The Little Engine That Could

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The Little Engine That Could

by Watty Piper

For ages 2+ years

"I think I can. I think I can. I think I can." Who among us hasn't conjured up that refrain when faced with a seemingly impossible task? Like running the last leg of a marathon. Or getting an uncooperative child dressed in the morning. "I think I can." This beloved story of a small engine pulling a train laden with toys over a mountain was published in the midst of the Great Depression (1930), and has ever since been taken to symbolize the American can-do spirit in the face of hardship. But for children of any era, it offers a reassuring mantra for climbing all the mountains on the path to growing up and beyond.

$8.99

Review provided by The Savvy Source.

Comments

Leticia- said:

This classic is one of our favorites!
Posted on Aug 12, 2009

Pallavi said:

My kids love this book
Posted on Aug 07, 2009

Vanessa said:

This powerful tale of determination and perseverance will influence any child who hears this story. The simple line "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..." makes everyone want to climb mountains.
Posted on Dec 12, 2008

beingsavvywashingtondc said:

We have three copies and I am sometimes asked to read them each in succession. I remember this one very well from my own childhood, and have pulled out the "I think I can" line when trying to get my preschooler to try something new.
Posted on Dec 08, 2008

Bonnie said:

This book was great when my son was a toddler because of his fascination with trains, now that he's older the message about never giving up is one we reference whenever he's struggling with something!
Posted on Dec 04, 2008

beingsavvyvancouver said:

This is another classic story that is a hit in our house. Even with the dated text, about the poor boys and girls across the mountain, my son loves this story. The fact that you can get this as a TAG book make this story more appealing.
Posted on Dec 03, 2008

cafemama said:

I love this book and have been reading it to my kids since my oldest was a baby. I much prefer the original text to the new "easier to read" version; and the old-fashioned concept that a train must bring all the good food and toys over the mountain to the children in the valley. The behavior of the engines is a good metaphor for the playground; your friends may not be the people who are the flashiest, but the ones who are the most willing to listen and help.
Posted on Nov 24, 2008

Brookyn said:

Decades later, this is one of the books I remember my mother reading to me. The message, is of course, great and I like that it has "cross-gender" appeal. Both boys and girls will relate to the story and message.
Posted on Nov 24, 2008

Being Savvy said:

I didn't think my son would like this book when it was first introduced to him, but he kept asking for it again and again! I loved how it allowed him to practice empathy - he was sad when the other engines wouldn't help the little blue engine and happy when the engine finally made it over the hill. A wonderful book for any train lover.
Posted on Nov 23, 2008

ShannanB said:

Having a train obsessed 3 year old, this book is a must have. The book is beautifully illustrated and the story teaches children the importance of perserverance. I am always looking for books that sneak in messages and this one does it perfectly!
Posted on Nov 22, 2008

beingsavvytampa said:

I had this book as a child and recently introduced it to my children. Trying, practicing and succeeding is a hard concept for any toddler to grasp. The Little Engine that Could has taught my son this important lesson. For example, when I encourage him on his bike to keep trying, I can't help but call out "Like the little engine that could, buddy, you can do this!" and he knows exactly what I mean. This classic will continue to be passed down through generations.
Posted on Nov 21, 2008

Jenny said:

There are emotions of success when trying your hardest that this story brings back in me, that I had totally forgotten since my childhood. Such a simple tale, with such an important message - never, ever, ever give up. You will be rewarded. Kids may love the story and and the pictures, but they remember the message for life.
Posted on Nov 20, 2008

LauraSP said:

I'm kind of ashamed to admit this, but it was only recently that I gave this book to my son, a child who may possibly be the world's biggest train nut. Don't get me wrong: We have heaps of other train books. But I guess I resisted buying this one at first because I thought, on some level, that all of that "I think I can" business was too much of a cliche. But then I revisted the book, and wow . . . what a story of friendship and perseverance, particularly for a kid who goes coo-coo for choo-choos. Oh, and how could I resist those delicious illustrations of toys and treats? See if YOU can get through the whole story without craving lolly-pops.
Posted on Nov 20, 2008

eastbayblog said:

Classic old book has such funny antiquated but charming references that it makes my modern self laugh. But my kid loves it because it's about a train. Great message too. I THINK I CAN I THINK I CAN.
Posted on Nov 19, 2008

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