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This is a great edition compiling a whole host of stories with Thomas the Tank Engine in one colorfully illustrated edition that includes a ribbon bookmark sewn into the binding! I love that little touch. The section The Three Railway Engines and Thomas the Tank Engine (those were two separate entries in 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up). While all children who like trains ought to enjoy them, these stories will probably have a special appeal to young boys. Because it is written in British English and has some railway terminology, it may be a slightly better read-aloud than read-alone. The chapters are short and easy to read, making it an excellent fit for transitional readers and young listeners moving into chapter books. This volume brings together 14 of the 41 original Thomas stories in a beautiful (and heavy) gift edition, complete with a ribbon bookmark and brief biographies of the stories' creators. Christian parents of children who struggle with legalistic self-righteousness may want to pre-screen the stories before reading.
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The moral lessons in the stories do often focus on the engines' performance and status in the train yard, with emphasis on dignity (or, in some cases, apparently sinful pride) and productivity (or the need to justify their place in the yard). Although sometimes heavy-handed, Awdry's well-written stories illustrate the consequences of pride, self-importance and foolishness as well as the importance of friendship and respect. He and his friends the other engines have distinct personalities, and many of their adventures and conflicts hinge on character flaws and lessons learned through mistakes. The original books are based on the real workings of a British rail yard, and they center around the activities of Thomas the Tank Engine, who is likable, hard-working and often cheeky. This program was inspired by Reverend Awdry's Railway Series, originally published in the 1940's. Many parents' first acquaintance with Thomas the Tank Engine has been through the huge amount of Thomas and Friends merchandise which was produced as a result of the popular Thomas and Friends television program.