Henry and the Elephant

by W. Awdry, Owain Bell (Illustrator)

The circus is in town, and all the engines want to help out! James gets the job, and Henry the green engine is very disappointed. But his unhappy mood doesn't last long when he discovers a fun surprise--a playful stray circus elephant stuck in his tunnel!

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Trains, Fiction

24 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 1990

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

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got stuck on the second and third page:
"Henry and Gordon missed Thomas.
With Thomas gone, there was more work to do."
Oh, my word. How real is this??? I HAVE WORKED WITH PEOPLE LIKE THIS! It's all about THEM!!!
RAWR!!!

But, yeah. The book.

Not my favorite installment in the series (James Goes Buzz, Buzz!!!!), but it was very...real. The characters are all self-centered and only want to do what they want to do. But at least Henry does end up learning to laugh at himself by the end. Honestly? The characters in this one were horrible, now that I write about it. Hmmm...maybe I won't recommend this one...

[Beneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 4 year old son shocked me by reading this book all by himself outloud to me just after we bought it. The whole series is outstanding. No need to stick to the number levels. Get them all for your child- especially a child with an interest in Thomas! (No lead paint on the pages either;-)

[Melissa Namba · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a double book with Fire Truck. This is more basic than the Percy double book and doesn't teach any real lessons on behavior. It is cute. My nephew will love it.

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son goes back and forth with liking Thomas to having nothing to do with the show or train toys. He always likes reading the books though!

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the pick of the 2-year-old grandson. It is a Thomas the Train book. Easy read. 3-4 year old girls liked it also.

[DrosoPHila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, not really by Awdry, lacks charm.

[Emerson and Theodore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theodore picked this book to read this afternoon. Emerson quickly joined us. Cute Ez reader.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry ends up helping a circus by pushing and pulling carts. There is something in the tunnel that is scaring everyone. But Henry comes to the rescue.

[Mya]

consumed as an audiobook; read by George Carlin (14 Feb 2017)

[Pinky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Henry pushes into an elephant and gets splashed for it.