E is for The Little Engine that Could: Library Notes

 

The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper is a classic golden book first published in 1930. This makes it a book that grandparents and even great-grandparents may have treasured as a young child.  I remember having it on my bookshelf!  The classic story has stood the test of time and new versions of the story are shared with little ones today.  

One of the benefits of this book is that it is the personified story of toys and trains which are popular toys for children.  Wooden train tracks are probably just as loved today as they were fifty years ago!  This makes for an easy connection for the child from the book to their toys, giving them ideas for stories to tell as they make believe with their toy trains and characters.  

In particular, this book tells an important story that remains just as important today as it was on the day it was written...hence the term, 'timeless classic'.  This engine had an important job but she was little and that limited her capabilities.  However, when she was needed most, the little engine came through and saved the day.  She didn't know if she could do it but she wanted to help others.  She persevered as she repeated the phrase, "I think I can. I think I can" to give herself  the courage and strength to keep going even when things were very difficult.  The others cheered her on and they were successful!  Hooray!

Some of the follow up questions for this book may include these although the possibilities are endless. 
What's on the other side of the mountain?  (symbolic or actual)
What items do you think trains carry today? 
How did everyone feel about the answers they got when they asked for help?
Which engine is most like you?  Describe the engines and their characters.
What can you do today to help someone else in need? 

There are many other connections we can make to this story and ways we can use the text to enrich the lives of the child(ren) in our world. Enjoy the process as you continue to build your repertoire of books and stories to share with the child(ren) in your life that will enrich your time together!


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