marianafahaun's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sanmeow's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
a super sweet story about a family moving from london to a house next to the yorkshire railway. roberta, peter, and phyllis (the three children) are struggling after their dad was sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit. the three of them connect with an old man, and later they are
this was a really touching story and my favorite part was the love between the three siblings. the characters themselves aren't super memorable to me but their bond is sweet. i didn't love the writing style but i think the plot is interesting enough. it is predictable but that's okay since this is a children's book.
Spoiler
reunited with their dad.this was a really touching story and my favorite part was the love between the three siblings. the characters themselves aren't super memorable to me but their bond is sweet. i didn't love the writing style but i think the plot is interesting enough. it is predictable but that's okay since this is a children's book.
degroot_maartje's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
comefromaway's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I loved the film as a child and thought I’d love the book just as much. Unfortunately, the writing style didn’t do it for me - it was too waffley.
Cute story though - and as an adult I now understand where the Dad went when he went away!
Cute story though - and as an adult I now understand where the Dad went when he went away!
marthacook23's review
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
nonabgo's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely, just lovely all the way through. I needed this in my life right now, I always take refuge in children's books when times are tough.
These children, who make the best of what they have after their family lost everything, and invent games, make friends and have adventures while eating bread and butter or bread and jam, but not bread with butter and jam, gave me a bit of much needed lightness for a few hours.
The book is funny, pure, heart-warming and an absolute delight. I loved, loved the poems to bits! Yes, it's a children's book, but I believe it can be read by all ages. The adventures they have kept me on edge and there's a lot of emotion running through this little book. Bobbie, with her precociousness and ability to empathize with people's feelings much more than a lot of adults these days, has become one of my favourite characters in literature.
It's a story about siblings, about family and friendship, but also about overcoming adverse times without losing your spirit. The characters might be a bit cardboard, Phyllis especially, but they are meant to be understood and related to by children, not dissected by adults.
Would I recommend it for small children? Maybe not, unless some things are very well explained to them (there's some dangerous adventures they embark on, which ay be easily copied by kids — Peter, Roberta and Phyllis play on railway tracks on occasion, and there's a bit of misogynism, as were the times). But I definitely had lots of fun with it and it filled my heart with joy.
These children, who make the best of what they have after their family lost everything, and invent games, make friends and have adventures while eating bread and butter or bread and jam, but not bread with butter and jam, gave me a bit of much needed lightness for a few hours.
The book is funny, pure, heart-warming and an absolute delight. I loved, loved the poems to bits! Yes, it's a children's book, but I believe it can be read by all ages. The adventures they have kept me on edge and there's a lot of emotion running through this little book. Bobbie, with her precociousness and ability to empathize with people's feelings much more than a lot of adults these days, has become one of my favourite characters in literature.
It's a story about siblings, about family and friendship, but also about overcoming adverse times without losing your spirit. The characters might be a bit cardboard, Phyllis especially, but they are meant to be understood and related to by children, not dissected by adults.
Would I recommend it for small children? Maybe not, unless some things are very well explained to them (there's some dangerous adventures they embark on, which ay be easily copied by kids — Peter, Roberta and Phyllis play on railway tracks on occasion, and there's a bit of misogynism, as were the times). But I definitely had lots of fun with it and it filled my heart with joy.
helenephoebe's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nedge's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0