This version of the book preserves the "original edition" of Watty Piper's story. Several revised editions have been published, some claiming to simplify the text for young readers. The story is really not that difficult, using lots of repetition to get across both the main plot points and to poetically represent the struggle of the engine to get over the mountain. Young children just might need a little bit of guidance with aspects of the story that may seem outdated (such as the concept of a jack-knife as a toy or peppermint candies being referred to as "drops"), as well as some adult prodding to master fluent reading of the book, as the text breaks mid-sentence across turning pages. Aside from these difficulties, the story is a classic one. I remembered it mostly as a tale about perseverance and forgot that so many other engines refused to help; this makes the story a good morality tale not just about trying hard to do things you have to do, but stepping outside your comfort zone to help others. With its nostalgic illustrations and onomatopoetic momentum, this will be a story I won't mind reading over and over and over again. ( )

This sweet story is about a train that stopped and couldn't get back on track. The train was full of toys for the boys and girls but since it was broken down, how would the boys and girls get their toys? A little blue engine stopped and saved the day! Back on track and off we go to deliver the toys to the boys and girls.

Only one little engine is willing to tug a load over a dangerous hill. The stroy is told on a winter, snowy night and the little engine isn't sure he can make it but he sure thinks he can!

This is a cute book about a little train the no one ever thought could make it up the hill. when the Train makes it up the hill by saying "I think I can, I think I can" This book shows what a little motivation can do for anyone who wants to accomplish a task. ( )

easy wording for beginner readers to understand and comprehend.
Life lesson and different situations. ( )

This sweet story is about a train that stopped and couldn't get back on track. The train was full of toys for the boys and girls but since it was broken down, how would the boys and girls get their toys? A little blue engine stopped and saved the day! Back on track and off we go to deliver the toys to the boys and girls.
I enjoyed this books because I can personally relate to this story. This story reminded me of my very supportive family. They have "saved the day" for me millions of times when I have gotten off track! Many of us experience this in our lives at one point or another.
As a classroom extension we would make a train out of construction paper. Each child would be "a part of the train." After reading the story and making our train we would discuss how we all are an important part of the train. We need to work together and help each other out just like the little blue engine did in our story. We would hang our train on the wall for all to see and perhaps reflect on it from time to time to see if the children remember the story!

“Chug, chug, chug. Puff, puff, puff. Ding-dong, ding-dong. The little train rolled over the tracks. She was a happy little train for she had such a jolly load to carry. Her cars were filled full of good things for boys and girls.” What child can resist an opening like that?

Full review:
http://www.twentybyjenny.com/47Books/... ( )

This is a great book for children just learning how to read and also for toddlers that are able to follow along and recite the words with you. It is an exciting book for preschoolers and will last through the ages. ( )

A book that has been seeking to inspire children to be helpful and try their best since 1930. One of a child's early books that will stick with him long into adulthood with its unforgettable, "I think I can, I think I can." It seems as an adult to have a rather insipid storyline (getting toys to the children over the mountain), but my childhood memories had it a winner. ( )

What line from what other children's book has come in so useful so often as the wonderfully train-rhythmic words "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..."

I was rooting anxiously for the little engine, holding my breath and praying him along. He succeeded for all of us, every time. Thank you Watty Piper! ( )

Although I remembered loving the story as a child, I wasn't sure that my storytime kids would love it too because it so long. It went over very well and proves that the classics endure for a reason.

The new illustrations and large size lend themselves well to a group reading. ( )

The little engine has a delivery to make. But in order to get there he has to get up the big giant hill. He is afraid he can't do it, but he has to get to the other side. By repeating "I think I can, I think I can" he managaes to make it up the hill just in the nick of time.

The Little Engine That Could shows students if they think they can and believe in themselves they can do anything just like the little engine that made it up the mountain because it thought it could.

This is a great book for giving kids encouragement and teaching them to never give up. It is good for children grades Pre-K through second. The connection I had with this is when my parents would always give me encouragement and tell me never to use to word can't.

Same story, new illustrations. I love Loren Long, the illustrator. ( )

Children learn through this one little engine that they can do anything that they want to.

Suspense. How will the little train find help getting the toys and food over the mountain for the good little boys and girls who are waiting for them? The little toy clown, Humpty Dumpty, giraffes, and toy dolls plead with other trains to help them. A two year old loves this book. ( )

This is a good book for first or second graders. It teaches them to not give up on themselves, even when they think a task is too difficult. If they believe in themselves, it is possible. This would be good for teaching kids basic ideas/words like motivation.

Age Appropriateness: Primary/Elementary
Genre: Fantasy,
This is a fantasy book because it dipicts toys and trains talking. Since toys and trains do not talk to people or each other this is a fantasy book. It is also fantasy because it may not be true, but the story and events are believable.
Media: Ink/ water color ( )

Favorite book as a toddler. Now, I love to read it to kids. ( )

The story about a train filled with toys and gifts for little children. The train breaks down before reaching the children and looks for help. A small train comes to the rescue with her motivation. This books allows kids to see what helping others can accomplish. ( )

JACK HARPERS REIVIEW

I love this book. I grew up on this story of determination,love,endurence, and victory. It is and amazing picture book that is bad to the bone. The story basicly is about the toys candy and tasty mcyumyums need to get over the hill to the town below. the main engine breakes though so a little engine with determination will try to go over the hill to deliver the goodies to the children of the village. When and if i have kids this will be the book i will read them and they like me will love it ti the end of time. :D

Jaimson McMackin's Review

This amazing picture book takes you on an exciting adventure over the mountain on a little blue train to deliver toys and other good to the little children on the other side of the mountain. In this stunning adventure, The red train breaks down and asks other trains to help carry him over the mountain. Finally a nice blue train offers to help and the day is saved!!!!!! ( )

This book retold by Watty Piper is a great story about perseverance. This little train does not give up and is a good example of one not giving up on themselves. In the end the little train accomplishes its feat.

I love this book. My son had a teacher that used this book to positively influence his "give up" attitude. It worked because whenever he felt like giving up he would quote the book " I think I can, I think I can"

This can be used as an inspiration to children, an example of teamwork, or when studying trains. ( )

The Little Engine That Could is a great book about teamwork and not giving up. I was written in a way that would make students wonder what the train would do. The food and the toys that needed to get over the mountain was a very important task for the train, but the help from the toys coming alive and encouraging him made all the difference.

I thought that this book would be a great one to read to incorporate the importance of working together and teamwork. Having someone tell you that you can do something and helping you to reach goals is something that every student needs.

This could be a lesson in introducing group activities and teaching that working together is an important aspect of learning. You could also show the importance of transportation, and how trains are one way that things are taken from place to place.

It demonstrates how someone no matter how small or significant they are, with a little courage can accomplish a lot of things. ( )