Lonely, awkward Giovanni has a sick mother, an absent father and an afterschool job that keeps him from playing with his classmates. One evening, on the night of the Star Festival, he is magically transported by train through the galaxy with his best friend, Campanella. The boys share a fantastical journey to the stars, meeting mysterious characters who prompt them to think about the meaning of life. Only when Giovanni returns to earth does he learn the heartbreaking truth about their adventure.

Kenji Miyazawa is one of Japan's most beloved authors and is increasingly appreciated abroad for his masterful storytelling, poetic imagery and powerful evocation of the shadow and light of human nature. Filled with stunning images and deeply moving themes of friendship and sacrifice, A Night on the Galactic Railway is one of Miyazawa's greatest works, written at the peak of his talent. Reads right-to-left in the Japanese style.

'A breathtakingly beautiful world...reminding us that we are part of the universe.' Kaori Nagai

A modern classic.' NPR