... There was a railway cutting near her house which she used to explore (in comes the book!). Nesbit was a very successful author and her books continue to sell well even today. Her first children's book was "The Treasure Seekers" and wrote many other popular books such as "Five Children and ... Read review
Advantages: Great read for the whole family Disadvantages: None
A bit on the author
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Edith Nesbit was born in 1858 and died in 1924. Her family were wealthy and when she moved to Halstead House where she lived for three years, these were the happiest years of her life. There was a railway cutting near her house which she used to explore (in comes the book!). Nesbit was a very successful author and her books continue to sell well even today. Her first children's book ... .../>
What is the book about?
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This book tells the story of three children (Roberta, Peter and Phyllis) who move to the countryside with their mother after their father goes away, but the children have no idea where. They go and live in the countryside in a small cottage where they have to learn to look after themselves since their mother is trying to write books to earn money. The children decide ... more
A bit on the author ----------------------
Edith Nesbit was born in 1858 and died in 1924. Her family were wealthy and when she moved to Halstead House where she lived for three years, these were the happiest years of her life. There was a railway cutting near her house which she used to explore (in comes the book!). Nesbit was a very successful author and her books continue to sell well even today. Her first children's book was "The Treasure Seekers" and wrote many other popular books such as "Five Children and It". This book was first produced in 1906 and so far has never been out of print.
What is the book about? -------------------------
This book tells the story of three children (Roberta, Peter and Phyllis) who move to the countryside with their mother after their father goes away, but the children have no idea where. They go and live in the countryside in a small cottage where they have to learn to look after themselves since their mother is trying to write books to earn money. The children decide that they like the railway line near to their house and enjoy waving at the passengers in passing trains. They make many friends including Perks the Porter who is very poor and has quite a few children. One day Roberta reads the newspaper and sees her father and starts to find out the truth about where he went. She does not tell her siblings but she is determined to find out what really happened to her father and why. She makes some friends along the way but can they help save her father?
Did you like it and why? -----------------------------
I like this book very much and I think the story line is very gripping. The book is not too long so keeps the reader interested. The story is interesting and sometimes quite funny. I also like this book because I think children can relate to it and also realise how lucky they are. I enjoyed the way the children kept themselves amused although they had very little and allowed me to understand how the power of imagination is much better then any computer game available.
Details on the main characters ------------------------------------
*Roberta* Roberta is the oldest and takes responsibility over most of the household chores including looking after the younger two. She tries to forget that she is now living in poverty and always sees the best in things. She acts like the typical oldest child and greatly cares for her family. Although she acts as the oldest she is still a child and wants to have fun with the other two.
*Peter* Peter appears immature and silly but when it comes to the serious parts he takes responsibility and tries to do what he thinks, the best thing. Although Peter does not do that much he considers himself the man of the family and occasionally tries to help out. We are reminded about how much Peter does care for his family when he tries to steal some coal after his family moaned it was cold.
*Phyllis* Phyllis is the youngest and immature compared to Roberta and seems to get bored most easily. She does not take to the idea of "playing poor" as easily as the other two do and at times can be quite annoying. Although she loves her family she is very selfish at times. However she also adds a lot of humour to the book as she is continuously hungry and cold.
*Parents* The mother loves her children very much and appears very upset when they have to move to the countryside. Although she puts on a brave face for her children the reader can tell she is upset. The father appears to be a bold man who loves his children very much. Although we do not see much of him the reader feels warmly to him and his children certainly love him greatly.
*Other characters* Perks is a great character and very funny. He befriends the children and provides them with entertainment. The children like him very much and when they realise how poor he is they try to help out but Perks gets offended, is this the end of their friendship? The Gentleman on the train is very kind as he is the only one who originally waves at the children form the train after all the other passengers ignore him. But he proves more then just a kind man on the train but I will not ruin it…
Who is it suitable for? --------------------------
This book is for children but there is no harm in adults reading it. Definitely a bed time story in my opinion for all to enjoy! I think children between the ages of 6 and 12 would enjoy this book but it is definitely one for every child's collection no matter of age.
Other details ---------------
Published by Puffin Classics 267 pages long 14 chapters Originally published in 1906 Reissued in this edition 1994 Cover illustrations by Gino D'Achille
Where can I buy it? ----------------------
This book costs £9.99 in the UK and can be bought from any book store such as W.H.Smiths. Can also be bought online from shops such as Amazon and if you are lucky there might be some first editions going on ebay (there were when I wrote this anyway!). It is definitely good value for money and really recommend buying it because it can be read again and again, and the whole family can read it! I actually got mine from Woolworths for £2.99 but they probably don't still have them.
Advantages: Brilliant for the family, an easy-reader Disadvantages: None, apart from not being able to put it down!
The Railway Children is a brilliant and family-friendly book by Edith Nesbit, perfect for everybody after 7 years and older. The story is about 3 children whose father is put in prison for an offense he didn't do. The children and their mum are forced to move to a small and very grubby house in the countryside, away from their luxorious heaven that was their old house. The new house is next to the railway line, where thet soon become familiar with ... ...they reach via walking along the railway line! However the children are familiar with railway safety and when the line becomes blocked they save a train from crashing into it, by using their red petticoats to flag it down. They also meet a kind old gentleman who helps their ill mother and also in their search for justice for their father... ...
ernestgew 27.04.2007
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