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The Railway Children

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( 63,571 ratings, 2,856 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Railway Children by E. Nesbit is a charming tale of three siblings — Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis — who move to the countryside with their mother after their father is inexplicably taken away. Living near a railway, they embark on exciting adventures, make new friends, and uncover the truth behind their father's disappearance. The story captures themes of resilience, friendship, and the innocence of childhood.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This charming classic may appeal to you if you enjoy stories about family, adventure, and the resilience of children in the face of adversity. The narrative transports you to the English countryside, offering a nostalgic and heartwarming tale that sparks imagination and curiosity. With a mix of excitement, mystery, and the power of kindness, this book is perfect for young readers and adults who cherish timeless, feel-good stories.

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Never out of print since its first publication in 1906, The Railway Children is one of the most loved children's stories of all time. 'My all-time favourite classic children's author' Jacqueline Wilson

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL WRITERS TO HAVE EVER LIVED.

NOW A SUCCESSFUL FILM .

'This much-loved classic is above all a celebration of kindness and hope' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE

'My all-time favourite classic children's author' JACQUELINE WILSON

'Edith Nesbit was endlessly surprising and inventive' FRANK COTTRELL-BOYCE

When their father is suddenly taken away, the children's lives change overnight. Unable to afford their London home, the family must move to a small cottage in the Yorkshire countryside. Hiding their sadness from their mother, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis roam the fields all day. Every morning they can be seen waving as the morning train roars past, imagining that it will can carry their love to their father, wherever he may be.

The trio become a familiar sight and their bravery and quick-thinking avert a railway disaster. There is a kind old gentleman passenger who never fails to wave back - little do the children realise how much his friendship will mean to them, especially in solving the mystery to their father's disappearance.

This collection of the best in children's literature, curated by Virago, will be coveted by children and adults alike. These are timeless tales with beautiful covers, that will be treasured and shared across the generations. Some titles you will already know; some will be new to you, but there are stories for everyone to love, whatever your age. Our list includes Nina Bawden (Carrie's War, The Peppermint Pig), Rumer Godden (An Episode of Sparrows), Joan Aiken (The Serial Garden, The Gift Giving,) E. Nesbit (The Psammead Trilogy, The Bastable Trilogy, The Railway Children), Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Little Princess,The Secret Garden) and Susan Coolidge (The What Katy Did Trilogy). Discover Virago Children's Classics.

Series: Virago Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

E. Nesbit's The Railway Children is praised by contemporary authors like Neil Gaiman for her engaging storytelling. Jacqueline Wilson regards her as a beloved classic children's author, while Frank Cottrell-Boyce admires her surprising inventiveness and ability to evoke deep emotions, making her both a humorous and poignant writer.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349009322

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 October 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Virago Press Ltd

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by C. E. Brock

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 198g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Edith Nesbit (1858-1924) is perhaps most famous for writing The Railway Children and Five Children and It, but she was extremely prolific and wrote or collaborated on more than sixty children's books. Nesbit is today recognised as one of the most influential and innovative children's writers that ever lived, and is cited as an inspiration by many contemporary authors, including J. K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, Jacqueline Wilson, Kate Saunders and Frank Cottrell-Boyce. Even C. S. Lewis acknowledged the debt his Narnia series owed to her work-particularly the Bastable and Psammead trilogies.

Also by E. Nesbit

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  • The Railway Children
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