Join Thomas and his fellow engines at the Narrow Gauge railway for their latest adventures on the Island of Sodor! This DVD features six episodes and a computer animated world, rather than the older Thomas movies that were made from still frames of miniature figures. Each episode offers fun, adventure, and important lessons for the little ones watching. There is also a sing along with the words printed across the bottom of the screen, so you and your little one can join in with the children's choir singing.

A wonderful way to bond with your little one, as well as enhance the experience of watching Thomas is to spend a few moments after each episode discussing the lesson learned. For instance, the engine Duncan learns the hard way that he can't 'do it all'. Perhaps, like Duncan, your little one likes to start a new project before finishing the previous one. Seeing what happens with Duncan when he does that may help your toddler understand why that method doesn't work.  Sir Handel, the oldest and wisest engine, learned the importance of listening to all of the directions before performing a task, as well as listening to other people's input because they may know a better or faster way to do something. Madge and Duncan learn the scary way that it is a better idea to go slowly and be safe instead of faster and reckless. There are many other lessons that will be relevant and applicable to your little one at different times.

After watching this DVD with my three-year-old friend Sam, we had a talk about episode #5, where Skarloey hides, rather than helps the other engines, because he is scared in a big storm.  Sam is sometimes scared of the dark, so I made the connection between him and Skarloey. I pointed out that when Skarloey finally faced his fears and headed out in to the storm, he found he was able to do it and ended up being a hero! When Sam said he wanted to be a hero too, I told him he would need to spend the whole nap time in his room (with a nightlight). He managed to do it that afternoon, without crying, for the first time in a week, so I assured Sam when he awoke that he was a hero too.

 

--Audra