The Little Engine That Could

Introduction

The Little Engine That Could is a classic children’s story that teaches the value of determination, optimism, and hard work. Published in 1930, the story follows a little blue engine that takes on the daunting task of delivering toys and food to children on the other side of a mountain. Despite facing challenges and doubts, the Little Engine’s persistence and positive attitude serve as a timeless lesson for readers of all ages.

Summary by Sections

Chapter 1: The Stranded Train

The story begins with a cheerful little train filled with delightful toys, games, and treats bound for children living across a mountain. The train’s cars are loaded with dolls, stuffed animals, building blocks, picture books, and even food like oranges and lollipops. The toys aboard the train are animated, joyful, and eager to bring happiness to the children.

Suddenly, the engine pulling the train breaks down midway. Despite their best efforts, the train cannot move forward. The toys grow anxious, fearing they won’t be able to reach the children waiting on the other side of the mountain. They decide to ask passing engines for help.

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Chapter 2. The Proud Engines

As the toys and passengers wave down passing engines, they encounter three different trains. The first is a sleek passenger engine, shiny and majestic, designed for transporting people. The toys plead with it to pull them over the mountain, but the passenger engine refuses, declaring it is too important for such a task.

Next, they flag down a freight engine. This train is large and powerful, used for hauling heavy cargo like coal and steel. The toys beg for assistance, but the freight engine dismisses them, saying it is too busy and strong to bother with pulling a train full of toys.

Lastly, an old, weary engine appears. Though the toys hope the older engine might sympathize, it sadly declines, saying it is too tired and worn out to handle the journey.

Chapter 3: The Little Blue Engine

Just as hope begins to fade, a small blue engine approaches. This engine, while modest in size and strength, listens attentively to the toys’ plight. The little blue engine is not accustomed to pulling heavy loads or climbing steep mountains, but it feels a deep sense of compassion for the stranded train and the children waiting on the other side.

“I think I can,” says the little blue engine, deciding to take on the challenge despite its inexperience. The toys cheer, inspired by the engine’s willingness to try.

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Chapter 4: The Climb

The little blue engine hitches itself to the train and begins its ascent up the steep mountain. The climb is daunting, and the weight of the train’s cars tests the engine’s strength. As it chugs upward, the little blue engine repeats its now-famous mantra:

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“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”

The rhythmic repetition of these words fuels the engine’s determination. The toys and passengers aboard the train cheer it on, their hope and excitement growing with every inch gained.

Chapter 5: The Triumph

Against all odds, the little blue engine reaches the peak of the mountain. Its perseverance and optimistic outlook have paid off. The toys and treats aboard the train are saved, and they erupt in celebration.

As the engine begins the descent toward the waiting children, it continues its mantra, now with a triumphant twist:

“I thought I could, I thought I could.”

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