Thomas and the Naughty Diesel (Thomas & Friends) (Pictureback

Thomas and Friends

by W. Awdry

Diesel tries to be good, but no one will give him a chance. It is only when Thomas gets stuck in the mud that Diesel gets the chance to prove himself by coming to the rescue in this adorable and heart-warming Pictureback®.

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

24 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 1999

About the author

Wilbert Vere Awdry, OBE, better known as the Rev. W. Awdry, was an English clergyman, railway enthusiast and children's author, and creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, who starred in Awdry's acclaimed Railway Series.

The characters that would make Awdry famous, and the first stories featuring them, were invented in 1943 to amuse his son Christopher during a bout of measles. The first book (The Three Railway Engines) was published in 1945, and by the time Awdry stopped writing in 1972, The Railway Series numbered 26 books. Christopher subsequently added further books to the series.

Reviews

[Jordan Horrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Diesel given a job by Sir Topham Hatt to work on his railway, Thomas and his friends are not too happy with it. Thomas and Toby give Diesel a warning to behave well, to which Diesel agrees. Still, after losing his temper with some troublesome trucks who tease him, Diesel is to be sent away. After Thomas gets stuck on a hill with his passenger coaches Annie and Clarabel, Diesel comes to his rescue. For his heroic actions, Diesel earns Thomas' respect.

A major theme in this story is redemption: in order to gain respect and trust from others, one has to earn it through actions. Thomas and Toby didn't trust Diesel when he came to work in the yard, and even Sir Topham Hatt lost trust in him after Diesel lost his temper with the cars. It was only after Diesel helped Thomas up the hill that he earned their trust, thus redeeming himself.

Thomas the Tank Engine has always been one of my favorite childhood icons; originating from the Railway Series by Rev. W. Awdry, Thomas and his friends continue to tell stories from one generation to the next. As for this story itself, I know that Diesel is a trouble-maker because I've seen earlier stories where he causes trouble.

I would recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of Thomas the Tank Engine, as it is does feel like watching an episode of the television series. Another reason I recommend this is that this book and many other Thomas stories teach good life-lessons to kids.

[Leslie Hayden · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter is obsessed with Thomas and has been for years. I didn't care for the fact that the freight cars decided to bully diesel and he responded with violence. On the other hand I did appreciate how diesel, though having been teased, remained loyal to his work and the other engines, and helped when the cars came off the track. It was a great example showing Thomas, the freight cars, and sir topham hatt all congratulate him on a job well done as well as apologize for their hurtful words.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kick-started my son's obsession with trains! We had a table and plenty of Thomas and his friends, but when he received this book as a gift for his 2nd birthday, everything clicked. He walked around saying "Naughty Diesel" for days (still does).

[Paul Dilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only three stars because my son likes it. Sir Topham Hat controls the means of production and has a morality of obedience and order. Written by a priest, but not really theological. The emphasis on disciplines seems monastic, but then again there is no trace of spiritual exercises like prayer.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diesel is a bad engine, and yet he keeps getting invited back to Sodor. Much like Mark Strong in Kingsman, I was waiting for him to turn his bad side and destroy everything. He did not. He even helped save Thomas when no one else would. Everyone on Sodor is the worst.

[Mort's Kids · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like perhaps if Diesel had better mentoring then he wouldn't be such an antisocial engine.

As it is, I learned nothing, was confused by all the characters, and completely underwhelmed by the experience.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just can’t stand anything Thomas-related.

[Little Champs]

2826

[Amber Clapper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The message is very important and will be very valuable for children. The book teaches how you never know when you are going to need someone so don’t burn your bridges. I also think forgiveness is part of this book. Even though the diesel had made mistakes in the past didn’t mean that everyone should be rude to him now after all he is the strongest engine. A good activity to go along with this book would be for students to pick what they think their strongest point it and draw a picture of how they could use it to help other in their time of need.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this story Thomas and his friends have been bullied before by Diesel and so when Diesel comes to fill in for a sick engine everyone expects him to be 'bad'... they tease him and tell him they know what he did in the past. After a while he gets frustrated and pushes some carts off the track. BUT later Thomas needs help the track is slick and Clarabelle has fallen off the rails. Diesel feels bad that no one likes him and he really does want to have friends so he comes and helps Thomas as a true friend should.

[Natalie Pietro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had one big problem with this book. Some little kid who borrowed this book from the library tore out the first few pages so my son and I couldn't comprehend why this diesel is so upset. I guess if we knew we would have understood everything more clearly. Still my son enjoyed Thomas and his mischievous friends even with part of the story missing. I just need to find another copy of this book so I can finally read the whole story.

[Rochelle Sondae · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's not much I can say about Thomas that most parent's of toddlers don't already know. Although the "Naughty Diesel" is initially bad he ends up helping save the day and everyone is glad that he came and hopes he can come back again.

[Cws]

JEAud-Yee

[Esmoi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diesel actually develops as a character throughout this book, rather than just being mean all the time. I like to think my son notices that sort of thing.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas and the Naughty Diesel
Awdry, Wilbert
my sons collection of early readers

[Laci · Rating 3 out of 5]

This teaches kids a good lesson on how to not let your anger get away from you. If I was teaching kids about emotions this would ve a good book to read.

[Christy Willis]

Thomas series is great for teaching how a person should act and why. Perfect for parents, teachers, and babysitters around the world.