Ride Along the Countryside (Thomas & Friends)
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Fall is a busy time for all the engines on the Island of Sodor. Children can join in the fun when they follow Thomas and his friends as they celebrate the season. The back cover includes a cutout game. The stories of Thomas the Tank Engine were first created by The Reverend W Awdry in 1944, and the first book was published in 1945. Over the past 60 years, the tales of these friendly engines have become beloved classics around the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Thomas learned on his journey through the countryside?
How do you think the other trains felt when Thomas helped them?
What parts of the countryside would you like to visit and why?
How did Thomas solve the problems he encountered on his ride?
What would you do if you were Thomas and met new friends along your journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Thomas' world, asking them how they would feel and react in similar situations. Highlight the importance of helping others and being curious about the world, just like Thomas. Use descriptive language from the book to enrich vocabulary and understanding. Discuss the scenery and animals mentioned in the book to connect the story to real-world elements. Lastly, praise your child for their thoughts and insights to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, Thomas and his friends must work together to navigate the countryside. The engines coordinate their roles and collaborate, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group activities at school or during play, understanding that teamwork often leads to better results.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: As challenges arise during their journey, Thomas and his engine friends use their problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles. This encourages critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar problem-solving strategies when facing difficulties in their tasks or conflicts with peers, thereby enhancing their ability to think critically.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite various setbacks, Thomas remains determined and resilient, pushing forward until he reaches his destination. This highlights the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children as it teaches them to stay determined and keep trying even when they encounter difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Enjoying the Journey
Explanation: Thomas takes time to appreciate the beauty of the countryside, teaching kids to enjoy the process and not just the end result.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their surroundings and find joy in everyday moments, whether on a family trip or a walk to the park.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The scenic illustrations and narrative encourage a respect for the natural world, showing the importance of the environment.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in environmental conservation activities such as recycling, planting trees, and caring for plants and animals in their community.