Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mildly spooky tale models ways to deal with anxiety.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Thomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountain
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THOMAS & FRIENDS: THE MYSTERY OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Thomas and Percy suspect a mine monster may have taken Percy's dirt cars. The gang splits up into teams to search Lookout Mountain for clues to solve the mystery, but will they find the missing cars before they find the monster?
Is It Any Good?
This show features lots of interesting elements to keep young children engaged including a mystery, rhymes, and singalong songs. In Thomas & Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountain the trains are happy to include anyone that wants to help and to work together as a team. There's excellent modeling of how to deal with anxiety with tools like deep breathing, taking a break, and focusing on the present. Most of the trains talk about their feelings, even when they can't exactly describe them, and though they respond to the mystery in a variety of ways (some are scared while others are excited) there's no mean behavior. All of the trains are kind, cooperative, compassionate, and good listeners. Young children will enjoy and learn from this uplifting and positive special.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the trains helped each other and demonstrated teamwork. Why is that an important character strength?
Which of the trains were able to name and talk about their feelings? Which weren't? Why is this important?
Point out how Bruno deals with his anxiety and talk to your kids about how they can use the same tools to help deal with their own worries.
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 1, 2023
- Cast : Aaron Barashi , Jessica Carroll
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Transportation ( Trains )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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