I Knew You Could!

“Different tracks wind around, over, under, and through. So pick out the one that works best for you. Though the track you start out on will feel like 'the one,' you might take a few more before you are done.” – I Knew You Could!

In 2003, author Craig Dorfman published a sequel to the much loved story The Little Engine That Could—which I reviewed in my last blog—called I Knew You Could!: A Book For All the Stops In Your Life. The whole book is a metaphor for life as the Little Blue Train gives helpful advice on the journey that is your life, starting with the fact that you must find your own track. No one can choose it for you. In rhyming verse, the book goes on to talk about the different emotions, obstacles, and events that you might face in life, and sneaks in some motivational advice on how to stay on track and be happy with yourself. It reminds you that you might sometimes need to change direction in your life. This isn’t considered failing, but a reason to move on and try new things. This book is typically recommended for children 4–8. The story will help teach and inspire older children lessons about life, though, and younger children will find this another fun adventure story with the Little Blue Engine. Many adults are also struck by how powerful the message in this book is. Overall, a very good book. I would highly recommend it for any age, especially for those facing life changes, such as graduation.

“Just trust in yourself, and you’ll climb every hill. Say, “I think I can!” and you know what? You will!"