The Railway Children

This two-hankie classic of British children's literature follows a mother, two daughters and a young son as they repair to a rural area near a railway station after a false accusation places the father in jail. Subdued sound effects, such as the chugging of a train as it roars by, are featured. As usual with Naxos, the tale is punctuated by bits of classical music, sometimes sad, sometimes sweepingly grand. Cast members are well chosen, particularly the young woman who portrays 12-year-old Roberta (Bobbie). A tear comes to the eye as the father is reunited with her. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Virginia Leishman's reading of this wonderful novel about the innocence and adventure of childhood is in top form. Her voice is gentle and genuine, drawing in listeners of all ages. As she tells the story of three children who move from their stately London home to a poor cottage in the country when their father is suddenly taken away, her voice moves between characters with ease, making clear transitions between the children, their mother, and the various grown-ups they befriend. This unabridged classic is an absolute listening pleasure, and worth listening to again and again. S.E.S. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine