Customer Reviews

New Tracks for Thomas (Thomas & Friends) (Pictureback(R))

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Typical Thomas stays true to type in a story based on the Reverend W.Awdry`s The Railway Series. Colorful illustrations of Thomas and the gang (Sir Topham Hatt looks a bit transformed) grace this tidy little tale, as our loveable but cheeky Thomas learns a lesson. Nearly every child will understand how Thomas` excitement and overconfidence lead him to go too fast and not listen to the good advice of his friends. Everyone has felt that horrible sinking feeling he gets when he doesn`t know where he is, as well as his shame at his behaviour. And we`ll all root for him as he learns his lesson and resolves to become a Really Useful Engine.

I like this story because it addresses a problem a lot of young children have when they get overexcited. They forget to listen.

Thomas is chosen to run on new tracks and in his excitement he fails to listen to advice from Sir Topham Hatt, Edward and Thomas' driver.

We have several other Thomas books that were regulars in our bedtime reading collection. I say "were" because my sons are now 5-years old and 4-years old and both are a little too old for these picture books. Aim to read these with your 2-3-year olds.

When Thomas gets assigned to the new passenger line, he's so proud that he won't take anyone's advice about taking his time to find the new route. Of course things go wrong and he learns the hard way, succeeding in the end. Nice illustrations complement this lesson on being overconfident and boastful, though I wonder if this is a problem for most kids?

My son is a Thomas and Friends fan. The story is very apropos for children who impulsively jump into things without listening to instructions (so I guess that applies to most children): Thomas is assigned a new line and is very proud. He ignores advice from everyone and tries to make his way on his own. Of course, he loses his way. Sir Topham Hatt leads him back to his new station. Thomas learns his lesson. My son didn't really like the illustrations in this book and hence isn't his favorite.