My granddaughter has known since age 3 or younger that engines can't really talk but IMAGINATION is fun and important! Thomas teaches behavior and manners without children knowing they're being taught! Yes sometimes the engines are rude but then they learn to behave and be nicer to each other. Imagination is very important to growth and intellect. Einstein said that "Imagination is more important than knowledge" and that is so true--there would be no inventions or new ideas without imagination. A world without "wonder" at things is a dead world. Thomas is all positives and no negatives. It will teach and delight children and give parents talking points to use.