Nicholas and the Fast Moving Diesel by Edward Ardizzone

by Edward Ardizzone

New Henry Z. Walck, Inc,, (1959). Ex-library with the usual markings, but overall good condition in a good unmarked dustjacket (some tape remnants to interior of dj, few small chips, but original price of 2.75 still present). First US printing. Originally published in England in 1947, this story by author/illustrator Edward Ardizzone tells of two young boys who save a train from crashing, after they have hopped on and the engineer suddenly falls ill. Illustrated by Ardizzone in both color and black and white. Unpaginated. Bound in blue-gray illustrated boards.

Genres: Picture Books

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Edward Jeffrey Irving Ardizzone, CBE, RA was an English artist, writer and illustrator, chiefly of children's books.

For Tim All Alone (Oxford, 1956), which he wrote and illustrated, Ardizzone won the inaugural Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject.

For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005) it was named one of the top ten winning works, selected by a panel to compose the ballot for a public election of the all-time favourite.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a good bridge between picture books and chapter books. The writing is a little sappy but I remember liking it as a kid. The best part is the Jack Russell dog that acts as a side-kick. Most of the book is pretty realistic but the dog talks sporadically. I also like the random page-long shopping list towards the end of the book. It's an interesting tangent form the main boys and trains plot.