“The Little Engine That Could’ was one of my favorite books as a child. The idea that once you set your mind to something and you worked at it, you could then make it happen gave me confidence in myself. A train engine carrying toys and good things to eat for the boys and girls on the other side of the mountain breaks down. The toys traveling on the train stop 3 engines passing by, asking them for help so the train can get to its destination. All three of these engines think they are too good to pull the small train. Finally, a small blue engine helps the train but has trouble climbing the steep mountain. She says over and over to herself “I think I can – I think I can” until she makes it over the mountain.
The book sends two important life lessons: always help other in need and never give up. The three engines all had excuses for not helping the small train instead of giving assistance. The small blue engine used her positive thinking and motivation to keep her going up the mountain to deliver all the toys and good food to eat to the boys and girls. “The Little Engine That Could” may not be my granddaughter’s favorite book but she enjoyed the story and will read it again with Nana.
Fun Activities; Make an egg carton train engine or using construction paper shapes make a train. The internet has examples of both these activities.Published In: 1930
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Age Level: 1-4 years
AR Level: 3.5
Pages: 48
Stars: 5
