The Little Engine That Could
The Little Engine That Could Series
What’s inside...
The book is about a train filled with toys that breaks down and needs help to get over the mountain. A little blue engine, although small, decides to try and manages to bring the toys to the children on the other side. Designed especially for toddlers, this large die-cut board book features an intriguing locomotive shape, bright, cheery illustrations, and a simple retelling of the original story just right for reading aloud.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-4
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the little engine believe it could make it over the mountain?
How do you feel when you try something challenging?
Why is it important to help others, like the little engine helped the other trains?
What does 'I think I can' mean to you?
Can you think of a time you accomplished something because you believed in yourself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and different voices for each character to make the story more engaging.
Relate the story to a personal experience where perseverance helped you overcome a challenge, sharing this can make the discussion more relatable.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a challenging task they faced and how they felt when they accomplished it, connecting the theme of the book with real-life scenarios.
Praise your child for instances where they've shown perseverance, linking their experiences to the little engine's story.
Encourage your child to say 'I think I can' when facing new challenges, reinforcing the book’s message in everyday situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The Little Engine keeps trying despite the challenges, embodying the 'I think I can' spirit.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether in completing a challenging puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Helpfulness
Explanation: The Little Engine helps pull the stranded train over the mountain when the bigger engines refuse.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of helping others in need, promoting empathy and community spirit.
Example Lesson: Self-Belief
Explanation: The Little Engine succeeds because it believes in its own abilities, despite being smaller than the others.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to believe in themselves, boosting their confidence to face new challenges.
Example Lesson: Optimism
Explanation: The story promotes a positive outlook, as the Little Engine focuses on what it can do, rather than its limitations.
Real-World Application: This helps children to adopt a positive mindset, which is crucial for mental well-being and tackling everyday tasks.