Scan barcode
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!
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).