The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

Author: Watty Piper
Illustrator: George & Doris Hauman
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: None
Grade(s): 1-2

Summary: This book is about a train that is pulling all different kinds of toys and good food for children who live on the other side mountain. The train was so happy that she could bring all of the little boys and girls these good things. Suddenly, the train could not go on any longer. All of the toys jumped out of the broken down train to try to ask other trains for help. The first train they stopped would not take the toys and food to the other side of the mountain because he was a passenger train. The second train would not take the toys and food because he was a freight train and only hauled papers and books. The third train was too old and tired to take the toys and food. Just when they felt like no one would help them, they noticed a tiny, happy engine coming down the tracks. This engine was happy to help, but was afraid she wouldn't be big enough to take all of the toys and food over the mountain. She had never been over the mountain before. However, the little engine believed in herself and was determined to help her friends and the little boys and girls over the mountain. She gave it her all and was able to take the toys and food to the children over the mountain.

My Thoughts: I would definitely use this book in my classroom. I feel that it is appropriate for first or second grades because it includes several more advanced vocabulary words such as "indignantly." I feel that I would be able to include this book in a character lesson that teaches students to believe in themselves and to not give up. This book teaches children that they can do anything they set their mind to.