The Silver Arrow

By Author / Illustrator

Lev Grossman

Genre

Environment

Age range(s)

Publisher

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

ISBN

9781526629401

Format

Hardback

Published

03-09-2020

Synopsis

When Kate is given a colossal steam train for her birthday, she can't believe her luck. After eleven years of waiting, adventure has finally found her! Soon the Silver Arrow is whisking Kate and her brother Tom to a magical station where their passengers stand ready to board. From the porcupine to the pangolin, each one is rare and wonderful. But these animals have been waiting a very long time too. Can Kate deliver them home ... before it's too late?

Lev Grossman's first children's book is a journey you'll never forget: a rip roaring adventure from desert plains to snow covered mountains and everything in-between. Packed with exciting creatures from the indignant porcupine to the lost polar bear and the adorable baby pangolin, The Silver Arrow is a classic story about saving our endangered animals and the places they live.

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Reviews

Lev Grossman's first children's book The Silver Arrow is a magical adventure full of hope, fun and determination. The book contains several incredible illustrations by Tracy Bishop which enhance the storytelling.

Fed up, Kate writes to her wealthy, mysterious uncle asking for an expensive present. Little did show know he would follow through, arriving at her house with an anonymous steam train called The Silver Arrow. While exploring, Kate and her brother Tom are whisked off on the adventure of their young lives. Discovering that the train can communicate with them, the push on and learn how to control the train and soon begin to meet its many animal passengers. The children are amazed these creatures can talk! The train also gives into their dreams; creating a library car, sweet car and many more exciting compartments.

Whilst on their journey, Kate learns many important lessons and overcomes many challenges. The train guides her through but she shows grit and perseverance to work her way through and courage to take control of the different situations. The animal passengers teach her and Tom many lessons, especially the polar bear and pangolin. The book is not preachy in its messages but asks to reader to take notice of the world around them and the consequences of their actions.

The Silver Arrow sends a message of hope. It is a magical story and would be enjoyed by children and adults alike who enjoy trains, animals, strong characters and adventure. This book feels like a modern classic and would make an excellent gift. Pitched perfectly for lower key stage 2, there is no reason this cannot be enjoyed by older or younger children. Highly recommended.

272 pages / Ages 8+ / Reviewed by Bryony Davies, teacher