Thomas and Friends: Percy
#11 of 65 in Railway Series
What’s inside...
In the 'Thomas and Friends: Percy' book by Reverend W. Awdry, readers are introduced to Percy, a small green engine who works on the Island of Sodor alongside Thomas the Tank Engine and other locomotive friends. Percy is known for being a little engine with a big heart, often eager to help out and prove his worth. The book follows Percy's adventures and mishaps as he learns important lessons about friendship, cooperation, and following instructions. Through various challenges, Percy demonstrates his determination and often ends up saving the day, showing that even the smallest engine can make a big difference. Additionally, the book is part of MY THOMAS STORY LIBRARY, a timeless collection aimed at welcoming children ages 2 to 14 into the fun-filled world of Thomas the Tank Engine.
Discussion points
How do you think Percy felt when he was asked to help at the docks for the first time?
What are some ways Percy showed he was a good friend in the story?
What would you have done if you were Percy and faced a big challenge?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like Percy helped his friends?
What do you think is the most important lesson Percy learned?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize expressive reading to highlight Percy's emotions and the actions in the story to help your child understand the characters' feelings.
Encourage your child to relate the events in the book to their own experiences, which can deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story before turning the page, fostering their imagination and critical thinking skills.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and helping others as illustrated by Percy's actions, aligning the conversation with real-life values.
Praise your child’s responses and insights during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Percy consistently demonstrates strong bonds with other engines, sharing tasks and helping each other out throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of cooperating and maintaining friendships, which can be applied in playing and working together cooperatively in school or community settings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Percy is often tasked with important jobs and consistently endeavors to complete them, showing a sense of duty and reliability.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take on tasks and see them through, reinforcing the value of responsibility in tasks such as homework, chores, and keeping promises.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: Percy faces various fears during his adventures but learns to overcome them with courage and the support of his friends.
Real-World Application: This story serves as a perfect example for kids to confront their own fears, be it tackling a new activity, or dealing with challenging situations at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of honest communication
Explanation: Misunderstandings in the story are often resolved through open and honest dialogue, showcasing effective communication.
Real-World Application: It highlights the benefit of expressing oneself clearly and listening to others, skills that are necessary for resolving conflicts amicably among peers.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: When Percy makes errors, he learns from them and uses the knowledge to avoid repeating the same in future, which is an important part of his development in the book.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that errors are opportunities for learning, encouraging them to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process in academic and personal growth.