Illustrated in full color. When Thomas the Tank Engine decides to bypass his usual stops and speed directly to the end of the line, havoc ensues. Thomas is in such a hurry that the passengers can't get on or off, and everything gets bounced up and down in a wonderful jumble!
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.
Natalie wanted to talk this book out so much that she carried it all the way home. We read it together at lunch and I realized it looked familiar. Turns out we had the hardcover tucked away in William's room. When we read that edition, we learned that the board book is edited. Several pages are deleted. The board book is still entertaining and feels complete.