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Big Choo
Little Choo wants to be a Big Choo just like his dad! He rides the rails with determination and a "try it again" attitude. PUFF! PUFF! CHUGGA-CHUGGA! CHUGGA-CHUGGA!Little Choo wants to be just like his dad, Papa Pufferbelly, but there's more to becoming Big Choo than he ever expected! He'll need all of his bravery, speed, strength, and smarts to roll on the main line. And Little Choo learns the biggest lesson of all, that if at first you don't succeed, maybe try a different way, but always try again!CHUGGA-CHUGGA,CHOO! CHOO!
40 pages, Hardcover
Published February 27, 2018
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 14, 2018
Although I'm not a fan of the facial expressions on the trains in this picture book, I did enjoy the story and its inspiring reminder not to quit, even when you literally head off the track. After all, persistence is often what is needed in order to succeed at something, and most of us don't do something right the first time. Bringing to mind The Little Engine That Could, this book features a young train that wants to be just like its father, Papa Pufferbelly. Little Choo, the young train, decides that today is the day for taking some risks, and he is sure that he can handle the main train line. Papa Pufferbelly cheers his son, who now wants to be called Big Choo, on as he handles all sorts of obstacles and runs smoothly along the way. But a steep incline causes him to be derailed, and he's ready to quit until his father offers more encouragement. Train fans across the nation will enjoy this book and relish making all the wonderful train sounds that fill the story. I appreciated the author/illustrator's tribute to the work of Virginia Lee Burton whose The Little House provided inspiration for the illustrations in this book. Readers will want to check out the end papers, which show all those tracks and the terrain through which Little Choo passed.
August 8, 2018
This inspirational tale starring a father and son provides an updated version of The Little Engine That Could story, although this new book still has a vintage feel to it. Retro, primary-colored illustrations done in pastels reflect the inspiration of Virginia Lee Burton, as explained in the author’s note. The theme of a father encouraging and helping his son is an angle that many families, especially vehicle-loving ones, will appreciate. Preschoolers will love repeating the train sound effects when this selection is read aloud in a classroom setting or one-on-one.
March 6, 2018
Transportation fans will love this, good message about getting back up when you fail. Something about the faces and expressions is a little off though...
January 23, 2018
Fans of transportation books, especially "The Little Engine that Could" will like this one. A warm, supportive father and son train relationship. Fun repetition will get kids to participate in the telling.
Bright color illustrations.
From advance reader copy.
Bright color illustrations.
From advance reader copy.
June 28, 2018
This is a modern The Little Engine That Could. It is Little Choo's first day on the main line. He approaches each new task with confidence ("I'm not Little Choo! I'm BIG CHOO!") until finally he overstretches himself and derails. He's ready to give up, but his father, Papa Pufferbelly, is at his side to encourage him to try again. Under his father's watchful eye, Little Choo gets back on track and makes a second attempt, and this time he succeeds. Giddy with his success on the mountain incline, Little Choo is tempted to tackle the dark tunnel. Papa Pufferbelly, however, sagely suggests that they leave that for another day, and the pair head home.
Big Choo is a story about growing up, progressing to more advanced activities, persevering after failing, and having confidence in oneself. Little Choo's and Papa Pufferbelly's relationship also underscores the importance of having a supportive caregiver/mentor to guide one through the bumps in the road.
Big Choo is a story about growing up, progressing to more advanced activities, persevering after failing, and having confidence in oneself. Little Choo's and Papa Pufferbelly's relationship also underscores the importance of having a supportive caregiver/mentor to guide one through the bumps in the road.
March 5, 2018
Cute, but... well, I've never loved The Little Engine That Could, so I should have known I would not love this. Very straightforward and toddler-friendly story and length, though, along with illustrations colorful and bold enough for a group to see. Since there are more new little train-obsessed kids being born every minute, it would definitely work well for storytime and to hand to said children who have already exhausted the library's existing supply of train books.
March 20, 2018
This cute, colorful picture book reminds me a lot of Thomas The Tank. The preschoolers I cared for at the time were crazy about that train and we read the books, watched the TV program, and played with all of the toys. With primary color illustrations, and lots of chugga-chugga choo-choo's, this story about a little train engine that wants to be just like his papa will be lots of fun to share with little kids that like to make train noises.
December 4, 2019
"Big Choo" by Stephen Shaskan, is a delightful children's story which deals with self-confidence and recognition. It shows how children need encouragement, but at the same time they need an adult/parent to monitor and guide the child in making major decisions. I liked the part of the book most where the train (or child) fails, but was encouraged to get up and try again. Children, like trains, need to know that failure is ok and it's a big part of learning and doing new things.
March 15, 2018
I thought Little Engine that Could with a dash of Virginia Lee Burton when I saw the cover of this and was very pleased to read the author/ illustrator's homage to Burton at the end. This is the second book I read this week that is a nice example of growth mindset concepts for the elementary crowd. Its lessons of perseverance in the face of failure is nicely done.
September 24, 2018
The story of Little Choo, who wanted to be just like his dad Papa Pufferbelly. So with some some words of encouragement from Papa Pufferbelly, Little Choo rolled off the little loop, and switched onto the mine line. Little Choo, became Big Choo, and proved he had the intestinal fortitude to get the job done with Papa Pufferbelly cheering him all the way.
April 12, 2018
I wanted to really like this--great message! supportive Daddy who stayed by his son's side the entire time! train book!--however the REALLY REALLY REALLY CREEPY train faces threw off the entire book for me.
May 5, 2018
Young train lovers will enjoy this fun book about Little Choo and his Papa Pufferbelly! A another nice rendition of The Little Engine That Could. This will make a great read in story times about trains and transportation!
November 1, 2018
A generic train story of a little train who is in a hurry to grow up to be a "big choo." He tries to haul a heavy load too early and derails. Daddy choo helps him realize his limitations while still encouraging him to grow.
April 1, 2019
A little train is trying to prove to his dad how fast, strong, and awesome he is. He is doing great until he tips over while carrying a heavy load up a hill. But he tries again and does a great job. He graduates from being "Little Choo" to being "Big Choo"!
March 6, 2018
A young train is ready for their first big run, but gets discouraged when they derail. Luckily Papa is close by and cheering the little train on!
March 22, 2018
Little Choo spends his days with his dad and wants to be just like him. Even when he is derailed, his papa encourages him to try again. Reviewer 9.
March 23, 2018
A little train and his dad spend the day playing on the rails and learning life lessons. preschool and up
March 26, 2018
a cute story all about Little Choo and his determination to be big and brave like his daddy pufferbelly!
March 28, 2018
Loved it! Beautiful tribute to classic children’s books
April 2, 2018
In the spirit of "The Little Engine That Could," this is a tale of perserverance and encouragement.
October 10, 2018
Modern-ish little engine that could.
April 18, 2018
The author/illustrator pays homage to Virginia Lee Burton in verse and illustrations.
May 20, 2018
Will be a fun read aloud for our younger readers.
I really liked the author's note that explains some of his inspiration for this book.
I really liked the author's note that explains some of his inspiration for this book.
July 21, 2018
Sam gives this book 5 stars -- he loved the story of the little train who needed help, support and encouragement from his papa to overcome obstacles!
February 22, 2020
Super fun book about a little train and his daddy! Great for preschoolers. Talks about self esteem too!
January 17, 2024
Good little story, creepy illustrations.
May 30, 2024
Great day at the library with Andre. We read while playing with trains.
You are brave, fast, strong, and smart! Don’t let a little tumble ruin your big day. FULL STEAM AHEAD!
You are brave, fast, strong, and smart! Don’t let a little tumble ruin your big day. FULL STEAM AHEAD!
June 19, 2025
good. determination + train sounds
January 12, 2018
A nod to Virginia Burton and The Little Engine that Could.
Read
May 1, 2018PUFF! PUFF! CHUGGA-CHUGGA! CHUGGA-CHUGGA!
Little Choo wants to be just like his dad, Papa Pufferbelly, but there's more to becoming Big Choo than he ever expected! He'll need all of his bravery, speed, strength, and smarts to roll on the main line. And Little Choo learns the biggest lesson of all, that if at first you don't succeed, maybe try a different way, but always try again! CHUGGA-CHUGGA, CHOO! CHOO!
Subject: Railroad trains -- Juvenile fiction.
Locomotives -- Juvenile fiction.
Perseverance (Ethics) -- Juvenile fiction.
Confidence -- Juvenile fiction.
Fathers and sons -- Juvenile fiction.
Notes: Stephen Shaskan is the author and illustrator of Toad on the Road , Max Speed , The Three Triceratops Tuff , and A Dog Is a Dog . He is the illustrator of Punk Skunks , written by his wife, Trisha Speed Shaskan. He and Trisha live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with their pets, Eartha and Bea.
Little Choo wants to be just like his dad, Papa Pufferbelly, but there's more to becoming Big Choo than he ever expected! He'll need all of his bravery, speed, strength, and smarts to roll on the main line. And Little Choo learns the biggest lesson of all, that if at first you don't succeed, maybe try a different way, but always try again! CHUGGA-CHUGGA, CHOO! CHOO!
Subject: Railroad trains -- Juvenile fiction.
Locomotives -- Juvenile fiction.
Perseverance (Ethics) -- Juvenile fiction.
Confidence -- Juvenile fiction.
Fathers and sons -- Juvenile fiction.
Notes: Stephen Shaskan is the author and illustrator of Toad on the Road , Max Speed , The Three Triceratops Tuff , and A Dog Is a Dog . He is the illustrator of Punk Skunks , written by his wife, Trisha Speed Shaskan. He and Trisha live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with their pets, Eartha and Bea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews