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
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
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: Watty Piper
- Illustrator: George and Doris Hauman
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: 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, iBooks, Kindle, App
- Last updated: December 14, 2018
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
What to Read Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate