The Story of Thomas the Tank Engine

by W. Awdry

A special picture book version with gold foiled cover of the original, classic story introducing Thomas the Tank Engine!

This is a beautifully-illustrated story about Thomas the little blue Tank Engine, who worked really hard on The Fat Controller's railway. Every day he puffed around Sodor shunting trucks and pulling freight. But what he dreamed about was having his very own branch line...

Thomas & Friends is a great way to pass on the tradition of Thomas to early readers. Children aged 2 and up will love meeting classic characters such as Percy, James, Gordon, and Toby down on The Fat Controller’s railway.

Thomas has been teaching children lessons about life and friendship for over 75 years. He ranks alongside other beloved character such as Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2020

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

[JANE · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations could’ve been better, but a decent story otherwise

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes I am reading my son's books before he is even here to enjoy them.
This has nothing to do with me trying to read as many books as I can before he arrives in 4 weeks! Ahh!

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first glance, this book seems to be based on a Thomas & Friends movie, which is based on earlier Thomas & Friends episodes that are themselves based on the original books. Although, it's more likely that the movie is another adaptation, and that this book itself is its own unique adaptation... ahem, where was I? A passable retelling of two classic Thomas tales, regardless of their origin.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute pictures.

[Denise Schlachtaub · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic that's well-loved by children everywhere.

[Tsugumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

ストーリーがイマイチ。

[Jemma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zoe liked it. I've never been a fan though and this didn't change my mind. Dull, backward looking and not a little creepy.

[Ian McHugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple Thomas book that shows how mischievous and naughty he can be.