Epic Adventures, written by Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Sam Brewster, Macmillan Children’s Books, 2022

Book reviewed by Chris J Kenworthy, for Armadillo magazine.

Epic Adventures by Sam Sedgman – and illustrated by Sam Brewster – is a beautifully presented picture book dedicated to the world of trains.

The book encapsulates the excitement and wonder of adventure and travel – all seen through 12 of the world’s most picturesque train journeys, like the Orient Express, the first Transcontinental Railroad in North America, and the Rejuvenation Express from Beijing to Hong Kong.

The histories and stories that follow these trains – via numerous cities across 6 continents – are fascinating, and Sedgman’s informative annotations are accompanied by Brewster’s wonderfully illustrated maps.

Each locomotive adventure reveals some of the rich landscapes of the countries they traverse. Sam Brewster has drawn detailed, colourful illustrations of trains, sometimes even of the interiors of the trains. Interestingly, the way the trains traverse the pages draws the reader’s eyes in that direction, actively encouraging them to read all the accompanying information as they, too, are taken on a journey through the book.

The maps are detailed but legible, and the annotations have a halo effect around them to increase readability. The text in ‘Epic Adventures’ is simple to understand for readers of all ages, and offers a fascinating insight into the vast societies that have been built around the world’s railways.

The orientation of the maps changes throughout the book – some are drawn in portrait, and some are landscape, but all are set across a two-page spread. This variation keeps the book interesting to read, and the colours add to the immersion to portray each country’s climate and environment.

It’s not just maps though – for the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, a detailed sketch depicts the typical look and feel of a Japanese railway station, portraying the hustle and bustle of the city life which is so reliant on the railway.

Throughout ‘Epic Adventures,’ and particularly on the final page, it’s acknowledged that many of the world’s railways often have dark pasts. But the reader is encouraged to enjoy what these railways offer us today, including – in the modern world – rail offering a potentially more eco-friendly method of travel than cars or planes.