Thomas Breaks a Promise (Thomas & Friends)

Thomas and Friends

by W. Awdry

Thomas promised Sir Topham Hatt that he would carefully check all the signals on the new branch line. But when he is distracted by a carnival, he forgets all about the signals. That night, Percy has a close call on the new line when one of the signal lights is out. Will Thomas admit that he forgot to finish the job?

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Trains

24 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2006

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

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike a lot of Thomas books which have a weird pro capitalist anti worker message, this one is pretty solid. Safety first! Don't neglect your duty to have fun -- someone could get hurt! I actually approve of this one.

[Atlantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing I've always appreciated about Thomas the Tank Engine is there is a lesson to be learned in the story. This "Little Golden" book is no exception. Sometimes we don't always want to do something but it must get done, because if it doesn't, dire consequences can occur.

[Tym · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good message for children but wrapped up a bit too quickly

[Audra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually greatly enjoy this book, particularly when compared with many of the other "Thomas" offerings out there. I think it offers a splendid lesson in personal responsibility and doing what you say you'll do. However, I'm giving it three stars (only) - because of the title and text change from "Thomas Tells a Lie" to "Thomas Breaks a Promise." I have been trying to find a copy of the original "Thomas Tells a Lie" so I can see exactly what the text used to say, but have been so far unsuccessful. However, there are bits of the "new" book where Thomas is aghast at having broken a promise - even though he's never actually made a promise. I suspect this breaking a promise business is meant to be a "more positive" euphemism for "telling a lie," but it's not good; it breaks up the flow and disrupts the point of the story. Perhaps "Thomas Doesn't Finish His Task, To The Endangerment Of His Friends" was too long for a book title? Regardless, I'm curious about the original story, and I wish they'd just left it well alone.

[Danielle Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that my babygirl picked up on the importance of what it means to keep your word.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

S likes a happy ending!