The Little Engine That Could

Puff, puff, chug, chug went the Little Blue Engine. “I think I can, I think can, I think I can.” This timeless story about a little engine that overcomes her fears and steps up in a time of need, first appeared in the New York Tribune in 1906 under the title Story of the Engine that Thought it Could. The version we all know and love was published in 1930 and was written by Watty Piper. It was republished in 2005 with beautiful new artwork (not that the old pictures weren’t nice, too!). In this story, a little train is pulling several cars full of toys and treats for all the good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain when it suddenly breaks down. Several engines happen by and the toys ask them for help, but they are either too tired, too busy, or think they are too important and above the task of pulling a train full of toys. This is kind of like people. We rush through life and forget sometimes to take time out to help others, or we are just too tired to do so.

Finally, though, a little engine comes along that doesn’t have the experience and is a little apprehensive about pulling the train, but has a big heart and decides to give it her best shot. The story teaches a child to believe in themselves, have faith, be kind to others, and give a helping hand when they can. “I thought I could. I thought I could. I thought I could.” 

Click, Clack, Moo

At my library, like so many across the country, we have started our annual summer reading club. In preparation we made up booklets with recommended book suggestions according to grade level, which gave me the idea to start a blog to review books and other related ideas. I will include some of my favorite books along with brand new books that have just come out. To start, one of my favorite picture books is Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Typeby Doreen Cronin. It's a wonderful and funny book for all ages, and I personally would recommend it for ages 3–7 in particular. This is a story that will not become outdated. Children will find the animals hilarious since they don’t act the way animals do in real life. It will also teach children how to resolve problems in a peaceful manner. When Farmer Brown doesn’t give the cows what they want, the cows go on strike and refuse to work until they and the farmer can come to a peaceful agreement. It shows how every living creature should be treated equally and fairly. Even if your child is too young to understand the deeper meaning of the story they will still love it and think it’s extremely funny.