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!"

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.”