Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming, encouraging picture book engages and inspires.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
This classic edition of THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD was first published in 1930, by \"Watty Piper,\" a pen name of Arnold Munk, who was a partner in the book's original publishing company, Platt & Munk. Versions of the story had previously appeared in magazines and anthologies, but his was the first version in book form. Little Engine begins with descriptions of a happy little train engine pulling a full load of cargo, on its way to children on the other side of the mountain. In the train is food -- including apples, oranges, bottles of milk, and more -- and toys for children to play with. When the happy engine breaks down, a toy clown asks other engines to pull the train over the mountain, with no success, until the cheerful Little Engine says, \"I think I can.\"
Is It Any Good?
The Little Engine That Could is still a must-read for young children. Not only is the engaging story as charming and encouraging as can be, the illustrations by George and Doris Hauman are delicious to pore over with a youngster who's learning to count, or identify objects and colors. There are other editions of this book, with different illustrations, but it's worth tracking down this classic version, which kids have loved and remembered for generations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Little Engine tried his best. Does it help when you try your best?
Look at the pictures in the book. Can you count how many apples? How many lollipops?
If the Little Engine was pulling this train to your house, what things would you want for yourself? Dolls? Oranges? Spinach?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : George and Doris Hauman
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Transportation ( Trains )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Group
- Publication date : January 1, 1930
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 5
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle, App
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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