The Little Engine That Could (Original Classic Edition)

It is a story about a locomotive, and the Little Blue Engine is its hero. The publisher says the story was first published in 1930 and has been cherished by readers for over ninety years. The publisher also describes the Little Blue Engine as showing kindness and determination, and says the story has inspired millions of children around the world. For a railfan family the attraction is simple: the hero of the book is a locomotive, and the publisher presents this hardcover as the complete, original edition of the story.

A book for reading aloud at home. The publisher presents it as a gift for milestones such as birthdays and graduations. The publisher also lists an audio edition of the story. The publisher's page offers a look inside the book, so a buyer can check the text and illustrations before ordering. The publisher's page quotes the engine's line, I think I can. The publisher lists this edition as The Complete, Original Edition, a 48-page hardcover for ages three to seven.

A parent or grandparent who wants a long-established train story for a child between three and seven, and who is happy with a title that is not specifically about Christmas. It can also be given alongside a larger present, such as a train set, as a story to read with it.

The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, is the classic Christmas train picture book, for a buyer who wants the holiday itself to be part of the story. Steam Train, Dream Train: Next Stop, Christmas! also has a holiday theme and is aimed at ages three to five, a slightly younger range. A buyer who wants something factual rather than a story should consider the DK Big Book of Trains, a nonfiction title for ages five to nine.