The Railway Children

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Listen to a sample

What to expect

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.

Critics Review

  • “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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