The Little Engine That Could (Original Classic Edition)

This book gave my daughter a great deal of joy every time I read it to her as a child and now she will be able to read it to her own son. The deluxe edition is easy to hold and read, also the illustrations are really clear and colourful......................Ted

When my grand son was very young he would alwas say, grandpa I can't do this or can't do that so I bought him The Little Engine That Could. After reading it too him a few times I never heard him say again I can't. Today he is a sucessful Business Man.

This is hands down my son's book. A classic -- we have the version from when I was a child and bought this as back up since the "vintage" version is showing a little too much wear. Only down is that this book can be a bit lengthy and my son wants to read it every night/ day, multi times, so....
I also love that Little Engine is a female engine. Girl power.

This is a beautiful edition of the book. I don't know how it compares to the other editions, but my child and I really enjoy this book. The red on the book jacket is very shiny and the pages are just the right thickness so they don't tear easily like some other hardcover books.

My son has adored this book since he was 18 months old - he is now 3. Very sturdy - train moves very quickly and is fun to watch. I have given this book as a gift and it was an immediate favorite. Any little train lover will adore this book & wind-up train set.

It was ok. I had the original board book one and my son loved it. I had to replace it from all the wear of it being used. This one just seems like they cut out all the good stuff. Doesn't really feel like a story as much anymore. I hate saying that because I know there's always out there complaining when they revamp or edit a story. This time I think the editing cut down to much of the stories main theme.

This hardcover book was in new condition, never even opened. There was an identifying black marker line on the edge of the paper, close to the spine, but the book isn't defaced. This complimented his Little Engine That Could 3rd birthday party theme. My son loves the stories; his favorite is `The Little Engine That Could and the Lost Hippo'.

I had this book when I was a small lad;It taught me a lesson I remembered throughout life. Don't ever say you can't do somehing until you've tried with everthing you have. I bought this book for my grandson,hoping it would influence him, as it did me.

I bought this book to teach my 2 1/2 year old about trying and never giving up. It did exactly that, my son now understands the concepts of "I think I can". I read other reviews about it being outdated and pictures being old. Yes, that is probably true but I would say appreciate it as a classic because it is! Children can still relate to it whether the toys in the pictures are of wooden toys or modern gadgets.

I read thi classic to my children, and my daughter requested it for her two year-old twins. I sent the newer, colorfully illustrated version, and my daughter, an artist, loved it. All children should read, or be read this, as often as possible.

the main point in this book is very important.

i think i can, i think i can

"whether you think you can or you cant - your right" - henry ford

book binding quality itself is acceptable.

Five stars for the book's content, one star for the poor binding (2008 Printing). This is one of our top twenty titles but it has held up far less well than other hardbacks of similar size and reading frequency. It has an inferior binding adhesive, no stitching whatever, and is little better than a stack of brochures leafed together between covers. I have Scotch tape on about every other page junction and will need to tape the remaining joins if we continue to read this book. Don't pass on the title but look for another edition!

Book is OK, but NO WAY it's the "complete, original edition" as claimed on the front cover. I have a version that I grew up reading/listening to that was published in the 50's or earlier - but no date/ISBN to verify. This book is so old that it includes two records so it can be listened to as well as read. Those of you who are old enough might remember "Nipper" the RCA puppy. He barks when it's time to turn the page! What great memories! Oh, and one last thing ... My version is much, much more detailed mentioning places called 'Hither & Yon" and NO fruits or veggies are mentioned - only toys, toys, toys!!

The quaint, colourful illustrations make this story a vivid read. The Little Engine has an experience that will inspire confidence and motivation, every child should read it. The story is uplifting and exciting. The manageable size of this book is good for small hands to turn the pages.

Buyer be alert! I overlooked that the book is a minature size and was then disappointed with it. It would be much more transparent if the size of the book received more emphasis in its description, especially when all I was hoping for was for my daughter to enjoy it as I remembered it. Can't escape the wonder of the story, but the small size gets pretty close.

I got this for my daughter who has a broken finger and all I hear from her is, I can't... I can't mom! Hopefully this will get her thinking positive!! I've always loved this book and referred to it each time any of my kids say they can't.

I remember reading this as a child and loving the story. I finally bought this book to read to my son and he loves it just as I'd hoped. Now when he feels challenged we remember the little engine saying "I think I can, I think I can" :) I know he will remember this story for many years to come.

It's short and sweet with rhyming to boot! My 16-month old son loves this book and has asked for "choo choo" book for a couple of months now. It's a quick and pleasant read for parents too. And it has the lessons of "keep trying" and "try things you haven't done before."

Was very disappointed in this book because it was NOT the book I ordered. This book was supposed be a present for my 2 year old grandson. The problem is that I was sent a book that measures 5 1/8" x 5". It was supposed to be 7.4" x 5.3" x 0.2". That is still small, but the book I received was WAY TOO SMALL!!! My grandson WOULD NOT enjoy this very small book.

I called the store immediately and they were supposed to send me a return label so I can return this book. It has been OVER a week and NO return label!!! I am STILL waiting!!! The last 2 orders from the store, I have had problems with. On multiple occasions, one the store person tells me one thing and the next one tells me a DIFFERENT story. It is very frustrating. It makes me not want to order from the store AT ALL!!!

This book was sent from the store.

Really cute book, even though a little dated wording. I like that the first train that breaks down is a girl, 3 not trains refuse to help her but then another girl train comes along and helps her ? my toddler daughter loves this book. We’ve had it a week and she’s asked to read it every day.

The Little Engine That Could A B C Time

Another Little Engine That Could Story teaching the ABC's.

Highly recommended for pre-schoolers and beginning readers.

Gunner September, 2007

The book itself is in pretty good condition, it has thick pages and a little track that the wind-up mini train is supposed to "ride" along throughout the book. However, the mini train was not included, which I'm pissed off about, since it's actually listed in the title of the item!! I don't want a refund, my husband just found a tiny miniature Thomas the Train that our grandson can drive along the tracks by hand instead. I'm just disappointed.

This a great book. Thanks to many reviewers for your comments. I carefully chose the hardcover original which did not disappoint. The Little Engine That Could (Original Classic Edition) Hardcover – July 31, 2001 by Watty Piper (Author), George Hauman (Illustrator), Doris Hauman (Illustrator). It's a lovely story and it does have the "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.....". I would highly recommend this book in hardcover.

Product arrived quickly and in excellent condition. Very satisfied. Used it for gifts for my grandsons. Am thinking about ordering one for myself. Recommend to anyone with young children or grandchildren.

My son loves to hear me read this book. He loves the pictures and follows along. He even tells the story in his own way by looking at the pictures. The illustrations are wonderful and the story is classic. This is a must have in any little one's library.

I was replacing one that got damaged that had sentamental value and was hoping by keying in the code on the back of the book would get me the exact same book and it did. I was very pleased. Best of all it made it on time for Christmas.

My son is 5 years old and just loves this book. He can't read very good, but just reading the book to him a couple of times, he can read the book back to me by looking at the pictures. I would recommend this book to anyone. THANKS!!!

Loren Long's illustrations really bring books to life. This book is no different. A classic story that has been done in a classy style. A favorite book of mine and sure to be a favorite of our son's.

I am so disappointed. The book arrived with no wind-up train. There was no indication in the condition of the book that the train would be missing. How Awful. I am returning this book. I am not only disappointed and angry but feel very deceived.

This is a great book for all ages. My daughter is 3 1/2 and she loves this train. She is really into the different trains that are discussed in the book. She loves to talk about which trains are helpful and which are not and how the toys and food will get to the other side.

This book has always been a favorite of mine! When all else fails, with the right attitude, you can do anything if you are willing to do the hard work!! A book that should be read to every child over and over again!! Thank you!

Like some of the other reviewers, I purchased this book without reading the specifics. My fault, I know, but even if I was aware of the book size, I wouldn't expect the content to be so microscopic on the inside. Tough to hold your kids and read this book to them.

My 3-year-old loves this book, so I bought him a new copy to replace his tattered old one. I highly recommend this book, which is delightful, especially for train-loving little ones. This edition, however, was poorly edited, in my opinion. The illustrations don't match up with the words. The sentences break up in the middle of the page. Anyone who reads to children knows that they enjoy pointing at pictures and anticipating the next event. However, it's very confusing for them when the words and pictures aren't in synch. I bought him another version that had other little blue engine stories, and it was a big hit.

Was invited to a baby shower and required to bring a baby book...ordered "The Little Engine that Could" expecting it to be a normal sized baby book. Received a tiny little 4X4 book, but paid a good price for it. Had to go out and buy another book...I was too ashamed to take that one. I think you should have at least post the size it was so people would know before ordering. It never crossed my mind it would be that dinky little thing. Kids like big books and big pictures not that silly stuff. What a ripoff.

excellent original book. I purchased this book for my great granddaughter, she is not quite 2 years old, but she loves looking at the illustrations, especially the trains. her mother I am sure will read it to her and she will love it more and more as she gets older.

What else is there to say about a classic? I made a box of childhood memories for a high school senior, and this is one of the things I included, as all my kids have heard this story so many times, as did I and my brothers in our childhoods.

3rd order-NO train AGAIN! The whole purpose of the purchase was to fulfill a 2 year old's request for a blue train engine like The Little Engine that Could. The cover says, "...Book and Windup Train," but NO train-again!

As a teacher this book works so well when you are talking about motivation and determination to your class. Just a note, I teach high school and the students are spell-bound when we use this story for a lesson.

I was very disappointed with this purchase. Although it is the original and not the more "updated" version, the seller's listing did not make it evident that it was the mini edition. I was expecting the regular size book.

My favorite all time book. I was given this book when I was 2 years old and ever since I have loved the story and the positive message. Always try your best and never give up. IF you think you can do something you can.

I have this exact same book as is pictured, it is not the book I recieved. I got a cardboard book. Nowhere in the description did it state that it was a cardboard book. I was very disappointed as this was a gift.

Loved this for my two year old! The story is not super short or super long - maybe a little longer than most toddlers might sit through
but easy to skip words if necessary. The clown in this is not scary just an fyi. Sweet keepsake book!

The is the companion book that I give with OH BABY THE PLACES YOU WILL GO. Keep reading it through childhood and let your child know that with work and a positive attitude s/he can accomplish wonderful things.

when I read the description of the condition of this particular item I ordered it because it said that everything was in working order. I took that to mean that this item included the wind up train that originally came with it. When the item arrived it was just the book without the wind up train. Not a very accurate description of the product.

First off the illustrations come off as mediocre. And as one reads the story it becomes apparent there are some bizarre interpretations on the little engine that could. Why is the story about candy toys and presents… and then how does Humpty Dumpty end up in the story !? This book definitely flies off the rails by the end.

It was not a Little Golden Book as shown. (There was no golden stripe down the book spine).
The first few pages were missing in the book, and it cost twice as much as the purchase of a new one at the store, which I ended up having to do.

I have ordered many books from you in the past 6 1/2 yrs for my grandchildren and I was very disappointed with the size of this book.
I'll have to think long and hard before ordering anything else from the store.

This is the #1 stand out book from my childhood memories with my grandmother, so I was all too happy to buy a copy to share with my daughter. The story is great, the pictures are cute, but the wording is clumsy.

The story I remember had a train that struggled up the mountain but through perseverance and determination, finally made it. This story is about some toys whose train broke down and ask other trains to help them, but most other trains do not because they don't pull lowly toys. This story sucks.

Service I must say I was pleased with. I was completely unaware the book would be sooooo small. I ordered it for my son as one of the required books needed for the first day of kindergarten. Needless to say I will have to purchase another book for his first day. I feel as though it should have been highlighted that this book was soooo small in size. So overall I was disappointed and dissatisfied because what I thought would be one stop shop results in lost money and a trip to the store...

The fact that the only book I was really interested in, that said it was in stock, is not going to be shipped until the end of the month or even later is very annoying. I would not even have bought the other books if I had known I had to wait that long for this particular book. I find this very discourteous.

It's not a bad story, it's just really dated. This book has been around for eons, and it's been re-illustrated, so I wanted to go back and look at the "original", which is tough as apparently the original wasn't a picture book. But this version is the original picture book, and it says "retold" because they felt it was part of American folklore by the time they wrote it down.

There's a red train who is pulling a load of toys and food for the children on the other side of the mountain. She's just chugging along and then suddenly she stops (it doesn't explain why) and can't move anymore. The toys, who are apparently alive (the train doesn't appear to have a driver, a la Thomas the Tank Engine) ask other passing trains for help. I'm not sure why the broken train doesn't speak for herself, perhaps the opposing tracks are too far away from each other. A yellow train comes by, a Shiny New Engine, and says, "I pull you? I am a Passenger Engine. I have just carried a fine big train over the mountain, with more cars than you ever dreamed of. My train had sleeping cars, with comfortable berths; a dining-car where waiters bring whatever hungry people want to eat; and parlor cars in which people sit in soft arm-chairs and look out of big plate-glass windows. I pull the likes of you? Indeed not!" So all the toys are sad. The next train comes by and says, "I am a Freight Engine. I have just pulled a big train loaded with big machines over the mountain. These machines print books and newspapers for grown-ups to read. I am a very important engine indeed. I won't pull the likes of you!" Another train comes by, but it's too old and tired, so it can't pull anyone else, rumbling off saying, "I can not. I can not." Then a little blue engine comes by and stops when it sees the toys and asks what the problem is. They ask if the blue engine can pull the cars, and it says, They use me only for switching trains in the yard. I have never been over the mountain." But it decides to try, saying, I think I can. I think I can. I think I can." as it goes over the mountain, and successfully makes it over the mountain, saying, "I thought I could. I thought I could." And that's the end of the book.

Despite the twin messages of "It's good to help others" and "Believe in yourself," the book doesn't really go anywhere. There's a problem at the beginning, and when the problem is solved, it's over. I remember bits and pieces of this from my childhood, like these apples and oranges that have really bizarre faces on them is very striking to me. And I can't help wondering if it's intentional that the three trains that refuse to help the red train are all male, depicted as "he" and using male pronouns, whereas the red train who has the problem and the blue train who helps are both female. The author was actually male, using a pen name. I'm not sure it's a coincidence, but I'm not really sure what it means. Maybe it's suggesting that females are more likely to help others because they're more compassionate? But it also kind of implies that men think that they're above helping women out. It's just really a product of its time. I'm pretty sure it's not interesting enough for most of today's kids. There's gratitude in it, which is nice. There's helping others, which is nice. There's believing in yourself, which is nice. But it's really not that much more interesting than "The Little Red Caboose" except that it's got female trains in it. I think "The Little Engine That Could" is probably the most popular fictional female train. Thomas the Tank Engine just doesn't have enough female characters, despite her popularity. It's not bad for the time period in which it was written, especially compared to most of the other books from the 1930s, but it doesn't really hold up to modern books.

Message: Believe in yourself, and help others out.

For more children's book reviews, see the drttmk website.

My dad was dying and I bought several books to take to him at the hospital. This was one of them. When I flew down to see him, the word was that he still had hope. Within thirty minutes of my arrival, we found it not to be true. I still read him this book, just as he used to read it to me. It was a joke for us during his last days. Even when he had break through pain and I wasn't allowed to give him more medicine, we'd read this and he'd squeeze my hand while he tried to get through just a little more time. Sometimes he told me the story to keep his mind focussed.

Before he died he told me to finish my degree. I told him it would be hard because I have a big family, so much going on-- and he smiled and said, "Let me tell you about a train that couldn't get over a mountain. It had great things on it, toys for the good boys and girls, milk for their dinners. It was hard to get this train loaded with good things over the mountain but there was one little engine. . ." Three months later I am in college and this little engine goes through my mind a lot. The story is one of my children's favorites and they don't know why I can't read it without crying!

This book appeals to everyone for different reasons, but the results are the same. An iron will allows us to overcome any obstacle!

My review is for the roughly 10" X 12" version of the book.

I am truly sorry to read that so many received a scaled-down edition (abridged text and/or mini size) when they were expecting something else. Unfortunately, the negative reviews resulting from that problem (191 at last count) bring down the rating for the story, not just the circumstances of the purchase.

This size is perfect for classroom or other group use, since the illustrations can be seen from across the room. I also have a rubber stamp of an engine with the words, "I think I can" that I use in connection with the book.

Frankly, I prefer the original illustrations and am not convinced that newer is always better.

The message is as appropriate as ever -- always try your best.

The Little Engine That Could is most certainly apart of that elite group of books which make up the cannon of children’s literature and rightfully so. This story, and various versions of it, have been around a long, long time and the message it holds is as pertinent today as it was when this story was first conceived.

While Watty Piper in most generally given credit for the writing of this wonderful little book, the story was actually first conceived in 1906 under the title “Thinking One Can,” and was meant to be a Sunday School Story. It was later published under the title of “The Pony Engine,” in 1920. After morphing through several versions and several titles, it was finally published in 1930 by Watty piper which was a pseudonym for the publisher. Since that time this little and wonderful story had continued to change in detail and even films have been made. The message throughout the years though has remained the same.

Now this newest version, the one being reviewed here is indeed different than the original and the story has been snipped and changed here and there and the art work is most certainly different. Now I am a traditionalist when it comes to such works and normally I would go into a rant at this point in my review. Not so in this case. I picked this one up at the library and despite the changes; I found it to be a very well done little book. Just because I could identify with and enjoyed the original so very much when I was a wee one, does not mean that the current generation will not be able to do the same with this one.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

We recently joined Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and received The Little Engine That Could for our first book. Naima was excited to read about a choo choo train as she said. We enjoyed the illustrations and the idea that even the little engine could be helpful and accomplish a hard task.

What I didn’t like about the book was that only good girls and boys were getting good food and toys. I felt like sent the wrong message to little kids. Even kids who are considered bad should get good food too.

The kids however really enjoyed this one and I’m looking forward to seeing what else the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends us.

I have loved this book since I was a child and remember the message of the story so many decades later: be compassionate and never doubt yourself.

From my memory (having last read this years ago), the story revolves around a train that was carrying toys and treats to children at the other side of a mountain. The train breaks down and multiple trains pass by - they try to solicit help from each train but no train is willing to assist them. Finally comes a small train who, because of her size, doesn't think she is capable of pulling them over the mountain, but is moved by her compassion. While pulling the train, she tells herself over and over, "I think I can, I think I can." And she does. :)

A wonderful, sweet story with a good message and beautiful illustrations. This book is a must-have.

Reviewed by: Kailey Perry

In this generation, children of all ages need to be inspired and determined to be successful. They need to be told that anything is possible as long as they work hard for what they want. Without this encouragement, children lose sight of what they can accomplish, and every parent wants their child to be as successful as possible. The book, The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper does just this for any child that reads this story. Even though the targeted audience of this book was ages four to eight, the older the reader is, the better the message is understood. This book should be read by every child during their childhood.
The book, The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper is a forty-eight page inspiration to all children, and has been since 1930, the original book’s copyright year. Both, boys and girls become very engaged in this book through the colors, pictures, and incredibly positive tone. Not only does the book have great illustrations for the children to look at, but the story line for the book gives off a favorable message. In the beginning of the book, there is a train that is carrying dolls, a funny clown, toys for everyone, and good food. The train needs to get over the mountain to the town before the children wake up. The suspenseful conflict is that the train stops working and cannot get over the mountain. The train, and all the toys in the train, start to panic, so they ask for help from passing trains. The first two trains did not stop to help so the toys became upset, but then another little, blue engine came. Although the blue engine was small and never went up the mountain, he still stopped to try and help. The little engine pulled the train, meanwhile stating, “I think I can, I think I can.” With this positive mentality, the little blue engine successfully pulled the train with all the toys for the kids over the mountain.
The powerful theme of this book is to always stay positive and always try your best. Who knows, you might surprise yourself, like the little blue engine did. This is a message that not only children need to hear but everyone can hear from time-to-time. The little blue engine believed in itself and did as good as he could, and to his surprise he made it up and over the mountain, even though he had never gone over the mountain before. This “I can” attitude is beneficial for everyone.
Me being almost twenty years old, I still think about this children’s picture book. I played varsity softball all four years of high school. Before the first game of each of the four years my coach read the team this book and then we set our goals for the season. I think this was very beneficial for us because it helped us realize how much is possible to achieve. During those four years, we set several school, county, and state records, as well as, made it to the state championship my sophomore year and won the state championship my senior year. I personally think that the team reading this book had a huge part in our success. There have also been spin-offs of this book. It has been rewritten several times, and the theme has been transformed into a poem. I keep this poem with me everywhere I go, and have it memorized. A section of it was even my senior quote. This poem reads,
“If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost certain you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out in the world we find,
Success begins with a fellows will,
It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you’re outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself,
Before you can ever win a prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go,
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins,
Is the man who thinks he can!”

The theme of this book is not the only feature that gets the children’s attention. There are also several other factors. Because this is a picture book targeting four to eight year olds, there is an illustration of each page and only two to four lines of words on each page. The font size of the words are large so that it’s simpler for the children to read. The pictures are very colorful which help attract the reader’s attention. Another tool used to grab the attention of the readers is bringing some of the characters alive. This is also known as personification. An example of personification in the story is the toys stating that they want to help. So, “The clown and the animals climbed out of their cars. They tried to push the little train.” This gives the toys human-like features because they are speaking and climbing out of the cars. Another device used in this children’s book is onomatopoeia. This is used when the author, Watty Piper, wanted to describe the sound the trains were making. An example of this is the first line of the book, when it says, “Chug, chug, chug. Puff, puff, puff.” This helps the children create better imagery of what is happening, which will keep the children engaged in the book.
These are all important pieces of the book that came together to make a children’s book that has been flourishing for over eighty-five years. Like I said before, this book is a must-read for all children. Because of its positivity and suspenseful story-line, it is good for children of all ages, not just four to eight years old. I highly recommend this children’s picture book.

This was one of my earliest books. I believe it was read to me repeatedly before I could read (and I learned to read VERY young--before I was out of diapers). The illustrations were SO vivid; it's rare to find a book that's so charmingly illustrated. The story, of course, is about the Little Blue Engine, who has a positive attitude as compared with some of the less admirable traits of his fellow engines. Some of them are stuck up or snobby or full of negativity. The trains and even the cargo have personalities. (My sister and I liked the dolls.) And then one day, when faced with the possibility of some children over the mountain NOT GETTING THEIR CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN TIME (gasp!), the Little Blue Engine is the only one with enough motivation to drag those heavy cars up the steep tracks and save the day. I loved how "I-think-I-can" sounded so much like a train noise, and I could definitely imagine using it as a chant for little kids preparing for a difficult feat.

Not pleased with this purchase at all. I expected a book and what I got was what looked like a postcard. The book was tiny, and very cheaply made. Thin pages and abridged version. I should of read the description more closely because it is very misleading. Save your time and money and order a different version. I am sending this book back for a refund.

Everyone knows The Little Engine That Could, but many don't know that the author is actually unknown. "Watty Piper" was a publisher's pen name, and the story predated him anyway.

This new (2005) edition is notable for its new artwork by Loren Long, an illustrator of increasing acclaim. (He illustrated Barack Obama's even more recent Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters.) This hardcover is HUGE (just over 12 inches by just under 10 inches), and Long's textured acrylic artwork, often in two-page spreads, is the focal point here.

The message--Think Positively--is as vital for children now as it was when Platt & Munk published it in 1930. (Watty Piper was in reality Arnold Munk.) As to the question of the trains' gender, it doesn't matter to me. More importantly, it doesn't matter to my kids. Read this classic to your children, and hope that one day, they read it to THEIR children.

This is not the original classic edition. Knock off one star for lying. That one was published in 1930 with illustrations by Lois Lenski. This one is a 1954 revised edition with illustrations by George and Doris Hauman. The revised illustrations have a 50s look and more vibrant colors. Watty Piper is the author of the story for both editions, which story appears in print around the beginning of the twentieth century.

"The Little Engine that Could" is another much maligned book. It is often criticized for being too saccharine or preachy, and if I read it every day, I might find that to be true. But reading occasionally (maybe once a month), I find it delightful.

First of all, it features a train, toys and a circus. What more could you want? Personally, I could do with less of the clown (as in, not at all), but not everyone shares my quirk or phobia.

And it is a sweet story with an easy-to-grasp point. Is there anyone who grew up before 1990 who can hear "I think I can" and not remember the engine? And the illustrations (again excepting the clown) are colorful and enjoyable.

Overall, it is no wonder this book is a classic of children's literature.

As a kid, I *loved* this book. However, as an adult, it is quite painful to read. The wording is awkward and unnecessarily complex. My parents gave me my old copy of the classic, which I initially thought was an amazing gesture of love to have saved it all these years. Too late I realized it was sweet revenge for making them read it to me so many times.

Unfortunately my kids enjoy the book quite a bit.

The story is simple: We're stronger than we think. You know the story and you know the tagline.

I hadn't read this since childhood. Reading it again, seeing these pictures, made it alive again.

The pictures each are works of art. Drawing from classic comic strip styles, but elevating with a sort of depth not ordinarily seen in a children's book, they will amaze and engage.

As to the story -- wow! It is prose and poetry at once. It avoids sing-songy rhymes, but has a simple refrain that has pushed this into the canon of great children's literature.

Anthony Trendl
TreeFortBooks.com

My second daughter has now fallen in love with this book, at about the same age as her older sister did (3 and 1/2). So, we are reading it every single night, often multiple times. If her older sister is any guide, this will probably continue for about 6 months.
This is simply an absolutely perfect children's story. The plot has some tension to keep the child's interest to the end of the story. The story shows how small people (or trains, if you want to be literal) with a good heart (like a child) can make a big difference in the world. The illustrations are extremely colorful and magical. The only fault (this is incredibly minor) I can find is the one-time usage of the word "indignantly", which no child is going to know. Other than that, I wouldn't change any other word or aspect of this book.
It's also a fun story for an adult to read outloud. I enjoy using different voices for the arrogant Shiny New Engine, the gruff Freight Engine, and the tired Old Engine, as well as helpful Little Blue Engine's famous repetitive cadence ("I think I can").
It will be a sad day when my youngest outgrows this book. Don't deny yourself or your child the pleasure - buy it!

"Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed?," the latest children's storybook from author/illustrator Barney Saltzberg, takes readers through the zany bedtime routine of Cornelius P. Mud, a very silly pig.

The subject is a ritual all young children are familiar with, getting ready for bed. The spirited Cornelius, however, puts his own special twist on the bedtime routine. Sure, he puts his toys away -- in the refrigerator! Yes, he puts on his pajamas -- and his snorkel, and his rollerblades and his swimming pool float!

What really makes "Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed?" funny is the way Saltzberg uses the illustrations to tell us the real story. The text is simple and straightforward, innocent enough. It's in the pictures that we catch on to Cornelius' antics and get to see the mischievous gleam in his eye.

"Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed?" is a hilarious, vibrantly illustrated story. Read this to your children if you want them to fall asleep smiling. No matter how unhappy they are about having to go to bed, they won't be able to resist Cornelius' "charms."

Breaking Bad Habits

Now that Faithy is five and finally in school (we home schooled for Pre-K) I have had to step back in order to teach her the importance of doing things on her own. Even though it has been very challenging to watch her have her fits (crying out of frustration) I try to encourage her to keep trying until she is able to it on her own. These scenes play out most mornings when it is time to get ready for school, and she can’t get her shirt or coat buttoned, and has a pant leg inside out and is struggling to fix it.

I am learning to understand the importance of letting the child solve their own little problems, especially with Faithy who for so long had everything done for her, thanks to aunts and uncles who loved feeding her, until it was completely inappropriate to do so, and who to this day think that she can’t walk because they never put her down.

I can’t possibly expect her teacher to spend time doing everything for her when she has a classroom of young, energized five year olds. (I don’t envy you Mrs LaFever)

The Importance of Trying Until You Can

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the story of the little engine that could, it is a story about a little blue engine that did what the other engines refused to do, after a train filled with toys and gifts for little boys and girls broke down. The little blue engine tried her best, despite her small size to get to the little children.

If you are a mother who enjoys using great storytelling to create teachable moments, then this is the book that you need to add to your collection.

Read it with your children, they will love the story, and use the lesson when you notice frustration on their part because they cannot complete a task.

To help them to retain, come up with some fun activities that your children will enjoy doing, or have a nice discussion about times when we all feel as if we can’t do something. Are there things we can do accomplish our tasks, such as being patient, and counting when we start getting upset. Every child is different, but they all love learning in fun settings.

This classic book tells the story of a train whose engine stalls out before it can get over the last mountain to deliver toys and food to the good children on the other side of the mountain. The toys begin to flag down passing engines to take them the rest of the way. Several engines refuse, but a little blue engine agrees to try, even though she has never pulled such a heavy load. Through generous good will and tenacity she makes it over hill.

The well-written and original plot, and the pleasantly repetitive "I think I can," "I thought I could" has ensured its popularity for over sixty years. It has been illustrated in several styles, but this one and the one by Ruth Sanderson are the best ones I have seen.

The Wee Sing and Pretend album has a "Little Blue Engine" song derived from this book which makes a good companion to it.

I loved this book as a child and I still remember my mother reading it to me vividly to this day. She has since passed away, however, the underlying message of the book about having confidence in oneself stuck. I think this theme of "knowing you can do it" is a value message for children to learn.

I read through the story of the book and it had even more impact with the updated art. The images are original, powerful and really bring the story to life. I can see why they would appeal to children and the use of colors is amazing.

I've read a few reviewers comments that the book is sexist. I didn't notice that the "bad trains" were a certain gender and the "good trains" another when I read it. However, I'm wondering if this just may be a coincidence. I have a hard time believing the author of a classic like this with such a good underlying positive message would do something like this on purpose. Ditto... for the editors who are watching out for problems like this. While I could be wrong, I think Watty Piper deserves the benefit of the doubt and perhaps she will be open to making some editorial changes to correct an apparent sexist slant in future editions.

I also found the large format and prints in this book a value add. It is also printed on nice paper and lends itself to being used over and over. This format also makes it good for reading to small groups where the children will need to see the pictures from a distance.

The toys seemed to be almost alive to me. The artwork was succesful in giving them some kind of personality. They seem more than just stuffed animals and I think this quality will appeal and endear them to children.

The art is so captivating that it almost distracts me from the story. I have to admit I haven't read the classic version in a long time, but it seems to me there was more repetition of the core message in that version. If my memory is faulty, I think it would be an improvement to repeat the "I think I can.... I know I can...." theme more often.

Overall, I don't think you can go wrong purchasing this classic book. It's a great read and a visual delight.

I purchased this book for my son, the youngest of my 4 children. He's a wonderful, sensitive boy who's quite attached to Mom (which is normal). We were looking for a book that portrays in a gentle way the ability we all have to try new things and broaden our world. At the time as a mid 3 year older he was a bit tentative about new play groups etc. I thought of a move like Lion King. However the death Simba's dad and the veiled level of violence for a young child probably was a bit much for a 3 year old. That's when I remembered the collage that hung on my wall as a youngster of the train that could. I searched online a found this version which is delightful. The modern rendition of the art is joyful and the story is instructive without being judgmental. Your young kids will enjoy the large size of book and the wonderful message too!

Watty Piper, The Little Engine that Could (Platt and Munk, 1930)

When I was a kid, I was pretty open to reading just about anything, really, and there were very few books I simply did not like. One of them was The Little Engine that Could. Well, a copy of it popped into our house tonight thanks to the mother-in-law, and I read it to the Bean tonight. Forty years later, my opinion of the book has not changed one bit. Repetitive prose, unlikable characters (in the engines who refuse), trite, inspirational resolution...I wouldn't have put things in those words when I was four, of course, at that time all I knew was that I was bored by it compared to other books in my collection of which I wore out multiple copies (Big Max, The Snowy Day, Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, I could go on all day), but now, with a quarter-century of analysis and criticism behind me, I can put fingers on why the book rubbed me the wrong way so badly when I was young. And it still does. I know it is beloved of millions, but sorry, folks, I have never been able to get on this bandwagon, and at this point it's pretty obvious I never will. * ½

Sure, my kid loves it. But I can see why they have published multiple abridged versions. The original text is awkward and wordy. The story structure is also all wrong. There are three antagonist engines before the hero is introduced when two would do the job. Each time and engine stops they repeat the same wordy sentence. And only at the last "bad" engine do they introduce the gimmick of the book which everyone remembers -- where engines puff their thoughts in short little sentences. It would make a lot more sense if all the engines talked like the hero in short puffs.

The layout is also questionable. Long sentences break up between pages awkwardly and are hard to get out in a single breath.

Lastly, the hero's part and the Act III conclusion are way too short. It should have taken up a greater page count -- or maybe lose the tedious setup.

The current self-help genre tends to be dwelling on hurts and self-pity, then finding magical solutions. Our Little Engine just has healthy self-confidence and determination. And please don't stress even that when reading it to the kids who will love it, since they find their own more imaginative interpretations.
The unabridged version is a lifetime favourite of mine, and, for classroom use or that with older children, find a copy at all costs. This version does retain much of the essence, however, and is great for the pre-school set. The only "negative" I can think of is that the kids so love the repetition that parents may grow a bit tired of the daily requests for it to be re-read, especially if the particular child wants to hear only certain sections (I knew one who always wanted "the clown part," the other "the food part.")
The same enjoyable repetition makes this a favourite story to read to children in primary grades. Yes, be sure you don't stop the kids from all joining in "I think I can..."
This remains one book that every favourite kid of mine receives as a present. If it disappoints any of your children, that will be a first, in my experience!

My four-year-old son and I love this re-telling of the old classic, The Little Engine That Could. Everyone knows the story of the little engine that used perseverance and positivity to find the strength to pull the train over the mountain--I'm sure I'm not the only one who recites "I think I can, I think I can" while hiking steep trails or running uphill--and Loren Long's new version keeps all that is timeless and magical about the old tale, and dresses it up with more beautiful and vibrant illustrations.

Nice rendition of the original. For those who have complained about them making the train a female, thinking that this was a change from the original, they should be aware that in the original Watty Piper version , the train was a female. In many later versions however (including the ones I knew when I was a kid), the train was a male. I am deducting a star since the cover on mine arrived with a tear.

This is just a great, timeless classic. My daughter loves that the hero train is a girl. The illustrations are cute, if a bit dated. You can definitely tell they're from the 50's. It does add to its charm though. Just a sweet little book.

I loved this book as a child and couldn't wait to get it for my train loving little guy. It was harder to find than I thought it would be, so I was really happy to find it here. We read this book all of the time! It is a great story about helping out and giving it a try.

Few books are so gratifying to read to children for the first time. A child does not even need to understand English to "get" it. On first meeting our four-year-old son, who had never heard a world of English until then, I put him on my knee and impersonated each engine character chugging through these pages.

He was scared and shy, but he loved the "characters," which I could only differentiate for him by sound, and he especially loved the famous repeating line "I think I can."

As my whispers rose to crescendo, he squealed in delight. Nowadays he reads much harder books before going to sleep at night. But he likes every now and then to come back to this one: He well remembers the first moments of bonding with me, and with this book.

--- Alyssa A. Lappen

If you like a book that is inspiring and builds self-confidence, "The Little Engine That Could" is a great book for you. I think that this book has a very good ending and it is good for any age. I think that this book builds self-esteem and confidence. In this book, some toys on a train can't get over the hill to be given to the children. They are stuck on the bottom of the hill until an engine will help them. Four engines came along, a shiny new one, a great big strong one, an old and tired one, and a little blue one. Will any of the engines help the toys? Will they make it to the children before the end of the day? You can find out by reading "The Little Engine That Could."

I get doing voices for kids, I like that, but this narrator was all over the map, and inconsistent in even keeping the same voice for the same character. I give it two stars for my child's vote (although that could be because it was a train story) but for both myself and my husband, this was an epic thumbs down.

This is the first time that the 'Little Engine' has been published as a deluxe picture book. For this reason alone, it is unfair to compare it to the previous editions. The older editions are illustrated with small, simple, colored line drawings rather than lavish, full-page, full-color paintings.

Long's illustrations are beautiful and, in my opinion, suit the story better than the old ones did. As I child, I was never quite sure if the clown and dolls were toys or people. Long's illustration makes them obviously toys.

Long's illustrations give the different locomotives distinct looks and personalities. The original illustrations for both previous editions of the book have locomotives that are virtually identical, except for being different colors. The passenger engine in Long's illustration is a sleek, streamlined design with an arrogant, sneering expression, while the freight engine is a massive, dark iron, whale-like machine that looms over and peers down at the tiny clown.

It's unfortunate that the review from the School Library Journal was chosen by the store for the Editorial Reviews, above. I'd like to correct some errors - the writer has her facts wrong about the history of this book.

What Burg believes to be the original edition of the book is, in fact, the 1954 edition with illustrations by George and Doris Hauman. Although Burg praises the '1930s' look of these illustrations with the green poka-dotted clown, they scream '1950s!'. While most people today are familiar with this version, I think the older illustrations are showing their age, and I believe children today will relate better to Long's paintings. Also, as I have stated above, I believe Long's illustrations help tell the story better.

The actual 1930s illustrations were colored line drawings by Lois Lenski, and few people today will have seen them. Interestingly, those illustrations show the story taking place in a stark, snow-covered winter landscape.

Burg claims Loren Long's paintings have a '1950s' look. Anyone familiar with painting styles of the 1930s will recognize the influence of painters like Grant Wood on Long's style. Long's illustrations are much truer to the 1930s than the 1954 illustrations are.

I am a friend of Loren Long's, and I know how hard he worked on these illustrations and how much this book meant to him. These paintings were a labor of love.

When Cornelius' mother quizzes him on whether he's ready for bed, he answers honestly each time. Yes, Cornelius has fed the fish...chocolate chip cookies! Yes, Cornelius has put on his pajamas...and a pair of rollerskates and a scuba mask! Preschoolers and kindergardeners will laugh at Cornelius' silly antics. Adults will appreciate whimsy in illustrations: the fishes' shocked looks, the titles on Cornelius' books (We, we, we all the way home, Where the Wild Pigs Are, and If you Give a Mouse a Pig just to name a few). Great for encouraging dialogue during a one-on-one read-aloud session.

This little book with its beautiful picture of ' The Little Engine that Could' was a favorite. I read it many times to my children . The message of not giving up, of taking on something which the odds are against and are unlikely, of doing what is hard and to some seems impossible, of persisting and persisting until one does climb the mountain is one I think important for all of us in life. As I remember this book I think of my children and pray to G-d for their well being .And that they too will know in the words of their grandfather that lesson " When the going gets tough, the tough get going"

A beautiful little book which brought us many moments of happiness.

This is adelightful book and a true classic. The illustrations are intricate and beautiful - full of fun and sweet details and are a visual feast for both children and adults. The story is a classic tale with a good moral (do your best, and help others when you can - you can do it!) that is appealing to all ages. We just began reading this to our almost 20 month old son and though he is too little to undertand all of it, he is captivated by the pictures and the phrase "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!" In my opionion this is must have for all families.

I was not bowled over by this book but I was stunned at how much my 3 1/2 loves it. Instant Favorite! I dont mind that its abridged, he often falls asleep near the end anyway. Its sweet and simple with pretty artwork. The repitition is not so fun for me so we usually dont read every word on each page....the Old Man train tickles my son when I do my best 100 yr old voice.

If I were rating this book based on how much I like it, it would be about a 2 star book! If my son were rating it, it would be 5 plus stars! I always found this story a bit dull and predictable. I was given this book for my son, and read it to him half thinking he would feel the same. Well, from the time he was less than a year old, he loved it very, very much. We read it over and over and over....I think the message does inspire kids, and of course, it's about trains, which alone is enough to make him happy. So I have mellowed on this title, and think it richly deserves a 4 star vote!

This is a very good book and it teaches a very good life lesson. It is a book that can be enjoyed by any type of public. I would especially read this book to a person who is giving up. It will be a very good idea to read this to an infant or a child when they are learning new stuff. This will enourage them to do may more things in life. When I first read this book it taught me that if I propose myself a challenge and I give some of my time and that I never give up I can do anything in life that I want to accomplish.

Wow... books that have impacted me over the course of my life... I read this as a preschooler and the message was never lost. This timeless classic about a little train that uses will and belief in one's self to overcome obstacles is the grandaddy of the self help literature! In this beautifully illustrated version, I can share these wonderful moments with my own children and god children. Getting the toys to the good children on the other side of the mountain is the core motivation to show children young and old the power of self belief. This book was a major inspiration to me as a child and through my own books, I continue to help perpetuate the choice to believe in yourself.

As an author of children's books, I treasure the magic that reading brings to children. This is about as important a tool as any that you will ever arm your children with. Take a shot on this book... you will not be disappointed. Brian Weiner CEO The Illusion Factory (Inform and Empower Yourself™) Author Toad Catchers' Creek

This is about a train full of toys and good things to eat. They are traveling to get to a town full of good girls and boys and the engine on the train they are in breaks down. They need to get there so when an engine passes they ask if it will help them. They make up reasons why they can't do it like they don't have time to help and things like that. Then a little engine comes along and is willing to help them out. Nobody thinks this engine can pull the train over the mountain because it is too little but the engine believes he can and tries to do it anyway. The engine starts to pull the train and keeps saying "I think I can, I think I can", ...
This is a great book for children. It teaches them they can do whatever they put their minds too. The little engine did not give up just because no one thought he could pull the train over the mountain. He kept going ... people can do anything if they believe in themselves.

This is one of the great children's stories of all time. I loved it as a child and read it over and over again, and my son has been demanding it as a bedtime story regularly since he was2-1/2 years old. The 1991 Platt & Munk (a division of Grosset & Dunlap) edition, beautifully illustrated by Cristina Ong, leaves out all the requests made to the busy trains. The story is now very brief (which is why I give it only 3 stars instead of the 5 the full-length version deserves)--I suppose because it is a board book--but the essentials are all there. It also changes the sex of the engines from male to female, so perhaps some parents would like to read this edition to their children as well as one of the others.

Great children's story and a classic. This is your child's first lesson in perseverance, and one that will stay with them forever. I think I can. I know I can. Great words to build a life long foundation.

Unveiled The Little Engine That Could for my son's 2nd birthday, and he asked us to read it to him about 4 times in a row. He's continued to ask for it regularly ever since. This is such a cute and heartwarming story, and the new art in this edition is adorable.

The pages are made from a very nice quality paper, with artwork that is beautiful and vivid.

I purchased this as a gift for my grandson...VERY disappointing that the Little Engine is now a female. I will try to find a little girl who will enjoy this and continue my search for a gift quality book that is still the original and has a male Little Engine.

Who doesn't know this story? The classic story of the little blue engine that pulls an engine carrying toys for children over the mountain has been inspiring children and adults for ages. The illustrations are fantastic and go perfectly with the story. My son is two and a half and it's one of two stories that he lets me read from start to finish. It's perfect for small children, especially small boys obsessed with choo choos!

As a parent of three, one of the most important things I can give my children is motivation.
The attitude that he or she CAN DO ANYTHING IF THEY THINK THEY CAN DO IT.
By reading this story over and over again, the message will go into their conscious and subconscious mind and my hope is that they will follow their dreams and become all they are able to become.
Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated
What better gift can a parent give their child than believing in them?