The Adventures on Trains series by MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman: The Highland Falcon Thief, Kidnap on the California Comet, Murder on the Safari Star, Danger at Dead Man's Pass, Sabotage on the Solar Express, the Arctic Railway Assassin.

A couple of years ago, we had an author talk at the school from Sam Sedgman. In that same year, The Highland Falcon Thief, the first book of the series, won the British Book Awards Children's Fiction category. 

The stories follow the adventures of a boy called Harrison Beck who travels on trains with his uncle Nat. Each time they embark on these adventures, there is a mystery to solve. Hal uses his skill at drawing to help solve these mysteries as he captures things going on within his sketches. The books have lots of plot twists and very clever endings! 

The books are suitable for KS2 children.

I'm on the fifth book and I have really enjoyed all of them. Hopefully more will keep coming. 

This is such a heart-warming, lovely adventure story about Einstein the Penguin. The dynamics between the characters in the family are so relatable, especially the dynamics between the brother and the sister. The character of Einstein the penguin is lovely and I’m sure everyone would love Einstein to come and stay with them after this read.

It is a good book for children in KS2, who read independently but also a good read aloud for other children.

A well written story that makes you smile!

This is a story about a boy who doesn't feel like he fits the stereotype as he's not into sport but art. He has these fantastical images in his head that he draws of another world and ends up being transported there to connect with his ancestors and help save Ulfrika. This is a diverse, adventurous story which would appeal to children who love the superhero franchises that are so popular. The second book is already out too!

I absolutely loved it!

- Miss Mann