Railway Magazine review
Peter's Railway - Book 1, January 2009 issue
'And now for something completely different' is a popular catchphrase but it sums up the perfect Christmas present to catch the attention of youngsters raised on 'Thomas' books.
This delightful and educational read for children, parents and grandparents alike comes with a foreword commendation from Dr Pete Waterman: "I often wonder where the future engineers and enthusiasts will fome from. It is perfectly clear that young children love trains and railways and there is a huge selection of books for them. However, after a certain age there is nothing to follow on and their interest can end. This is where Peter's Railway comes in."
How right pete Waterman is, and I'm sure there will be adults who will take a greater interest in railways as a result of spending time in the company of children and this well-crafted book, which takes the semi-fast line after a trundle down Thomas's branch.
My six-year-old has taken the book on one test run (which was successful) and is now reading it again. He's even getting excited about the technical interludes between chapters.
Each section of the story about Peter and his grandpa builiding a miniature railway across the latter's farm has a well-illustrated double-page spread linked to basic engineering. There is an explanation of how a steam engine works and even a glossary entitled 'Some special words'.
Special words indeed because its educational valvue is doubled by being thoughtfully compiled and written in a style that ought to make it a must for every school library.
I wonder how many future engineers and enthusisasts will look back to Christmas 2008 and remember unwrapping a book that prompted a lifelong interest in, and a love of, railways? Perhaps the author should consider writing a sequel, adding a diesel locomotive to Peter's Railway?
