The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
jennifermreads's review against another edition
4.0
Quite suddenly, siblings Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis’s father vanishes and the children move with their mother, starting a new life in the country. They find exciting adventures and new friends – all starting at the country railway station.
While I had not heard of E. Nesbit prior to this year (a reference of one children’s book in an adult book leads me to another children’s book that mentions E. Nesbit – oh, what a path!), when I saw that one of Nesbit’s most popular works was titled The Railway Children, I was taken back to my childhood discovery of [b:The Boxcar Children|297249|The Boxcar Children (The Boxcar Children, #1)|Gertrude Chandler Warner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1173489650l/297249._SX50_.jpg|945340] and the many hours I passed dreaming of living in a boxcar myself and finding all the adventures that the Alden children did. Naturally, if I was going to get a taste of this author, reading The Railway Children would be the nibble I would take.
It was indeed delightful. The majority of the tale is timeless. E. Nesbit clearly understood the minds and mischievousness of children. She captured the images and beautifully transferred them to the page. Those childhood adventures will stand the test of time: discovery and exploration are a terrific part of growing up.
What did not hold up was the distinction between boys and girls as described to Pete by the country doctor. Those images of women as frail and men as strong have gone the way of the corsets: distant memories best left in the past. I cringed my way through that scene. However, the bulk of the story will encourage youngsters to set off and explore their outside world, making this a tale that every family should be sharing during read-aloud time.
While I had not heard of E. Nesbit prior to this year (a reference of one children’s book in an adult book leads me to another children’s book that mentions E. Nesbit – oh, what a path!), when I saw that one of Nesbit’s most popular works was titled The Railway Children, I was taken back to my childhood discovery of [b:The Boxcar Children|297249|The Boxcar Children (The Boxcar Children, #1)|Gertrude Chandler Warner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1173489650l/297249._SX50_.jpg|945340] and the many hours I passed dreaming of living in a boxcar myself and finding all the adventures that the Alden children did. Naturally, if I was going to get a taste of this author, reading The Railway Children would be the nibble I would take.
It was indeed delightful. The majority of the tale is timeless. E. Nesbit clearly understood the minds and mischievousness of children. She captured the images and beautifully transferred them to the page. Those childhood adventures will stand the test of time: discovery and exploration are a terrific part of growing up.
What did not hold up was the distinction between boys and girls as described to Pete by the country doctor. Those images of women as frail and men as strong have gone the way of the corsets: distant memories best left in the past. I cringed my way through that scene. However, the bulk of the story will encourage youngsters to set off and explore their outside world, making this a tale that every family should be sharing during read-aloud time.
hannahthomnoble's review against another edition
3.0
A delightful book...
...except for the many occurrences when the children are overly trusting of strangers and allow strange adults to kiss them. It's really quite gross and disturbing at times.
...except for the many occurrences when the children are overly trusting of strangers and allow strange adults to kiss them. It's really quite gross and disturbing at times.
annashan's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
5.0
jesforeverlostinbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
5.0
"Don't you think it's rather nice to think that we're in a book that God's writing? If I were writing the book, I might make mistakes. But God knows how to make the story end just right - in the way that's best for us."
Awww this was delightful from beginning to end. This really is such a timeless classic that generations of people can read and enjoy. A perfect read aloud with your children! I loved this historical story of a close, loving family fighting to make the best of things in a difficult situation set in an idyllic English countryside & so many beautiful moments throughout especially the ending! I loved that the kids were so creative with their problem-solving and that their simple, innocent act of waving to the train every day ended up having such a big, positive impact on their lives. This book will have you laughing one moment & teary eyed the next & will leave you with a smile on your face.
This book tells the story of three children whose father is taken away by the police & forced into sudden poverty with their mother. The children thrive in their new environment next to a railway… they make friends everywhere they go & by a wonderful coincidence one of these friends turns out to be exactly the person who can help them. And the ending was precious, sweet & beautiful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historicals and just needs a pleasant read that will put a smile on your face & in your heart.
amid's review against another edition
4.0
A Heartwarming Journey
Rating: 4.5 stars
The Railway Children is a captivating tale that beautifully captures the essence of childhood wonder and resilience. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows the lives of three siblings—Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis—who find themselves uprooted from their comfortable city life to a humble cottage near a railway line. As they adjust to their new surroundings, they embark on extraordinary adventures and form a heartfelt bond with the railway and its people.
The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of excitement, mystery, and heartfelt moments. The children's unwavering love for the railway and its passengers shines through as they engage in acts of kindness and discover the power of compassion. Their determination to uncover the truth about their father's mysterious absence showcases their strength and resilience, making them relatable and endearing characters.
E. Nesbit's writing style is timeless, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the countryside and effortlessly evoke a sense of nostalgia. The author beautifully captures the innocence and imagination of childhood, reminding us of the simple joys and enchantment that lie within everyday moments.
The Railway Children explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of hope. It portrays the power of community and the importance of standing up for what is right. The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the story is both realistic and heartwarming.
Rating: 4.5 stars
The Railway Children is a captivating tale that beautifully captures the essence of childhood wonder and resilience. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows the lives of three siblings—Bobbie, Peter, and Phyllis—who find themselves uprooted from their comfortable city life to a humble cottage near a railway line. As they adjust to their new surroundings, they embark on extraordinary adventures and form a heartfelt bond with the railway and its people.
The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of excitement, mystery, and heartfelt moments. The children's unwavering love for the railway and its passengers shines through as they engage in acts of kindness and discover the power of compassion. Their determination to uncover the truth about their father's mysterious absence showcases their strength and resilience, making them relatable and endearing characters.
E. Nesbit's writing style is timeless, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the countryside and effortlessly evoke a sense of nostalgia. The author beautifully captures the innocence and imagination of childhood, reminding us of the simple joys and enchantment that lie within everyday moments.
The Railway Children explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of hope. It portrays the power of community and the importance of standing up for what is right. The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the story is both realistic and heartwarming.
analicia_simar's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kirstenellang's review against another edition
5.0
If you don’t sob violently at the ending then I don’t think you have a heart
viczekaite's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
oliviaalbion's review against another edition
3.0
It took me way too long to read this as it was a work lunch time read only book. Many different themes in this book but the narrator complicates quite a simple storyline. Not the amazing children's stories of today and probably more suited to adults wanting a social historical context to childrens lives during the time of publication.