The Train to Impossible Places
#1 of 3 in Train To Impossible Places Series
What’s inside...
Suzy Smith's life changes when a magical train crashes into her living room, taking her on a fantastic adventure across the Union of Impossible Places. She becomes the train's newest postie, delivering parcels to all manner of bizarre and whimsical locations, and must use her wits to solve a delivery mystery that could endanger the entire train network. As Suzy is whisked onboard by a troll boy named Wilmot, she is given the task of delivering a cursed package to the fearsome sorceress, Lady Crepuscula. When the mysterious package pleads not to be delivered, Suzy discovers that the fate of the Impossible Places might just be in her hands. The story has been longlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2019 and selected for the Summer Reading Challenge 2019.
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Suzy to jump aboard the Impossible Postal Express?
If you could receive a delivery from the Impossible Postal Express, what would it be and why?
How do Suzy’s quick thinking skills help her during her adventure?
What would you do if you found yourself in a similar fantastical world? How would you feel?
What does Suzy's journey teach us about courage and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Suzy's shoes while discussing her decisions and actions throughout the story.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to spark imagination, asking your child to visualize and describe their own version of the Impossible Places.
Discuss the various characters Suzy meets along her journey, exploring their roles and importance in the story, thus enhancing character analysis skills.
Highlight moments in the story where Suzy faces challenges and ask your child how they would handle similar situations, promoting problem-solving discussions.
Connect themes from the book to real-life experiences, which can help in understanding the characters' emotions and actions better.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and creativity
Explanation: The protagonist, Suzy, navigates through a series of challenges using her wit and ingenuity. She often has to think outside the box and create unique solutions to progress on her journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach problems in their daily lives with a creative mindset, developing innovative solutions rather than feeling stuck.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Throughout the story, Suzy faces numerous fears, including confronting magical creatures and handling unexpected events. Her bravery in taking risks and handling dangerous situations is a highlight of her character.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their own fears and take on new challenges, whether it's trying a new activity or standing up for themselves or others.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Suzy relies on her friends and works collaboratively with others she meets in the Impossible Places to overcome obstacles. The story highlights how working together can achieve goals that seem unattainable alone.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of teamwork and building relationships, showing how collaboration and supporting each other can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision-making
Explanation: Suzy must make critical decisions that affect not only her fate but also that of her newfound friends. Her journey teaches accountability for choices made.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their decisions have consequences and teaches them to think about the impacts of their actions on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Suzy encounters numerous setbacks during her adventure, but she perseveres and remains determined to achieve her goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain determined and resilient despite difficulties or setbacks in their own lives, fostering a 'never give up' attitude.