The Railway Series No. 42: Thomas and his Friends [Hardcover]

When I was a child, my favourite series of books I loved to read were the Railway Series. The late, great Rev. W. Awdry had created such a wonderful world where steam engines were alive on the fictitious Island of Sodor and getting into all kinds of kerfuffle and adventure.

His first book, The Three Railway Engines (first published 1945), set the trend of the series' magic. With beautiful colour illustrations from professional artists (names like C. Reginald Dalby, John T. Kenney and Gunvor & Peter Edwards) and the charming simplicity of the stories, Awdry frankly succeeded in changing millions of children's lives all over the world.

The Railway Series got me hooked on train travel, wanted to make me see railways and steam engines, taught me moral values and made me want to draw and write. Thomas the Tank Engine and his world are simply essential children's fiction. For generations, they've enchanted readers. And that was a charm that continued long after Awdry retired (after 1972's Tramway Engines) and his son Christopher succeeded him as author as the Railway Series (starting with 1983's Really Useful Engines).

But after reading Thomas and his Friends, I kind of got the sad impression that No. 42 of the beloved books is the final outing. "Thomas and his Friends" is certainly a peculiar title to give to a Railway Series book at this stage, and quite a few things make this book seem so final. Such as the fact that it honours a hundred years since Wilbert Awdry was born, the book blurb pointing out that "Every engine has its day!" and that unlike every other entry in the Railway Series, the final story in Thomas and his Friends ends with those ultimate words "The End."

Maybe it is just speculation, but if it IS that No. 42 is indeed the last hurrah, then Christopher Awdry truly deserves props for giving the Railway Series the conclusion it richly deserves. Just as he proved himself every bit as good as his late father in writing Thomas, Christopher honours the Reverend's legacy here in beautiful style.

Thomas and his Friends is every bit as special as any other entry in the Awdry-family series. All the stories here are just full of charm and simplicity. The fact that the quality and essence of Sodor life has remained exactly the same as I remember when I was a kid is something I'm most thankful for. (Unlike the Thomas & Friends TV series today which has now deviated completely from its roots, and any and all charm Britt Allcroft's vision established in the first few series has gone forever.)

As with any good Thomas story, all the new tales are just wonderful and memorable, with many changes and developments to speak of. Pip and Emma take over Express duties from Gordon, Thomas and his crew help an injured swan, Donald and Douglas have accidents with buffers and Gordon proves himself a hero when he helps put out a fire.

Christopher Awdry's writing is again complimented by life-long collaborating artist, Clive Spong (who has illustrated ALL of Christopher Awdry's books in the Railway Series). Like Awdry's writing, Spong's artwork remains unchanged. It's as beautiful as ever, and full of the colour and appeal of Dalby's paintings and the technical realism of the Kenney/Edwards eras. Like any other illustrator, Spong's work is just gorgeous to behold and will leave readers in awe.

"Thomas and the Swan", "Buffer Bashing" and "Gordon's Fire Service" are all (again) delightful stories but the best of the bunch is truly "Centenary", which is done as a tribute to the man who started it all. Done in the spirit of 1995's Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines, "Centenary" is Sir Topham Hatt's grand intention to honour one hundred years since the Thin Clergyman's birth. Which unfortunately doesn't quite go according to plan, but through determination, the Fat Controller and his engines prevail. Featuring a strong use of Henry's Tunnel and special guest returns of Her Majesty and Prince Charles (you can TELL it's them from the final page!), "Centenary" and its final passage brings a wonderful sense of closure to the Railway Series. Even though you get the impression this is the end, you feel comforted in the knowledge that life on Sodor WILL go on.

Oh, and on a minor note, there's also an honorary mention of the Mountain Engines (who only had ONE book), which I think is another nice tributary touch the books brings to the series and its loyal readers. Needless to say, I'm always up for more Awdry-written Thomas stories (especially after 2007's Thomas & Victoria), but if there are to be no more of these wonderful books, then Thomas and his Friends is a most-worthy end. Simply essential for children, railway lovers and all generations. Just like Thomas and the Railway Series themselves.

This is a brand new book about the Fat Controller's railway, and features most of the engines familiar to children. It was written, partly to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Reverend Awdry, original creator of these stories, and this event is celebrated by the engines in the book. This is an enjoyable book for children, and well worth a read.

Ever since Christopher Awdry's Railway Series books with volume 27 - 40 are back in stores, along with the 41st book released in September 2007 called "Thomas and Victoria", there comes volume 42 book with much dedication to the author of the Railway Series who bought it all since 1945 for his centenary.

Christopher has wrote four more stories focusing on how Thomas rescues a swan at the bridge, Gordon proves himself to be a hero and all the engines on the Island of Sodor, celebrating the century of the Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry. (1911 - 1997, Also known in the books as 'The Thin Clergyman')

Overall the book itself is really enjoyable to read along, so I would recommend everyone. And especially including some parents who has their kids with their passion of adventures with Thomas and his friends on a magical island, go buy the book, and enjoy reading these wonderful stories to them. :)

5/5

Daniel Coffey