Editorial Review

The unknowing progenitor of a whole generation of self-help books, Wally Piper's Read more

Reviews (47)

I love this book
I thought this book was great - it was really colorful. The overall feel reminded me of the book "Now I Know the Ten Commandments". I recommend it to anyone.

this story was written by a woman, not Watty Piper
This story was originally written as "The Pony Engine" by Mabel C. Bragg. The Book "Little Engine That Could" is merely "RETOLD" by Watty Piper. The story was written by a woman who NEVER gets credited for it--Mabel C. Bragg. It's a charming, timeless story and an American Children's literature classic not to be missed.

The Litle Engine That Could
I received the DVD promptly.It was in excellent condition and even contained a personal note from the sender.My experience with buying this item from this source was excellent! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Locomotives    8. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    9. Social Situations - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    10. Toys    11. Toys, Dolls, & Puppets    12. Transportation - Trains    13. Early learning / early learning concepts    14. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (54)

the best
This was my sons' favorite story book at age 3 or 4.The language is advanced, with much more challenging vocabulary than a modern book would use for preschoolers, but it wasn't a problem, so it must be a good thing!

Stories that have aged well
Having been exposed to the contemporary "commercial" version of Thomas the Tank Engine in various forms I had low expectations for _The_Complete_Collection_. After reading all the stories over the past two months at bedtime I whole heartedly give this collection 5 stars. These are the original stories by Rev. W. Awdry--not just Thomas stories, but other trains that have been forgotten by the marketplace. The language is the Queen's English and the terminology harks back to a different place and time. Fortunately the stories are robust enough to hold up without translation for my 3-year old.
The Perfect Thomas Book
I got this book a long time ago and I must say, this book is a must have for anyone even remotely interested at all in Thomas.
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Subjects:  1. Anthologies    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Fiction    5. Railroads    6. Short stories    7. Trains    8. Transportation - Trains    9. Character books    10. Juvenile Fiction / General    11. Sale Books   

Reviews (5)

Which six books are these?
This is not a review of the books, but of the Amazon entry for this item.It's a slipboxed collection of six books out of the series.Fine, but which six?There are forty books in the series, after all.Nowhere on the page can I find this information.You'd think the actual titles of the books are kind of important....
Great encouragement for Thomas fans!!
I bought these books for my 3 year old die-hard Thomas fan a couple of months ago. He absolutely loves them! He has me reading them to him over and over again. The books are well illustrated. The stories are interesting and we learned some things about the Sodor railway that we didn't know before. I now use these books to encourage him to learn to read.Definitely a good investment.

Wonderful little books
My 2-1/2 year old loves these books.We read at least one of them just about every day.They are very sturdy, and have survived repeated hurls across the room when I'm ready to stop reading, but he's not.Most of the stories are featured in the "Thomas: The Early Years" DVD series with Ringo Starr and some of the DVDs with George Carlin, and so are very familiar.I highly recommend them to little Thomas fans! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Transportation - General    6. Transportation - Trains    7. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (41)

If your child loves trains, they'll love this.
My son's a big fan of the Thomas the Tank Engine shows/books.When he saw this story in a compilation of classic childrens liturature I was reading to him he wanted me to read it to him over and over.I bought this book because it also has the spanish words in the book so he can also read the words in spanish.The art-work is bold and eye catching.

My Sons' Favorite Book
My one year olds love this book more than any other right now. The illustrations are very bright and colorful, and the book is fun to read aloud, especially if you add some of your own freight train sounds!

Great book for reading readiness...
This book lets you teach 23 vowel-spellings using 57 vocabulary words. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Color    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Railroads    7. Short Stories    8. Trains    9. Transportation - Trains    10. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / General   

Editorial Review

Kids love trains, and Kevin Lewis and illustrator Daniel Kirk's Read more

Reviews (62)

LOVE this book!
I have a 1 year old who is mesmerized by this book... the vibrant pictures and rhyming words keep him entertained from start to finish (and start to finish and start to finish)... I usually read it several times before he lets me put it down!
I never thought I could love a children's book so much.
This one is fun to read, with wonderful rhymes and rhythms, and it has terrific, colorful illustrations.I wish I could find more books like it, because my two sons both adore it.In fact, my 4 year old routinely sneeks it out of my toddler's bedroom, so that I can read it to him again at bedtime.

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo
A very enjoyable story.My grandson who is almost 3 loved it. We have read it over and over. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Baby - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Preschool    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Railroads    7. Stories in rhyme    8. Toys    9. Toys, Dolls, & Puppets    10. Trains    11. Transportation - General    12. Transportation - Trains    13. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (6)

A Thought of Trains
Vivid. Detailed. Exploded drawings. And some kind of specialized inside knowledge of a device that transports us. What more could you ask for?

Big Book of Trains
I bought this book for my three-year old grandson who had borrowed it from the library. He loves the book! He loves trains and he pours over each page and remembers the details very well. We are very pleased.

Big Book Of Trains
Very nice book, more for a child liking trains then an adult. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Transportation    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Locomotives    7. Railroads    8. Trains    9. Transportation - Railroads & Trains    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Transportation / Railroads & Trains   

Editorial Review

When a fierce storm rips through the Island of Sodor, a bolt of lightning knocks down a tree--right onto the train station's roof! James the Red Engine, Percy the Small Engine, and Henry the Green Engine are sent off to fetch supplies to repair the damage. When they don't return, little blue Thomas the Tank Engine grows worried, and decides to set out on his own to help. Sure enough, his fears are confirmed: one after the other, the engines have encountered mishaps, and Thomas is happy to save the day. After all, he is a really useful engine.Read more

Reviews (5)

Another Triumph for the Thomas Series
The illustrations are beautiful.The story, as in other Thomas adventures, takes the flaws of human nature, and with a good natured spirit, turns them into benefits for everyone.

A Very Cute Story
This book is a great introduction to the Thomas series.Each of the trains are introduced in the beginning, and even indicate their size.Thomas and his friends endure a strong thunderstorm which knocks over a tree onto the station house.When it has to be repaired, Gordon is put in charge of the repairs and sends James off for the supplies.Those bad freight cars are at it again and knock James off the rails and into the mud, while they run off and get into trouble.Thomas goes out to look for his friend and finds Henry and Percy in trouble as well.Thomas gets the naughty cars in line and they all return home for a party.It's a very nice book, easy to read, and very enjoyable for all train lovers.It's one of the most requested books in our house and it definitely holds the attention of toddlers.A great find.

A Really Useful Read-to-Me Book
My daughters, ages 4.5 and 2.5 years old, really enjoyed this book.Cheerfully illustrated with text enclosed in easy-to-read boxes, this book is a must-read for new and seasoned Thomas fans. When the station roof is damaged during a storm, everyone pitches in to repair it.Everyone is useful! As a parent, I thought this book was ?useful? because: (1) it is a good introduction to readers who are not as familiar with Thomas and his friends, (2) children like my 2.5-year-old can identify with Henry the Green Engine?s fear of thunderstorms, (3) readers can cheer Thomas on as he searches for his missing friends Henry, Percy, and James, (4) parents can engage their children by asking questions, such as ?What was James supposed to fetch again?? The answer is lumber, bricks, and slate, (5) parents can also point out the bad behavior of the freight cars and stress the consequences of not doing what you are told. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Railroads    9. Social Issues - General    10. Social Situations - General    11. Storms    12. Trains    13. Transportation - Trains    14. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (8)

It's okay
My son loved it, of course, as he loves anything Thomas but it's a little boring.We have a full-sized lift-the-flaps book about Thomas which has many trains and lines up perfectly with the pictures under the flaps.That's not the case with this book.The story is short and the pictures in this book just aren't very interesting.

Bad Flaps
Great little book except the pictures under the flaps are totally off.This makes it frustrating for little ones to know what they are looking at.Usually Thomas the tank engine stuff is much better quality.

entertaining book
My son is a year and a half, and loves Thomas and his friends. Ive bought him several books, but he always brings this one out again and again. He loves to lift the flaps and see the little pictures hiding beneath. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's Baby - Lift the Flap    4. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    5. Children: Babies & Toddlers    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Railroads    10. Specimens    11. Toy and movable books    12. Trains    13. Transportation - Trains    14. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (3)

Grandson loves it!
Grandson, age 2 loves anything with that "cheeky" Thomas the Train.A quality book with great music - we never get tired of the songs.

Great For Small Children
Good Morning Engines is a Play-a-Sound book which features 7 sound buttons: Thomas, a rooster crowing, band music, Percy, ZZZZZZ's (sleeping sound), a ticking clock, and the sound of trains chugging on the track.
great sound book
My 2 1/2 yr-old boy loves the book. It's the right size for a toddler to hold and carry along. The pages are sturdy and the sounds are fun to listen to. I hope more in the same series are coming. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 4-8 - Boardbooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Transportation - General    8. Transportation - Trains    9. SALE BOOKS   

Reviews (3)

Not for a five year old
I bought this book for my five year old boy.Based on the description, it sounded age appropriate.However, it was a little advanced for him so we returned it.Maybe better for eight and up.

Incredibly simple to learn, no tears
Some art books can make kids cry in frustration with, "I don't get it, I can't do it". I have never had that problem with books from this artist, kids just love these!Ed Emberly has made some wonderful books for kids and grown-ups of any age that have no drawing skills, but want to learn a simple way. His books are the easiest books to get you started if you have no previous drawing skills. He doesn't talk down to you, he doesn't talk at all but uses his step by step method for you to follow. As a result, you can use these books for kids that have language issues. He starts with a step by step illustrated lesson to draw one simple item. First a simple straight line here, then insert a circle then, then another line, step by step along the way and before you know it you have a completed drawing that you can be really proud of. I teach Cub Scouts and this artist makes the perfect book for teaching a class when you are a volunteer yourself that is not an art pro.
Great For Your Older Artist
This is a book that uses stick figures and basic shapes to help children learn to draw more complicated pictures. This is an interactive book to teach drawing. Every little artist will enjoy the simple step-by-step drawings and colorful illustrations that Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Trucks and Trains contains. Smaller children will learn new words while their older siblings can use the book to learn how to draw more complicated pictures than just stick figures. However, it is somewhat difficult for the four-year-old child. An age recommendation on the book itself would make buying the book a little easier for parents and gift-giving relatives.
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Subjects:  1. Art - Drawing    2. Children's 4-8 - Art & Art Instruction    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Emberley, Ed    7. Juvenile Fine Arts    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Transportation - Cars & Trucks    10. Transportation - Railroads & Trains    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / Drawing   

Reviews (4)

Great book, along with the rest of the titles from Priddy
My 2yr old son loves looking through this book.In addition the book is very durable which prevents him from damaging it.

great first book
This book is great for little ones of all ages with a passion for trains.The pictures are big and exactly what I was looking for.I highly recommend it.

Great, informative book
My little guy got this for Christmas and he just loves it.Yes, the cigarette ad is there, but you can cover that up.This book shows so many different trains, many of which I've never heard of.My guy can look at this book for hours and just really learn a bunch.I particularly like the snow trains and JR 500 that goes 186 mph (I didn't know that existed!).Great book and a neat tool to learn something new.There's no storyline at all.Just a big board book with a bunch of pictures and descriptions of all sorts of trains. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Transportation - Railroads & Trains   

Reviews (4)

great abridged version for the littlest readers
my twin toddlers love this book - the train-shaped board book is interesting for them to explore with their little hands, and the story just long enough to hold thier attention

A PerfectVersion for Little Ones
This little board book is indeed a very abridged version of the classic that you may remember from childhood. However, the length is perfect for the shorter attention spans of children aged 6 months through 24 months (the usual target audience for board book publishers).
Where's the rest of the story?
This will teach me not to read the reviews carefully before purchase.This is a very abridged version of the classic story: the bright shiny engine and the big strong engine are nowhere to be found.If you're afterthe book you remember from your childhood, find another version.Theillustrations are bright & fun, but there's just too much missing fromthe story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Boardbooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Locomotives    8. Preschool Picture Story Books    9. Railroads    10. Toys    11. Toys, Dolls, & Puppets    12. Trains    13. Transportation - Trains    14. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (4)

Usborne books are great
This is a book my 16 month old daughter asks for time and again by saying choo choo...She can now say words like rusty, glossy, and rough from reading this book and touching the textures.A great "learning to talk" aid.

Best baby book
This is my son's favorite book. I started reading it to him when he was about 3 months old and he still loves it at 9 months. (When his toddler friends visit, they read right along too.) The simple but bright graphics really hold his attention and he now loves to feel the different textures on each page. This was such a hit that we now own That's Not My...: Train, Tractor, Dinosaur, Puppy and Teddy Bear!

exceptionally well made board book
My nine-month old loves this book--he spends a lot of time just flipping through the pages and checking out the different textures. Very simple text is balanced by very sturdy, brightly colored pages. Slightly larger than most board books, too. It's a great deal for the price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Preschool    3. Concepts - Senses & Sensation    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Transportation - General    6. Transportation - Trains    7. Board books    8. Novelty, toy & die-cut books   

Reviews (2)

Husband loves it
We bought this book for my nephew's birthday but my husband loved it so much we're saving it as his Christmas present so my husband can read it first :) It's full of interesting information.It's great to read to a little one or buy it for a child that can read it on his own...maybe even a kid at heart like my husband.

Clear, colorful book at a great value
ordered this book for my almost-3 year old boy who just loves trains- he loved looking at all the pictures!the book is good for children 3 and up, due to it being a fact-based/reference book.my boy will "grow onthis" book which is great- that is the purpose of books- have lastinguse!very colorful book with big, clear, appealing pictures, much likethose from DK Publishing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Transportation    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Railroads    7. Trains    8. Transportation - Railroads & Trains    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Transportation / General   

Reviews (7)

Cute little novelty
... This little train is so cute.We have had it for about 6 years and break it out every so often.It folds up nicely.You can take it wherever you go.

the whole family loves this little train set
Our toddler loves trains, so we have many railroad-themed books and toys around the house.Choo-Choo Charlie is a favorite with every member of the family.It looks almost like a book sitting on the shelf, but in two simple unfoldings you have a complete little old-fashioned American rural town (circa 1910?) with pop-up buildings and cardboard stand-up characters and a cute wind-up engine and tender that run along the tiny track.I think that alone fascinates our son.He takes it off the shelf, "assembles " it, plays with it, puts it away, and does it all over again -- just for the delight of having a little town appear so magically.A push button outside the station cafe renders realistic train noises, and the inside flaps of the "book" feature a poem about Choo-Choo Charlie and his busy day. Mom to toddler in So. Cal
My 1 1/2 year old loves his Choo Choo Charlie train book. He asks for it every night. His grandparents bought it at a book sale and we have actually worn the little wind up train out with all the use..definately worth the price and I'll be ordering another one immediately. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's 4-8 - Pop-Ups    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. City and town life    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Railroads    8. Specimens    9. Toy and movable books    10. Trains    11. Transportation - Trains   

Reviews (7)

Makes my child happy
Mentions all the main characters in Thomas. My son loves having the stories read...and read...and read to him.
Very Nice!
Railway Rhymes is a large, colorful board book with "puffy" (padded) covers. What's extra special about this book is the silver edging on this book. Remember those large family Bibles that had gold edges that shone when closed? This book has the same edging, except in silver--making it truly special.
Excellent book and my kids love it very much
This book is amongst the best of the Thomas & Friends' series as it has tons of poems and rhymes of various engines working in the Isle of Sodor that every kid would love to read if they are Thomas & Friends' fans! My kids love it very much and I have to read to them everyday! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 1-2    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Islands    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile poetry    6. Poetry    7. Poetry - General    8. Preschool Nursery Rhymes / Poetry    9. Railroads    10. Thomas the Tank Engine (Fictit    11. Thomas the Tank Engine (Fictitious character)    12. Trains    13. Transportation - General    14. Transportation - Railroads & Trains    15. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (3)

Really cute book for a good price!
This is a really cute book. My nephew (4 yrs. old) loves listening to me read it to him and looking at the pictures. As a teacher, having a child really interested in something is just the first step to get them to read. I would say that if you have a child who loves trains (like my nephew), then you should really look into getting this book ..... and others like it! :)

Informative and Easy to Understand
My 5-year-old son loves trains and this book has been his favorite library book since he was 3.It is very informative, yet easy to understand forpreschoolers through first-graders.I was so happy to find it onAmazon.com so that we can add it to his personal library!

Good Value for the Money
Very neat little book for the buck.Great pictures, which appeals to my 2 yr old now, as well as informative text that will keep him interested as hegets older.A definate plus for the library of a little train lover. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Transportation    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Juvenile literature    5. Locomotives    6. Railroads    7. Transportation - Railroads & Trains    8. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation / Cars & Trucks   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (12)

Great Tool
I am a teacher of children with Autism and use this book in order to help my students' classmates to understand that everyone makes mistakes when they are learing how to make friends. We discuss the mistakes Tobin makes and how the other engines forgive his mistakes because they know he is trying very hard to be a friend. I also read the book to my students section by section as we learn the rules for making friends. This book is wonderful for many populations and can be used in so many ways. Other books by this author are just as wonderful.

Great for all children
I am a pre-school teacher. I took this book out at the library because we were studying trains. I had no idea how much it was going to help some of my students. This book helps all kids.

Making Friends just became easier
I bought this book originally at a Future Horizons and love it so much that I'm donating this one to my sons school. It's a great book for those children that have an awkward time making friends. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship    5. Social Issues - Friendship    6. Transportation - General    7. Transportation - Trains    8. Children's Books/Ages 4/8 Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction/Transportation - General    10. Social skills    11. Social skills in children    12. Topical/Friendship   

Reviews (8)

Snoozey choo choo book just right for toddlers and younger
When I first read through this book, I thought it was a loser (we received it as a gift).The text was so bland that I did not think I could stand to read it again and again to my son (now 27 months).But, he loves it.He shrieks with joy at the train coming around the mountain, he loves to call "all aboard!", he loves the intersection with the street.And now I love it, too, because it gives him so much joy and has taught him so much about trains.I have just placed an order for several other Byron Barton books and I can't wait for them to come.

Choo Choo Trains in Bright Colors
This is just the cutest little book for toddlers. I babysit for my and this book always seems to come over with her two little boys. They just adore looking at the choo choos as the seem to be moving across the pages. It?s also good for colors, this I know, as I?m always saying ?Point to the blue sky,? or ?Where is the red choo choo.? The illustrations and wonderful for children as well. They kind of remind me of those funny little toy people with the big round heads that I played with when I was a little girl. If you?ve got toddlers, or babysit, this is a good book to read with them.

My son's favorite book
This book is great - (...)when I read it aloud, it's kind of fun for adults to read, too.Out of all the books we have, I'd say this book is one of the top 2 my son wants to have read over and over.When we're not reading it, he flips through it on his own and looks at the clearly drawn, colorful, interesting pictures, which have just enough detail without being too complicated.The depictions of different kinds of trains are fairly accurate, too. And the book is a good length - not just a few pages, like some board books, but not so long he loses interest. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Juvenile literature    4. Railroads    5. Trains    6. Transportation - Trains    7. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation   

Reviews (2)

Girls Like It Too
I mistakenly thought Thomas was more a character for little boys.But my 21 month old daughter absolutely loves this book, and other Thomas books also.In fact "Go Train Go" was the first book title she ever said, as she'd hand the book to us to read.The illustrations are lovely, and I think the rhyming appeals to her.She's been requesting to read Thomas books daily, more than any other character.

Go, Train, Go
My 2 1/2 year old son loved the book.He brings it to me often to have me read it to him again and again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Movie Tie - In    7. Railroads    8. Readers - Beginner    9. Trains    10. Transportation - General    11. Transportation - Trains    12. Juvenile Fiction / Transportation