With ‘ men needed to go and fight in the army, the airforce or the navy- women were needed to work on the railways’.

The picture book is perfect for train buffs of all ages over five and makes for great reading with parents, grandparents, guardians and teachers. Flying Scotsman and the Best Birthday Ever is a lovely story about a little girl who dreams of working on the footplate of Flying Scotsman just like her Dad. It courses from early twentieth- century through wartime, when Iris is ‘ in her 20’s’ and ‘ the Second World War came’. But each time Flying Scotsman pulls away, Iris wishes more than anything that she could be in the driver's cab, just like her dad.Her dad is the famous train’s driver, and every year her favourite birthday treat is a trip to see him at work. Thereafter, we’ve a history and update on this glorious train, one that makes us think upon The Highland Falcon Thief.

There was just the right amount of choice to suit everyone without being overwhelming and I received comments from parents and staff about the quality of books offered compared to previous sales which have always been based around current crazes and well known celebrity authors. Her dad is the famous train's driver, and every year her favourite birthday treat is a trip to see him at work.Flying Scotsman and the Best Birthday Ever is a magnificent book, ideal for sharing, lingering over, wondering about, keeping and gifting. A spunky heroine and a mighty train combine forces to challenge notions of gender roles and will encourage all readers to hold fast to their dreams.