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Sodor Reading Between the Lines
Why is Thomas Blue?
What did the Rev’d Awdry think of the TV Series?
Which Story does Percy first appear in?
These are just three of the many questions, which are asked regularly, and the answer to these and many others are here. Reading Between the Lines builds on the popular book published by the Rev’d W Awdry and his brother George in 1987 and now out of print. While covering some of the history of the Island of Sodor, home of Thomas the Tank Engine and his many friends, and listing the friends created by the Awdrys', father and son, this new book concentrates mainly on answering those questions and setting out, story by story, the location, origin and story out-line for every tale so far published in what has become a “Classic” series of children’s books.
First published in 2005, and out of print for a number of years, this Second, ’20th Anniversary edition has been created due to the high popularity of the book and high demand from many fans for a re-publication. Packed with lots of useful information that any fan of the ‘Railway Series’ would love to see, such as the real life events that shaped the stories, or the never seen before notes and thoughts of Rev’d Awdry, written in his own hand, this book promises to pull no punches as the author highlights key moments that shaped the creation of a series that became a household name…
Due for release 14th November 2025
What did the Rev’d Awdry think of the TV Series?
Which Story does Percy first appear in?
These are just three of the many questions, which are asked regularly, and the answer to these and many others are here. Reading Between the Lines builds on the popular book published by the Rev’d W Awdry and his brother George in 1987 and now out of print. While covering some of the history of the Island of Sodor, home of Thomas the Tank Engine and his many friends, and listing the friends created by the Awdrys', father and son, this new book concentrates mainly on answering those questions and setting out, story by story, the location, origin and story out-line for every tale so far published in what has become a “Classic” series of children’s books.
First published in 2005, and out of print for a number of years, this Second, ’20th Anniversary edition has been created due to the high popularity of the book and high demand from many fans for a re-publication. Packed with lots of useful information that any fan of the ‘Railway Series’ would love to see, such as the real life events that shaped the stories, or the never seen before notes and thoughts of Rev’d Awdry, written in his own hand, this book promises to pull no punches as the author highlights key moments that shaped the creation of a series that became a household name…
Due for release 14th November 2025
135 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 25, 2026
An interesting book if you’re a fan of the Railway Series, but not much to offer if you’re not. Shorter than I expected. I really enjoyed the scans of old documents relating to the actual creation of the books. A rare glimpse into the creative process!
January 22, 2026
Thanks Chris! Happy anniversary everybody. See you in 10 years.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews