Peter’s Railway Now and Then by Christopher Vine Review

Reviewed by Jenny Seymour

From the size and shape of the book and the topic, I thought this was going to be very similar to the Thomas the Tank Engine series. However, the artwork is far more detailed and the age range is for older children. It may well be better to distinguish the books from the Thomas range.

The artwork on each page is very detailed and interesting. The maps and the page with the detailed parts of a locomotive really kept my boys engaged and asking questions. They’re at the younger end of the age range (6-12 years).

This series is about Peter and his grandpa who run a railway line between their houses. In this particular book, Mr Otto wants to say thank you to them for letting him have a go on their railway by giving them 2 tickets for an overnight adventure on a freight locomotive.

The very fact it was an overnight adventure and something my boys had never experienced, was exciting for them.

There were lots of detailed facts included, which again my boys loved and they loved trying to understand the numbers. I do think that the size of the book, 32 pages, and the writing  means that it is more suitable to the younger age range and I can’t imagine 12 year old boys necessarily being engaged (there are larger books in the series).

A great adventure read, but at the same time educational. Well written and good value. I will definitely be buying other books from this series for my 6 year old boys.

Rating: 4/5

RRP: £2.99 (Paperback)

Available to buy from Peter’s Railway here.