Thomas and the Breakdown Train

by W. Awdry

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1985

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

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Thomas weren't insufferable in this one; rather the opposite. One of the better Thomas stories. :)

[Carson Talley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas the train finds himself in a situation that involves helping a train that is broke down. Through this story Thomas learns what it means to be reliable and the teamwork of friendship.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find Thomas insufferable and the idea of intelligent, albeit childish, trains and such is really disturbing. I don't want a four-year-old responsible for my safety and well-being when I travel, you know? Although there would be more comfortable seats for napping, and more snacks available. No, too much motion-sickness, I will not be swayed.