Thomas and Victoria (Railway) [Hardcover]

This is the forty-first volume in the Railway Series, and the fifthteenth to be written by Christopher Awdry. Published in 2007, fans of the series had an eleven year wait for this one to come out. The book takes us back to Thomas's branch line, and its characters, whilst introducing us to Victoria, an old coach who is put in to service to ease overcrowding on Toby's morning train. Victoria has been used as a summer house for many years, and we first meet her properley as she is being restored in the workshop, and we learn a bit of her background. Later in the book, Daisy has an unfortunate encounter with some eels, and Victoria is taken to her new home to meet Toby and Henrietta to become part of a 'vintage train'.
Clive Spong returns as illustrator, who really excells here, with some super pictures, particuarly his winter scenes in the second story, and his wildlife pictures in the third. Christopher Awdry creates an endearing character in Victoria, provides some excellent story telling, entertaining and informative, with good humour at times.

One of the best things about my childhood was Thomas the Tank Engine and his amazing friends. Developing my imagination, acquiring a love for reading, writing, drawing and train travel; so much of those things I've gained in life can be attributed from Thomas (both the original TV shows and the Railway Series of books).

Year-after-year, I was regaled with wonderful stories from the Rev W. Awdry and then his son Christopher, accompanied by beautiful illustrations from C. Reginald Dalby, John T. Kenney, Gunvor & Peter Edwards and Clive Spong. And then after 1996's New Little Engine, I eagerly awaited the next book in the series.

But it never came.

And ultimately, I moved on and grew up. Accepting that perhaps there would be no more books in the Railway Series, and that Christopher Awdry had already written the final chapter.

So imagine what a delightful surprise it was to learn of Thomas and Victoria, book no. 41 in the Railway Series (which came out in 2007). 11 years after the last book!

Choosing to pick this up was a great idea. The moment you open the book and start reading, you're reminded instantly of how special and magical the whole Railway Series truly is. Christopher Awdry's writing remains completely unchanged, with each new story being just as delightful and simple as any other tale you could name from the vast spectrum of Thomas stories.

The overall premise is Toby and Henrietta being overloaded with workmen from the quarry. After a near-miss traffic accident creates a police warning, the Fat Controller struggles to come up with a solution. But Thomas stumbles upon an idea when he encounters a broken-down, old carriage.

I must say, though...Thomas and Victoria is somewhat of an odd title. In fact, Thomas only actually speaks ONCE in the whole book! So it's safe to say that Thomas' role is rather minimal in comparison to Victoria's.

Speaking of which, introducing a new character for this new book is a fine idea which boosts the appeal. Victoria is a likeable new addition to the Railway Series cast, and Awdry fleshes out her background in typical fashion with the wonderful flashback story "Avalanche". The overall theme of Victoria's restoration is another enchanting entry into the Railway Series, and like every other book, this will appeal to all fans, new and old.

Of course, there are other exploits on Thomas' Branch Line here which help balance things out. Again, every new tale here ("Overloaded", "Avalanche", "Eels on Wheels" and "Toby's Vintage Train") is special, and full of the magic we've come to expect from these books.

The format of Thomas and Victoria respectfully adheres to the traditions established by the Railway Series. It's a small, charming hardback that's exactly the same size of all other books in the series, making it perfect for little hands, and ideal/readable for long-time readers as well. Plus, ever-present artist Clive Spong (who has collaborated with Christopher Awdry's debuting Really Useful Engines from 1983) remains on form with his gorgeous, vibrant illustrations, which are forever eye-catching.

If Thomas and Victoria proves anything, it's that the Railway Series can never EVER lose its appeal. Eleven years after the previous book, the Awdry family's writing remains as magic as ever, with no signs of faltering. Yet another classic entry into the world of Thomas and his friends. And proof that it's an essential dive for readers and train lovers of all generations.

After a wait of 11 years - sounds like British Rail! - the 41st in the Railway Series has appeared. It is the 15th to be written by Christopher Awdry and to be illustrated by Clive Spong. It maintains the standard of the earlier books and may become a collectors' item as a lot of people seem to be unaware that it has been printed. There are four adventures and apart from meeting Victoria for the first time, there are many old friends to welcome back. One for the children and also for the nostalgists. Toot, toot!