Thomas & Friends: Harold
Thomas and Friends Series
What’s inside...
The perfect introduction to Thomas the Tank Engine! Harold the Helicopter flies high over the island of Sodor and believes he's faster than all the engines, leading to a race with Percy. Based on the classic tales by Reverend W. Awdry and designed with a modern look, Thomas Engine Adventures is ideal for early readers. Children aged 2 and up will enjoy meeting beloved characters on The Fat Controller's railway, and each story ends with a fun spot-and-see activity. Thomas has been teaching valuable life and friendship lessons for over 75 years, and is an essential part of literary heritage alongside other characters like Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, and Peter Rabbit.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Harold different from the other characters in the story?
How did Harold help the other characters, and what does that teach us about helping others?
How do you think Harold felt when he was flying in the sky? Can you describe a time you felt similar?
Why is teamwork important, as shown in the book?
What would you do if you were Harold for a day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the perspective of Harold by asking them to imagine what it’s like to fly and see things from above.
Discuss the importance of helping others and teamwork, drawing parallels between the story and real-life situations they might encounter.
Ask your child to describe their feelings and experiences that relate to the story to deepen their emotional connection and understanding.
Emphasize the unique traits of Harold and other characters, encouraging your child to think about the diversity in skills and appearances among their own friends or classmates.
Wrap up the conversation by asking your child to draw or act out their favorite scene to reinforce story retention and encourage creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The story showcases Harold the Helicopter working together with the other engines, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in accomplishing tasks.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or during play, learning to collaborate and value each person’s contribution.
Example Lesson: Helpfulness
Explanation: Harold is always ready to assist in emergencies, demonstrating the value of being helpful and supportive to others in need.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be proactive in helping their family and friends, fostering a supportive community from a young age.
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: Even though Harold is different from the other engines, his unique abilities are celebrated, teaching children to embrace diversity and the unique qualities of others.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, Harold faces various challenges but always finds a way to overcome them, instilling a sense of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that obstacles are a part of life, and with determination, they can be overcome, boosting their problem-solving skills and confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community Role
Explanation: Harold plays an important role in keeping the community safe, highlighting the importance of each individual’s role in society.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of different professions and roles within their community, which can inspire them to think about how they might contribute positively in the future.