Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, Review

Introduction: Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

The Little Engine That CouldI decided to review The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. It was one of  21 books that Ted Nicholas read that changed his life. Ted Nicholas, a very successful entrepreneur and copywriter, has always stressed the importance of continuous learning.

I like to read some of the books that accomplished people read to better understand their outlook. I want to see what they're feeding their minds with. And I want to understand what content they deem worthy of their time.

The Little Engine That Could is a children's book. But its timeless lesson teaches us what we can accomplish when we believe in our ability. It brought home the belief “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Because it's a children's book, it's a very easy read and takes about 10 minutes to get through.

Continuous learning is a part of life. If you’re not a reader, you can find a synopsis of many books from Readitforme that you can listen to. Click the link to join. This is a great way to learn the latest thinking on many topics. And it is a great way to learn which books to buy and devour.

What is Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper About?

The book is about a happy train that is loaded with toys of all kinds for children as well as some food stuff. On the way it breaks down. And it becomes very concerned about all the children, who will not be able to play with the toys. And eat all the goodies. Soon a train comes by and some of the toys cry out for help. But this “shiny new engine” is very self important, and a snob and remarks,

“I pull you?  I am a Passenger Train. I have just carried a fine big train over the mountain, with more cars than you ever dreamed of….”

Another train comes along and once again, the toys shout for help. But the train shouts back that it is a freight engine.

“I have just pulled a big train loaded with big machines over the mountain. These machines print books and newspapers for grown-ups to read….” Once again the toys felt let down. Another train chugged along, this time “an old and tired” looking one. The toys cried out for help, “But the Rusty Old Engine sighed: “I am so tired. I must rest my weary wheels.””

The toys are very saddened and cry. Next a little blue train comes along. Once again the toys beg for help and explain their situation. The train explains that it is used only for switching trains in the yard.

“The very little engine looked up and saw the tears in the dolls' eye. And she thought of the good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain who would not have any toys or good food unless she helped.”

Despite its small size, the little blue engine repeat the mantra “I think I can” over and over again and pulls the train over the mountain. When they arrive at the destination, The Little Blue Engine repeats,

“I thought I could. I thought I could….”

Five Great Ideas

1. We are our brother's keeper.
2. No one succeeds alone.
3. Persistence pays.
4. If you committed to succeeding, what would happen?
5. What would happen if you let others know that you believe in them?

Final Thoughts: Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

This book reminded me of Dorothy Brande's book Wake Up and Live. In Brande's book,  she reveals that the formula for success is to act as if it were impossible to fail. Could we move mountains if we acted as if it were impossible to fail?

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper is a great book. It teaches the simple lessons that “if at first you don't succeed, try and try again.” And believe in yourself. Right now, the world is facing a pandemic. And the expectation is that a second wave will hit when it gets colder. Instead of waiting for the worst that could happen, why not think of the many opportunities this change represents.

So far, many have changed the way they do business. And others are pivoting in their career. Your next move is up to you.

Repeat after me, “I know I can, I know I can.”

If you need help and would like a program that’s already set-up to help you read more books, Join MoreReads: Blueprint to Change the World, click the link to buy.

The Little Engine That CouldYou Can!: Words of Wisdom from the Little Engine That CouldChildren of Other LandsFolk tales children love.Stories That Never Grow OldGood Night, Little EngineThe Easy-to-Read Little Engine that CouldThe Little Engine That Could: 90th Anniversary EditionThe Little Engine That Could

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First Published December 2009. This article contains Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and buy any of the books from Amazon, the company will pay me a small commission.