The Silver Arrow

By: Lev Grossman

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 3 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

"I loved every page. This is middle grade fiction at its best." (Ann Patchett)

From the number one New York Times best-selling author of The Magicians comes a must-listen, wholly original middle-grade debut perfect for fans of the Chronicles of Narnia and Roald Dahl.

Dear Uncle Herbert,

You've never met me, but I'm your niece Kate, and since it is my birthday tomorrow and you are super-rich could you please send me a present?

Kate and her younger brother, Tom, lead dull, uninteresting lives. And if their dull, uninteresting parents are anything to go by, they don't have much to look forward to. Why can't Kate have thrilling adventures and save the world the way people do in books? Even her 11th birthday is shaping up to be mundane - that is, until her mysterious and highly irresponsible Uncle Herbert, whom she's never even met before, surprises her with the most unexpected, exhilarating, inappropriate birthday present of all time: a colossal steam locomotive called the Silver Arrow.

Kate and Tom's parents want to send it right back where it came from. But Kate and Tom have other ideas - and so does the Silver Arrow - and soon they're off to distant lands along magical rail lines in the company of an assortment of exotic animals who, it turns out, can talk. With only curiosity, excitement, their own resourcefulness and the thrill of the unknown to guide them, Kate and Tom are on the adventure of a lifetime...and who knows? They just might end up saving the world after all.

This thrilling fantasy adventure will not only entertain young listeners, but inspire them to see the beautiful, exciting, and precious world around them with new eyes.

©2020 Lev Grossman (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

*"Both cozy and inspiring, this eco-fable conveys both grim truths and a defiant call to action." (Kirkus, starred review)

"...whimsical details and well-wrought moments of adventure are nevertheless certain to draw young readers." (Publishers Weekly)

*"Grossman's gorgeous middle-grade debut is vivid and amusing... it's a world all its own." (Booklist, starred review)

The review

Best book ever!
Inspired my son and will do the same to me to become a more resalable person and will protect the environment more then I do know.

WOW

My son loved this book, I had no idea why but when I listened to this book I knew why he loved it so much… this is the best book for family’s to read. I would listen to this book a lot more. BEST BOOK EVER!!!

Whimsy and growth with an edge

Fanciful story of magic and adventure not always turning out like the stories kids grow up with. If you're expecting something like Grossman's 'The Magicians', you'd do well to adjust your expectations towards a much younger audience. some of his skill at writing ominous dread and fear is there, though, which may catch you by surprise in a children's book. There's morals about growth and adversity and regret, finding optimism and hope even at the darkest moments or when having to face your species' worse aspects, and it sticks the landing rather well (if a bit less gently than many books for younger audiences.) Loades with clever and unique characters and a surprising amount of real information, highly recommended for any animal-lovers in your life.

great book

i loved this book. great listen as you work on cleaning house or just listening.

A Magicians adventure for children

I loved the “Magicians” series, but this book is written for children. It is full of magical adventure for children and I enjoyed it too. This is left open to a series. A good short story with more adventures to look forward to.

LOVED IT

It’s the kind of story you can read again and again, no matter your age. It kind of has that Narnia feel to it; a novel sequestered in its own little fairytale world. The characters are funny and delightful. You can’t help but fall in love with them, from a grumpy porcupine to a talking train, the comical Uncle Herbert and, of course, the headstrong, practical Kate. If you love animals and adventures, this should be your next read!!

Family book

Our entire family enjoyed this book (while spending 10 hours in the car one day) from age 8 to 47!

everyone said it was great. 38, 12, and 10 years

this is so good everyone enjoyed it It kept our interest We are thankful for audible

great story

the book had all the feels, a poinent backbone story line and reminiscent of Narnia series ❣️

global warming enthusiast read on

three hours of ok story line only leads to a global warming theme. it tasks children to save the planet and all the animals, including humans, who are the worst and the best of the animals at the same time. if you believe in global warming, this is the book for you.