Thomad and the Manic Railroad Junior is a captivating children's story that takes readers on an exciting adventure through a magical world. The story follows Thomad, a young boy with a vivid imagination, as he discovers a hidden railway system in his backyard. Thomad stumbles upon the entrance to the railway while playing in his garden one sunny afternoon. He spots a tiny door nestled amidst the shrubs, and his curiosity gets the best of him. He pulls open the door, revealing a secret path that leads to a miniature railroad. As Thomad steps inside and takes a seat on a miniature train, he is transported to a fantastical world unlike anything he has ever seen.
As Thomad steps inside and takes a seat on a miniature train, he is transported to a fantastical world unlike anything he has ever seen. The Manic Railroad Junior is a place filled with vibrant colors, talking animals, and enchanting landscapes. Thomad quickly befriends a group of lovable characters, including a chatty squirrel named Sammy, a wise old owl named Oliver, and a mischievous bunny named Benjamin.
Two Easy Ways to Make a DIY Wand
If you are like me and anxiously waited for your Hogwarts letter* to arrive for most of your childhood then this wand DIY is for you. With just a couple of supplies you can have your own realistic, magic wand that would make even Ollivander proud. If you want to discover what your wand would be then you can take a quiz here (plus discover your house and patronus). Of course wands can exist in any magical realm so feel free to roam far and wide when sourcing inspiration. In the end no two wands are the same. So gather some wood, sandpaper, paint, clay and/or a hot glue gun, plus some magic and here we go.
If you are curious what my Hogwarts test results are: my patronus is a White Swan, my wand is “Sycamore wood with a unicorn hair core, 12 ¼" and reasonably supple flexibility”, and I'm a Slyther-claw (which is an unofficial combination of Slytherin and Ravenclaw).
Swish & Flick
- Feel free to gather your wood from the forest as opposed to the hallowed halls of Michael’s craft store. Just try to get a piece that is generally straight, 9”-13” (inches) long, and ¼” - ⅝” thick.
- Some good woods to choose from according to Ollivander:
- Beech - best for someone with deep understanding, wise beyond their ears and full of life experience.
- Cedar - suitable for one of strong character, deep perception and intense loyalty.
- Chestnut - Chestnut varies depending on the user but is attracted to those with gifts in Herbology and who tame magical beasts.
- Fir - An extremely resilient tree leads to strong magic in the hands of those who are equally strong, focused, and resilient.
- Maple - If you are a traveler with lofty ambitions and an urge to be spontaneous then this wood will thrive with you.
- Sycamore - These wands may never be allowed to get bored else they will quite literally burst into flame. Therefore the owner should be curious, adventures and eager to learn.
*I would like to add a disclaimer that I do not support the author of Harry Potter and her TERF views that are extremely harmful to our trans friends and ultimately hurt gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights. As far as I am concerned Crookshanks wrote the series. Here is an excellent article about the subject.
If you are curious what my Hogwarts test results are: my patronus is a White Swan, my wand is “Sycamore wood with a unicorn hair core, 12 ¼" and reasonably supple flexibility”, and I'm a Slyther-claw (which is an unofficial combination of Slytherin and Ravenclaw).
Together, they embark on thrilling adventures, solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles along the way. Throughout the story, Thomad learns important life lessons about friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination. He realizes that anything is possible if he believes in himself and remains determined. The book is beautifully illustrated, bringing each character and scene to life. The author's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling captivate readers of all ages, making Thomad and the Manic Railroad Junior a delightful read for children and adults alike. Ultimately, Thomad and the Manic Railroad Junior is a heartwarming tale that sparks the imagination and encourages young readers to embrace their creativity. It teaches valuable lessons about the power of friendship while whisking readers away to a magical world they will never forget. Whether read aloud or enjoyed independently, this charming story is sure to entertain and inspire readers of all ages..
Reviews for "Thomad and the Manic Railroad Junior: A Journey to Remember"
1. Jennifer - 2 out of 5 stars
I was really disappointed with "Thomad and the Manic Railroad Junior". The storyline seemed disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The characters were poorly developed, and it was difficult to connect with any of them. The writing style was also quite simplistic and juvenile, making it hard for me to stay engaged. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and not worth the read.
2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars
I have to say that "Thomad and the Manic Railroad Junior" was one of the most boring books I've ever read. The plot was tedious and uninteresting, and the pacing was incredibly slow. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to develop any attachment to the characters. Additionally, the ending was unsatisfying and left a lot of loose ends. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling or compelling read.
3. Laura - 2 out of 5 stars
I had high hopes for "Thomad and the Manic Railroad Junior" based on the description, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing was often confusing and hard to follow, making it challenging to fully understand the plot. The characters were also one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. Overall, this book failed to captivate me and left me feeling quite disappointed.
4. Michael - 3 out of 5 stars
While "Thomad and the Manic Railroad Junior" had some interesting moments, I found it to be an average read at best. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on unnecessarily, while others felt rushed. The writing style was also a bit bland and lacked the creativity and imagination I expected from a book of this genre. Although it had its moments, I wouldn't consider this a must-read, especially considering the other options available in the market.
The Impressive Universe of Thomad and the Manic Railroad Junior