Bobby Takes the Train by Jeffrey Lodge has received acclaim from Joyce Jacobo of the US Review of Books. Jacobo highlighted that “…this story is perfect for introducing children to trains and getting them excited for train rides.”
Jeffrey Donn Lodge, an author with a passion for storytelling, captures the innocence and curiosity of childhood with great warmth and authenticity. His writing allows readers to connect with the emotions of excitement, hesitation, and eventual joy that come with new experiences. With a keen eye for the small yet significant details that shape a child’s world, Lodge’s work resonates with both young readers and adults who remember their own childhood adventures.
When young Bobby’s parents decide to travel by train to see his grandmother, he doesn’t see how it could be better than going by car. Trains used to seem exciting, but some time has passed, and he is unsure if they will still have the same magic for him. However, his parents stress that it will be a good experience, so Bobby decides to give it a chance. When they arrive at the station and board the train, his family gets a train car all to themselves for the duration of the trip. Bobby takes note of the spaciousness of the train car, the way the scenery flows past outside, and the distinct sounds made by the train as it moves. They enjoy a wonderful meal in the dining car, and Bobby takes a nap when they return to their train car. By the time they reach where his grandmother lives, Bobby has a newfound appreciation for train travel.
Bobby Takes the Train was displayed at the London Book Fair (LBF) at Olympia London from March 11-13, 2025. The LBF, held at Olympia London, reportedly drew approximately 30,000 attendees and experienced a 10-percent increase in rights-center table sales. The event hosted over 1,000 exhibitors, though providing an exact figure would offer more clarity and detail. The International Rights Center, which saw a 10-percent rise in sales compared to 2024, is said to have sold a total of 550 tables. LBF serves as a premier gathering for the global publishing community, providing a platform for individuals to forge connections, gain valuable insights, and shape the future of creative content. This event brings together a diverse spectrum of professionals, including publishers, dealmakers, copyright specialists, commissioners, and global licensors, all representing the broad scope of the publishing industry.
Recently, a Hollywood-style script, Bobby Takes the Train, was released. ARPress’ Movie Script Coverage Service aims to provide a written outline of an author’s book—specifically, a screenplay—that will be stored in a database accessible to major studios seeking stories to adapt into films. The journey from novel to screenplay involves essential intermediate steps that pave the way for success. One critical step is the transition from coverage, which provides an initial analysis of the source material, to a film treatment. This transition is not only a natural progression but also a pivotal moment in the adaptation process. Once coverage is complete and the decision to proceed with an adaptation is made, the next logical step is creating a film treatment—a detailed document outlining how the source material will be translated into a screenplay.
Additionally, a summary of this excellent book has been published in preparation for its movie adaptation. Hollywood Movie Treatment is one of the first steps in writing a screenplay, and it aims to provide a summary of your work’s screenplay idea and give you the Hollywood style of fame that only a few authors have experienced.
The US Review of Books (USRB) recommends Bobby Takes the Train by Jeffrey Lodge. Here’s the review from the USRB:
“Traveling by train is something a lot of children are sure to enjoy, especially once they know what it involves. They might assume at first, like Bobby, that trains are just another form of car. However, one place where this story truly shines is in highlighting all the sights and sounds encountered during the process. It presents riding a train as a magical experience, akin to flying in an airplane or riding on a ship, which can get children excited to try the same thing. The illustrations that go along with the text give young readers another way to follow along on Bobby’s train ride; in many ways, they feel like photographs later saved as mementos of a family trip. In other words, they are gifts shared with other relatives and future generations eager to learn about that special time in their lives. As such, this story is perfect for introducing children to trains and getting them excited for train rides.”