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Thomas and Friends
James in a Mess and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories (Thomas & Friends) (Pictureback
Full-color photos . James makes fun of his friends because they need paint jobs, but when an accident ruins his appearance, James finds himself in a real jam! Also included are "Bertie's Chase," "Percy and the Signal," and "Percy Proves a Point."
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
About the author
W. Awdry
1,223 books118 followersWilbert 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 26, 2013
"James in a Mess and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories" is a collection of Thomas and Friends stories from the original TV show. Although "Wilbert Awdry" is credited, the stories are changed from the original texts and closer to the tv script, so they're a faster read but slightly less charming. My 4 year old, who has a collection of the original stories, still enjoyed these and appreciated the addition of the stills from the tv show. I really would recommend either the original stories, or completely new ones that have a better "message." A lot of teasing/bullying/insulting goes on, and the Fat Controller/Sir Topham Hat is a pretty strict disciplinarian, frequently veering more towards the "cruel" than "fair" to modern sensibilities.
July 17, 2019
James really is a dick. Also, apparently this is where Percy gets his reputation for being Cheeky? I am not a fan of milquetoast Percy but I also think a lot of these engines were assholes in the 1950s.
May 24, 2017
A real page-turner, when your reading buddy is a 5 year old!
February 27, 2021
Love Thomas the tank books
owned-books-not-read
June 12, 2022Owned as part of Thomas' Big Storybook, purchased June 11, 2022
January 27, 2012
This only gets 2 stars because 4 stories for $4 seems like a fairly good deal to me. The illustrations were quiet funny especially to the toddler in the house. The story... well it left me slightly cross as the characters are so fond of saying. This book is from the earlier days of Thomas' popularity so it's not as mainstream as some of the newer titles.
December 5, 2008
Thomas books are always Frank's favorites. He knows where the "Thomas" section is in the library. This book has James in a Mess, Bertie's Chase, Percy and the Signal, and Percy Proves a Point.
August 21, 2018
James in a Mess and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Awdry, Wilbert
This is an early reader based on the thomas the tank engine stories
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews