in their environment, but I think this will be missed by younger readers. They will likely enjoy the Polar Express aspect of this story, but as for a story that gives a message and grips the reader, this one didn't do it for me.
antimagiczone's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
victorialynch's review against another edition
3.0
3.5! The audio sold me on this compared to the text only version. Magical train story.
abigaillaurawriter's review against another edition
3.0
My boys and I just finished this beautiful book! I loved the magic of it, the characters, and the message of protecting animals from global warming. As much as I love that message, it was written rather heavy-handedly, which resulted in a blunt read at times. Despite this, it was an enjoyable book and we all had a good time reading it together (I have a 3rd and 5th grader for reference).
beccakmo's review against another edition
4.0
Just finished reading this one aloud to my five-year-old and while a bit went over his head (probably more approprate for age 7 and up), we both couldn't get enough. Seemingly a story of adventure on a magical train with talking animals, Grossman sneaks in messages about climate change, conservation, and environmental responsibility in a way that is direct, yet hopeful. Filled with illustrations and silliness, I can't recommend it enough.
dogtrax's review against another edition
4.0
Marvelous and magical ... and an outstanding read aloud ....
jandersonkdl's review against another edition
3.0
Too simple for middle grade, but too long to be an early chapter book. Best for younger readers who are strong readers. Too heavy handed in the environment messaging.