Thomas and the Big Big Bridge

by Rc Cerasini, Thomas LaPadula (Illustrator), Paul Lopez (Illustrator)

The Big, Big Bridge is so tall that clouds hover around its summit. Thomas is scared to cross, and for good reason. He gets stuck at the top and can't even see the ground below. Sir Topham Hatt and friends finally help Thomas down, but he knows he'll have to conquer his fears and cross the Big, Big Bridge again soon.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Trains, Fiction, Transport

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2001

Reviews

[Eileen]

Hey Kids!
Are you a well-adjusted, confident youngster?
Are you missing out on irrational fears fed to you by books, TV shows, and movies that are intended to do just the opposite!?
Have your parents or siblings instilled unhealthy fear in experiencing anything new!?
Well, this book is for YOU!

It's another another fear-based book for kids!

Storyline: Thomas isn't afraid of something, but his friend is, so he decides to be afraid, too! Brills! His fears are confirmed, of course, although eventually he realizes that it was silly of him to have been afraid at all and that he shouldn't have been, but, too late! The message has already been delivered!
FEAR!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I let my student pick a book from our shelf to read aloud today, and he chose this one. We really, really enjoyed it. Our good friend Thomas the Train, Henry, and Gordon are chose for an exciting new journey. A bridge has been built so that trains can travel through the mountains. Henry is initially afraid of the new bridge, and his fear rubs off on Thomas. Despite his fear, Thomas bravely crosses the bridge, and learns not only to face his fears, and encourage his friends to do the same, but that there was nothing to fear to start with. The story is interesting. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, and I love the message to kids that everyone is afraid, but sometimes we have to do things afraid, being brave and facing our fears. I highly recommend this one for all Thomas fans, beginning readers, parents and children to share, and classroom bookshelves.

[C. John Kerry]

This was fun little book. All of the engines are scared of a new bridge that is located high up in the mountains. Well almost all the engines, Thomas can't wait to cross it. Of course once he starts across he gets nervous and decides his best course of action is to close his eyes. Oops. Will Thomas get rescued. That would be telling so you shall have to read the book yourself to find out. All in all this was a good story. If you have a Thomas fan, of any age, they are sure to enjoy this one. Happy Reading.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ozman fell asleep in the middle of this one. It's definitely about peer pressure -- if your friends won't cross the bridge, should you not cross it? Thomas succumbs to peer fear, and ends up getting himself stuck on the bridge because he closed his eyes and jumped the track. Oops. But then he ends up looking around and noting how beautiful it is. That'll learn you, Henry.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas and the Big Big Bridge perfectly optimizes the little blue tank engine. When Henry is nervous about climbing the mountains and crossing the big big bridge Thomas is too, but he eventually overcomes his fears, leading by example to help Henry across. A new favorite!

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book

[Tym · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m impressed with the build up of tension in this one and enjoyed it

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure why Thomas was taking advice from Henry, the engine who got bricked into a tunnel because he was afraid of the rain.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Does not live up to the quality of the series. Popular with my children but not worth our time compared to others and others in the world of Thomas.

[Kelsey Scherer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great book for those younger children! What I really appreciate about this book is that it is targeted for younger audiences, however, it is very descriptive when discussing and describing the emotions and what is going on within Thomas and his friend's lastest adventure. The town had just completed building the big, big bridge, that reached the sky, and mostly everyone was afraid to go up and cross it. Thomas is not intimitated until he isn't looking and the next thing he knows his front wheel is hanging over the edge of the bridge! This is a great concept book of overcoming fear. I enjoyed it!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about Thomas and his train friends who are traveling to a new bridge on through the mountains of Sodor. All the engines, except Thomas, are a little afraid of that bridge because it is so high. Good book to talk about overcoming fears and following through on things.

[Little Miss and the Legomeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have I mentioned before that Legomeister was a huge Thomas the Train fan? From two until (don't tell him I told you this) nearly six. Huge fan.

This is one of the better Thomas stories. I enjoyed reading it. And, of course, he loved it.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas gets stuck on a high bridge and needs to be rescued! Not a toddler book, for ages 3-6.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. My son loves Thomas and loves to be read to. This is a fun story that includes familiar Thomas characters and has a simple lesson about overcoming fears/challenges.

[Andy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very unrealistic, trains don't have feelings.

[Lyndsay-ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was ok. A fun childrens story. A perfect example of what happens when you let other influence how you think and feel.