A Cow on the Line and other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

Thomas and Friends

by W. Awdry, David Mitton, Terry Permane

Full-color photos. In the title story, Gordon and Henry laugh at Edward when some cows break his train. But when a cow blocks the line several days later, it's Edward who has the last laugh. Also included are "Double Trouble," "Old Iron," and "Percy Takes the Plunge."  

Genres: Childrens, Trains, Picture Books, Fiction, Transport

32 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 1991

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

[Russell · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I'm going to read a book with ponderously stretched story lines, I'd expect to at least feel like I've gained a better understanding of the characters involved. But by the end of these four tales, I feel no closer to anyone involved. I'm okay with the train system becoming outdated, abandoned, and ultimately scrapped. Because I'm never sold on these trains as being sympathetic characters, despite their tribulations and conflicts.

And this is how cars became the dominant form of transportation.

[Jillyholdy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many words and the pictures are simply those of a train set.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cows get on the railway and Gordon's an asshole.

[Dave · Rating 1 out of 5]

My son is just starting to get into Thomas and has already plowed through all seven seasons of the tv show.

I've never read any of the original books and this one is just based on them. The actual author is unknown, and I can understand why no one would want to put their name on this.

I don't really get the appeal of Thomas in the first place. As far as I can tell it's just a bunch of trains being catty to each other. Anyway, this set of stories is severely overwritten and has nothing to draw readers in other than the model train pictures.

I don't know if this is a characteristic of British English or not, but I also noticed some odd constructions where "the" was missing, like "Next day, Thomas did yadda yadda yadda." or "In future, Percy would be more careful." Time to see if I still have access to the British National Corpus.

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Thomas the tank books

[Amanda Novak]

Owned as part of Thomas' Big Storybook, purchased June 11, 2022

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book consists of four exciting adventures and situations that take place for Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Very nicely illustrated.
Double Trouble; A Cow on the Line; Old Iron; Percy Takes the Plunge.

[Sarah A · Rating 3 out of 5]

A triple book continuing three stories - not the originals! As with all Thomas books, the little engine has some mad adventures and is quite naughty and proud. It all works out in the end although I usually add a clearer explanation about what was naughty and why to make sure my little engine doesn't follow the bad examples!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um, these are three stories were based on the original Thomas stories by Rev. Awdry. The very basic story still exists, but much of the interplay between the engines is gone. And is needed. Any of the original charm has been edited out. The illustrations are fun, though.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son loved the Thomas the Train Engine for awhile. We read most of his books. Great use of illustration

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Thomas stories receive 5 stars from Frank. Nothing compares...

[Rochelle Sondae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the older titles. It features the "stop action" figure illustrations and dense text. As with all the Thomas stories our favorite part is acting out the expressions of the trains.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

early reader based on the thomas the tank engine stories

[Pinky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Percy brings Bluebell to her calf.

[Holly E Bacon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story line was choppy