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The Railway Children

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The Railway Children

By: Edith Nesbit
Narrated by: Johanna Ward
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Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis were quite happy living in their ordinary red brick house in the London suburbs. But when their father is taken away, the children and their mother are forced to move to a dark, shabby cottage in the country, changing their lives more than they could ever imagine.

At first, the country seems lonely and dull. Then, one afternoon, a walk leads them to a railway tunnel where they meet Perks, the porter, make friends with the kind station master, and wave to the Green Dragon train as it goes by. Soon every day is filled with the excitement and fascination of the railway. Little do they know that the friendly old gentleman who waves back to them holds the key to the mystery of their father's disappearance.

Since its first publication in 1906, The Railway Children has been one of the most popular and beloved children's books, and it is sure to charm many generations to come.

(P)1993 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Classics Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Railroad Fiction
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Critic reviews

“As a listening experience, the story holds up well, for the plot contains plenty of action and lively episodes in which the children demonstrate their courage...The different characters are well conveyed in light, expressive tones by Ward. The cast of characters grows as the children get to know people around them. Their various dialects and speech patterns are narrated distinctly by Ward. Nesbit’s vivid writing has a freshness that has the potential to make this a pleasurable listening experience for youngsters.”

(School Library Journal)
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Loved every moment of it from beginning to end of the railway children with my son and my mum

Brilliant

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This is such a beautiful story and Edith Nesbit has that rare talent among adults of remembering what it is like to be a child. I read this story countless times as a child and still love it, so I downloaded it mostly for nostalgia's sake. I'm so glad I did as I can now relate to the adult characters in the same way as I related to Bobby as a young girl.

If I had one criticism it would be that Nesbit uses the Victorian convention of speaking directly to the reader as the author, and for example announces at the beginning of the last chapter that it will be the last. But I doubt any children listening would notice or care about that.

Johanna Ward's narration is superb. I especially love the voice she uses for Phyllis which is suitably endearing for such an endearing character.

Funny, sad and touching all at once

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This story is thoroughly engaging and a delight to hear. The narration is not bad but the characters could be brought to life a little more. But, a worthwhile listen.

Great listen

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