Random House (11)

Thomas promised Sir Topham Hatt that he would carefully check all the signals on the new branch line. But when he is distracted by a carnival, he forgets all about the signals. That night, Percy has a close call on the new line when one of the signal lights is out. Will Thomas admit that he forgot to finish the job?

This small Thomas book contains 3 stories. The first is about Percy's misadventures during a water shortage. He tries to stay clean but ends up the dirtiest he's probably ever been after an accident that involves sweet, gooey chocolate.

The second story is "Salty's Secret" and it tells about how Salty interacts with those troublesome trucks. Hint: "Yo ho ho and a bucket of prawns, the tiller spins and the captain yawns." (Sorry, non-Thomas lovers, but all we mums of Thomas-fanatics know these show more stories well, don't we!)

The final story relates how Percy and Harold became friends-- though at first it seems as if just the opposite is about to happen as Harold starts to take the mail delivery over from the stranded Percy.

Wrap-Up:::
Personally, we'd advise you to buy Percy's Chocolate Crunch book that includes the Cassette! It is a bit more expensive but it's lovely to be able to play with Thomas and Percy and the rest of the gang while listening to Alec Baldwin tell us all about their adventures.

In any case, this book is Great fun for Percy fans.

Pam T~
mom and reviewer for www.BooksForKids-reviews.com show less

Percy, Salty and more!

Buy Percy's Chocolate Crunch with the Cassette! It is a bit more expensive than *just* the book but it is also more fun for kids. My 3-year-old (and his 5 y.o. sister) listens to these over and over while he plays with his buddies.

Narrated by Alec Baldwin (one of the narrators of the television series) Sir Topham Hatt's crew comes alive. The first story is about Percy's misadventures during a water shortage. He tries to stay clean but ends up the dirtiest he's probably show more ever been. And children just seem to love the idea of Percy's being covered with chocolate. The second story is called Salty's Secret and is about how well Salty relates to those troublesome trucks. Hint: "Yo ho ho and a bucket of prawns, the tiller spins and the captain yawns."

The final story tells how Percy and Harold become friends though at first it seems as if just the opposite is about to happen as Harold starts to take the mail delivery over from the stranded Percy.

This little book with its tape is an excellent way to both increase listening skills and practice `reading' a book. Great fun for Percy fans.

Pam T
mom and reviewer for www.BooksForKids-reviews.com show less

Summary:
In the modern fantasy book Thomas Broke His Promise by Random House, a creative story line and cute pictures to teach a very important character lesson. In this book Thomas the train makes a promise, but becomes distracted and does not keep it.
Personal Reaction:
This book is adorable, but I must admit the first time I seen its illustrations I found the faces on the trains to be a bit creepy. Still, I was impressed with the author’s ability to share a character building lesson on show more such a level that even very young children can understand.
Extensions:
1. A teacher could use this book to illustrate the importance of telling the truth and keeping our promises. After reading this book a teacher could ask students to share why they agree or disagree with Thomas’s actions in this story. This discussion can be directed to help students see the importance of being honest.

2. This book could be used to teach cause and effect or if then statements. By using the
portion of story where Thomas’s mistakes put people in harm’s way, a teacher could
teach students that their choices have positive or negative consequences. show less