I Knew You Could!: Celebrate All the Stops in Your Life

The Little Engine That Could

by Craig Dorfman, Cristina Ong (Illustrator)

The determined Little Blue Engine is back, bringing inspiring and enlightening words of wisdom to graduates of all ages as they make the transition from one phase of life to the next. I Think I Can! provides familiar comfort in changing times and serves as a wonderful gift that will be treasured for years to come. Readers will revisit the story again and again as they move forward along life's path. From "I think I can" to "I knew I could," The Little Engine That Could helps kids of all ages realize that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Transport, Inspirational, Fiction, Growth Mindset, Trains

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 24, 2003

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this book 4 Stars for the message but more like 2.5-3.5 stars for the illustrations. I mean they’re way better than anything I could draw but it’s more cartoonish than I would like normally so therefore it’s rated lower for that. Overall, it’s a cute book and seems age appropriate for a 3 year old.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read this book to my son today-twice. He loves it, but I just might love it more! It is a book that sends a very positive message. Also a very true message. Sometimes we choose our paths and don't stay on them, we find a new path, then we find yet another, but it's important we be brave and find our own because eventually we will get to where we want to. It might take some dark paths, some hard paths, but eventually, if you try hard enough you will do it. While to my four year old it's about a train, but the message will resonate with him someday. The message resonated with me very clearly. I really love this children's book. One of my favorites :)

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this on YouTube and am purchasing it now. I will definitely cry when I read this to my students on the last day of school!

[Minahil Irfan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good

[Alyssa Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that is somewhat of a sequel to the classic of the train that said, "I think I can! I think I can!" and his adventures once he got going. Throughout the whole book, it explains the trials and tribulation that this train goes through. However, it also describes the wonderful and great adventures the train goes through. The train learns many lessons throughout his adventures and keeps moving. He does not accomplish everything by himself, but also help from others around him. So if one believes and "thinks" they can do something, they CAN!

The themes in this story include embracing uniqueness, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and friendship.

Th first time this book was read to me was when I was in the fourth grade by one of my favorite teachers to this day. For me, this was one of those books that has stuck with me, and one that I have thought of often. I feel that the many lessons that it gives can be used in every child's life, no matter what. I love that it shows happy times, and well as some "not so happy times" in the train's adventure. It leaves the reader with a good sense of the book with its happy ending and shows student that if they reach for the stars, they can accomplish anything.

This story is very inspirational to the readers that have the chance to really seek out its true meaning. There and many, many lessons that can be taught through this book and it also shows students that it is okay to struggle. I recommend this to all students in elementary schools. I feel it can help those struggling to show them that they will get through whatever it may be that they are struggling with, and for the students that have their life together because it can show these students that life is not easy and we all will have difficult things to handle in our lives.

[Paige Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

1) This is my favorite book I have read so far out of all of them. This book even inspired me to look at each journey through life as a positive thing, and to always keep going through the good and the bad. This book is about a train finding its way and which track it needs to take. The train explains that you may take a few different routes before you find the right route that works best for you. The train goes through dark tunnels and tunnels with light where it has friends aboard, just like in life where sometimes we go through times that are hard, but we always have to remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
2) Age Level: 3-7 Grade Level: Preschool-2nd grade
3) This could be used as a motivational learning skill in the classroom or also used when learning about trains and cars and how they work.
4) I believe this book would benefit students that need motivation going through life or even motivation getting through school, teaching them if they do not get a subject as fast as the other students it is okay because everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
5) This book could be used in a literature circle in a small group as a way to teach students that everyone experiences failures from time to time, and as a group discuss how they can learn from their mistakes as well as from their successes throughout their school year.
6) This book could be used as whole class use and read aloud if students need motivation, maybe before a big state test where the students need positive feedback, and to know that they can do anything they set their mind to do. Then you could discuss as a whole class ways to conquer this test, and any fears about it and how to overcome them.
7) The Little Engine That Could, Only One You, Green Eggs & Ham, and any other motivational and rhyming books
8) There is a Kindle version of this book, however no audio or movie version of this book

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this sequel to The Little Engine That Could, the author tells us (in second-person) the types of situations you will encounter as you go through life. Like Oh The Places You'll Go, the story tells of people and feelings you'll find in your journey through life.
I loved this story and the illustrations that accompany it.

[Petite Clementine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than many of the motivational speeches I've heard. It's constrained through the narrow rhyming and vocabulary (this is for the kids, after all), but wow. This book basically encompasses all the "you can do it!"s I've heard in my life.

Wow. I did not expect to go so in depth for a picture book that I read for myself (and I'm not ashamed to admit it ;)).

[Katie Lewellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for any age group. This book teaches the importance of not giving up. I would love to read this book to begin the school year off with my students or on a difficult day.

[Hailey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Knew You Could is a book full of life advice and is told from the perspective of a train. It tells the children climb up hills, not to be afraid and most importantly encourages them to keep going through all the stops of life. The book is a comparison to life using trains as the medium of communication. It is a positive story with a theme that reminds children there are ups and downs in life and to continue pushing through, the same way a train does. I recommend this book because it provides such rich advice for children but because it is told through trains it makes it applicable and easy for them to relate to. I loved this book and was personally able to relate to the advice, also it was full of useful reminders that I need! I Knew You Could was so inspirational and the advice is great for not just young children, but people of all ages.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's literature illustrated book
K-2

I was impressed by this book before I even read the first page, for on the cover back was a note from Miss Holycross to the student who received this book after kindergarten, telling the student she was proud of them and reminding them they were special just as they were. In poetry form, the book reminds the reader to believe in themselves and find contentment in the path they are on. One page reminded, "Speeding through your whole trip will bring only sorrow, so slow down today to be happy tomorrow." Good words for adults as well!

[Brynna Schiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I love the poetry that runs the length of the book. I love the optimistic 'you can do it' attitude of overcoming all the trials that will certainly happen through out life. I love the artwork. I think it is an exceptional book that is perfect forgiving out to children at kindergarten graduation or just about any time in their early life. It is just an all around great book for little kids. :)

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, designed for all the stops in life, readers follow a train [think the Little Engine That Could] through different possibilities with a promise that the outcome can be good if they only “think they can.” Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” it offers words of wisdom as it encourages children to travel carefully, figure things out, and trust in themselves.

It’s a perfect sharing book, one meant for parents and children to read together.

Recommended.

[Linda Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son's kindergarten teacher would read this book to the class often and at the end of the year she gave each student their own copy with a note from her! This is a great book for grades K-2 especially. They will be able to read it themselves with a little practice, and hopefully will embrace the lessons it teaches about perseverence, being lonely, envy, believing in yourself and other life lessons.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My parents gave me this book many years ago when I graduated from grad school. Tonight, when I was cleaning bookshelves, I came across it and read it again. It still hits in all the best ways. In truth, I sort of needed it but didn't know it until I reread it. It lauds success of course, but it acknowledges the many ups and downs of life, too. It covers needing to rest, leaning on friends, understanding good times return, etc. It's a good one and I think it would resonate with most people.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I will most definitely read aloud to my class probably more than once. It is very motivational and I like how it goes over all parts of life. It teaches kids about different paths to take and the ups and downs that it might have. It is a very great book to read aloud to motivate students.

[Alysse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of the "oh the Places You'll Go" book. This book is about finding yourself and working for things in your life. It's about finding your path and stay positive to yourself. The book talks about being proud of yourself and asking for help when you need it. This book is very positive and sweet for any age for many different stages in life!

[Mara Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes along with a train on his adventure through life, learning that we each have our own path and job to follow in life.

3 topic ideas:
Rhyme
Perseverance
Dialogue
Strengths and Weaknesses

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! This book is simply great! Most of all the rhyming and the pictures make it so my son loves it too! I love how it goes through life lessons, and it's based off The Little Engine that Could. This is definitely a book that'll be in my sons library.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly - this story hit ME in the gut as an adult. Everyone should read it and I want to print parts of it out to hang around my office, fridge at home, car visor...anywhere I can see it. This book is just wonderful. I'm so glad my (kindergarten) son brought it home from school to read!

[Sydney Huntington-Strohm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book involves a train that pushes past pieces in life. When it gets to stuff it musters on. You have to be willing to ask for help if you need it. I would use this for Kindergarteners because it would teach them about asking for help.

[Kayla Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the super cute sequel for "I Think I Can! I Think I Can!". The message of this story is that sometimes we don't stick to the original plan we had, but find a new path and that eventually, we will end up where we want to be.

[Savanna Kandiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best children's book I have ever read. A great read for any transition or end of the year activity. I will read this with my middle schoolers.

[Oge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute and inspiring little book, for graduates of all ages. Particularly special to me, as I remember reading the 1930 classic “The Little Engine That Could” to/with my son countless times.

[Erin Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good spin on The Little Engine That Could and a great metaphor for life.

[Reuben · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best picture book I’ve ever read!
Parables of life
Storytelling for your child while in bed

[Melissa Ganka-Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice read-aloud.

[IUS F19 Hannah Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could be good for people of any grade or age.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Sunni Berbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute. Good life messages. All through poetic rhyming couplets.