Thomas & Friends: The 12 Engines of Christmas
Thomas and Friends Series
What’s inside...
House of Horrors lifts the roof on the disgusting details of domestic life as only Horrible Science can. Who lives in a house like this? Just about everyone. This book will have the cleanest of neat freaks running for cover when they discover what they'll never be able to get out of the carpet. House of Horrors dishes the dirt on the secret life of dust mites and parasitic pet poo. Shortlisted for Best Book with Facts in the 2013 Blue Peter Book Awards.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which of the 12 engines did you like the most and why?
What special gifts would you give to the engines if you could?
How do the engines help each other in the story, and why is teamwork important?
Can you think of a time when you worked together with friends or family for a special occasion?
What lessons about giving and sharing did you learn from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their favorite parts of the book and why those stand out to them, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the theme of teamwork, illustrating with practical examples from daily life to reinforce understanding.
Use the book's festive theme to relate to real-life preparations for holidays or special events in your own family, enhancing relatability.
Encourage imaginative thinking by asking your child what kind of special gifts they would consider giving to the characters, fostering creativity and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, various engines work together to solve problems and prepare for Christmas, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with siblings and peers on projects or tasks, understanding that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Helpfulness
Explanation: The engines each play a role in helping each other out, teaching the value of being helpful and supportive.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by assisting in household chores, helping friends with schoolwork, or being supportive in group activities.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: The 12 different engines, each with unique characteristics and roles, highlight the importance of celebrating individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the diverse qualities of people in their community and school.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Giving
Explanation: The engines engage in gift-giving and sharing during the festive season, illustrating the joy derived from generosity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to share their toys, partake in charity events, or simply perform acts of kindness.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: The engines encounter and overcome various challenges in preparation for Christmas, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist in overcoming personal obstacles, whether in their learning or social interactions.