The Little Engine That Could

The Little Engine That Could was written by Watty Piper and first published in 1971. This is a story about a train that carrys toys and food for all the good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain. The train that typically brings the toys and food items to the good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain breaks down. The toys and animals are sad and desperately try to get help. The ask a pompous passenger engine, a studly steam engine, and an exhausted elderly engine. All three of these engines had excuses as to why they could not help the broken down train. Then the toy clown flagged down a little blue engine. This little blue engine had never been on the other side of the mountain. In fact, the little blue engine had never left the train yard. Although small and insignificant, the little blue engine offered his help. With postive thoughts, energy, and pure determination, the little blue engine pulls the train over the mountain to the town with all the good little boys and girls. His montra, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can".

The story took place in the rolling hills. There were several standout characters: a clown, the passenger engine, the steam engine, the old engine, and the little blue engine. The main message of the story is to never give up and always try.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH
One of my ultimate favorites. I have read this to students in grades 2-7th, my staff, and to adults in my university classes. The Little Engine That Could can be used for so many reasons: inspiration, determination, writing, plot, leadership, etc... Over the years as a student, as a teacher, as an administrator, and as a parent, I have found myself referencing this story again and again. When the mountain seemed too high or the shore to far away, I recall the sound of the little engine that could, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can". As odd as it sounds, those four simple words said over and over have gotten me over many mountains.

AR QUIZ: 100%