Another masterpiece by Virginia Lee Burton, equal to her other books, The Little House, Katy and the Big Snow or Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. The story of a rebellious little engine that isn't content and wants to show off, runs away and ultimately learns an important lesson. Does this sound like anyone you know? The author skillfully and carefully weaves a story that incorporates many topics of interest and importance to small children, such as travel, time, distance, trouble, responsibility, duty, etc., within the context of a story about a train. The illustrations are masterful and were prepared by the author herself. As with her other books, she is writing to her own small children, which adds to the richness, depth, sensitivity and focus of the story. The book were prepared during the 1940s, during what was undoubtedly a simpler and more straighforward era of traditional values which I believe in and want to teach my children. The beauty of the story is that is it simple, yet deep and complicated at the same time. There are many opportunities for discussion with your children. As you can tell, I highly recommend this book.