The Railway Children

From School Library Journal Grade 3-7-This dramatic adaptation of the 1906 classic by E. Nesbit is read by an ensemble cast of four actors. They read with conviction and help the story come alive. The story is told from the monster's point of view, a more immediate and engaging way than Nesbit's use of a narrator. It presents a loving family of three children who pull closer to their mother after their father mysteriously disappears one evening after dinner. The family is forced to move from their rather posh home in the city to a simple one in the country, and often have to "make due." The railway plays an important part in their lives. The adaptation includes all of the major events in the book, and there is a smooth transition from one adventure to another. Minor characters are foils against which the family reacts and there is no real character development, more just a series of incidents and coincidences building to the father's return. This is a comforting version for fans of Nesbit, and one that will attract new converts.Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Washington, DCCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. Product Description With their father called away, Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis must move with their mother to the country, where they wait each day at the train station in hopes their father will arrive. From AudioFile A mother and three children experience an abrupt "change in station" when their father is incarcerated and they seek a new life in the country. Finding themselves isolated and poor, they watch trains as their pastime. Jenny Quayle sounds lovingly detached as the mother. The children's voices are all sweet, but one of the two sisters sounds like a boy. Sound effects like trains chugging add realistic detail. This heartwarming production teaches young listeners about prayer and having faith in what they hope for. A.G.H. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine