The Return of Old Smokey...by Colin & Valerie King


We have been lucky enough to be given a copy of a fantastic locally written children's book called "The Return of Old Smokey" for us to review on Clare-UK.

This fabulous children’s book, written and illustrated by Colin and Valerie King who have lived in Clare for many years, is aimed at pre-school children and features a steam train called, well Old Smokey of course! The book was officially launched at the Colne Valley Railway in Castle Hedingham and is
based on a true story about saving a redundant steam locomotive, which was sent to the scrap yard but then rescued and restored by rail enthusiasts.

The train was at the Colne Valley Railway as part of a new educational programme called Big Images for Little People and literally hundreds of children have been to see the real "Old Smokey" in action and more family days will be held on selected Sundays at the railway during August 2004.

What's it all about?...

The book is essentially about a old steam train that was consigned to the scrap yard following the closure of the train's railway and station. Fred, the driver of the train was sadly forced to retire and was very upset to be parted from his old pal, 'Smokey'.

Before Fred knew what was happening, 'Smokey' was shunted to the horrible, scary scrap yard where he was left alone without his driver friend. 'Smokey' saw lots of other old steam trains in the scrap yard, and he couldn't believe they had just been left there to rust. Well, 'Smokey' wasn't about to take all this lying down and with the help of a friendly traveller decided to make his escape.............

"Brilliantly written and Illustrated"...

The book has been brilliantly written by Valerie King who has created the story as an enchanting rhythmical rhyme that children will love to listen to and read, time and time again. The illustrations by Colin King, who is already an accomplished children's book illustrator, are absolute masterpieces in their own right. Each illustration is rich with colour, detail and action and are sure to appeal to readers both young and old. Colin has managed to capture every moment of Valerie's storyline in every exciting detail....if a picture can paint a thousand words then this book should have been a novel!

Overall, this children's book is brilliantly written and illustrated and we have no doubt that in time it will take it's place on the shelf as an all time children's classic.

The return of Old Smokey is available in Butchers Newsagents Clare (Tel : 01787 277224), or from the Colne Valley Railway. If you are unable to get to Clare or the Colne Valley Railway you can order a copy directly from Clare-UK for £4.99 including UK P&P. Click here to order a copy!