The Ship That Flew

The Ship That Flew is a children's fantasy novel about four siblings who discover a magical toy Viking ship in an antique shop. The miniature ship has the power to grow to full size and transport its passengers through time and space. Peter, the eldest child, purchases the ship with his pocket money and introduces his brothers and sister to its incredible capabilities. The children embark on adventures to different historical periods and locations, including ancient Egypt, Viking-age Norway, and other remarkable destinations. Through their journeys aboard the magical vessel, the siblings face challenges, learn about history first-hand, and must find their way back home before their absence is discovered by their mother. The story explores themes of sibling bonds, responsibility, and the universal childhood wish for magical escape. Lewis crafts a tale that balances historical elements with fantasy, while maintaining the perspective of children encountering the extraordinary.

Readers call this a beloved childhood fantasy that stays memorable into adulthood. Many mention rereading it multiple times and searching for copies years later after discovering it in school libraries. Readers appreciate: - The blend of history and time travel - Educational value about Norse mythology and historical periods - The balance of adventure and family relationships - Clear, engaging writing style for young readers Common criticisms: - Book can be difficult to find/out of print - Some dated language and attitudes from 1940s - A few readers found the pacing slow in parts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (240 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (47 ratings) One reader noted: "This book captured my imagination as a child and inspired my love of history." Another commented: "The scenes are so vivid I can still picture them 40 years later." Several reviewers mention sharing it with their children and grandchildren, with the story appealing across generations.

The Time Garden by Barbara Eager Four siblings discover magical herb-based time travel in their aunt's garden, leading them through historical adventures.

Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce A boy encounters a mysterious garden that only appears at night, where he befriends a girl from the Victorian era.

The Castle of Inside Out by David Henry Wilson A child finds a portal in an old castle that transports him between parallel worlds filled with knights and mythical creatures.

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander An assistant pig keeper embarks on a quest through a Welsh-inspired realm of magic, accompanied by heroes and mythical beings.

The House of Arden by E. Nesbit Two children use an enchanted ring to travel through time and uncover their family's history while meeting historical figures.

🚢 The Ship That Flew was first published in 1939 and has remained popular enough to be reprinted multiple times, including a 2013 edition by Jane Nissen Books. ⌛ The story incorporates elements of Norse mythology, particularly focusing on the Norse god Odin, weaving ancient legends into a modern children's adventure tale. ✨ Author Hilda Lewis was primarily known for her historical novels for adults, making this children's fantasy book a notable departure from her usual writing style. 🎭 The book's plot, about a magical toy ship that can transport children through time and space, preceded other similar children's time travel narratives like "A Traveller in Time" by Alison Uttley (1939) and "Tom's Midnight Garden" by Philippa Pearce (1958). 🏰 The story takes its young protagonists to several distinct historical periods, including Viking-age Denmark and Medieval England, combining entertainment with historical education in a way that was innovative for its time.