Thomas' Milkshake Muddle

by W. Awdry, Terry Palone (Photographer), Terry Permane (Photographer)

Each new Thomas DVD creates great excitement. These three stories from the latest release are filled with the same gentle humor and familiar friends as all of the very popular Thomas Picturebacks.First, Thomas is taking milk to the dairy to make ice cream for a big party, and if he goes too fast, the milk will churn into butter. Second, Sir Topham Hatt has arranged for all the engines to go get a new coat of paint . . . but why was Toby left out? And third, when Neville—a new engine—is seen talking to diesels, none of the steamies will speak to him . . . not even to warn him that the bridge is out!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Trains

24 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2007

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

[Mya · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were great books that teach life lessons to students. However, the plot became really confusing at certain moments.

[Modboy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 24 page book comes with three stories and although they're only eight pages they feel quite long. The writing is very similar to the TV shows -- perhaps just pulled from the scripts. A little tiresome to read out loud and fairly difficult for children under 5 to fully understand although with some explanation they may find them quite enganging. I like that they use a large vocabulary instead of pandering to toddlers.
I find the third story suspicious: a new train, Neville, arrives. At first the other trains think that he's friends with the diesels. Rumors spread and Neville is largely despised... so much that Thomas forgets to warn him of a broken bridge. While Neville is about to plummet to his doom Thomas finds out that he isn't friends with the diesels and so decides to save him. Neville is 100% steamie just like them!