Flying Scotsman and the Best Birthday Ever

K-Gr 4–In 1934, the locomotive “The Flying Scotsman” broke the record for fastest trip from London to Edinburgh. Morpurgo has taken this historical event and added fictional characters to bring alive the excitement of the moment and to encourage young readers to dream big. Iris, the daughter of the Scotman’s driver, hopes one day to drive that train; upon sharing that with her classmates and teacher, she is rebuked because she is a girl. Stowing away soon after, Iris sees her escapade thwarted by a downed tree. Sensing the need to channel his daughter’s persistence, the locomotive driver can procure tickets for both Iris and her mother on the record-breaking run soon after. Back matter includes details about the train and its famous journeys in various locales around the globe. The bright-hued illustrations capture the enthusiasm and worldview of young Iris, the British countryside, and the mighty locomotive at the heart of this story.