Reading books will never go out of fashion, especially when youngsters get a chance to read the adventures of their favourite cartoon characters. Reading Ladder Level 1’s Thomas and Friends — Fun and Bumps is one such entry-level book, for kids who are beginning to read.

On one hand, this book engages children under four years of age, while on the other, inspires them to read with the confidence of their elder sibling. With minimum text and bright pictures to support Thomas and Friends’ adventures in these pages, this book is a treat for any kid, be it a newbie to reading or an experienced reader, because it helps them connect with the characters without even knowing about their background.

Started by Wilbert Awdry in 1945, Thomas the Tank Engine, along with his friends, has been appearing in publications around the world. Fun and Bumps features two of Thomas and Friends adventures that have been written in consultation with a leading literary expert. In the first one, we meet the little traction engine Fergus, and in the other, the hard-working Rusty. Fergus has a job to do and Bill and Ben are sent for additional work. Both are naughty as many of your friends are. Bill and Ben learn their lesson after putting Fergus in trouble. The story carries a lesson that no matter what, one must learn to respect elders and listen to them.

The second story regarding Rusty, the diesel engine, is the opposite of the first one. Here, Rusty is asked to fix tracks by the Fat Controller. The friendly nature of Rusty helps in the long run when Elizabeth the lorry comes out and helps to finish the job. The story is based on the famous ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed’ idiom.

The sentences are written mostly in the language followed by the characters, which is basically related to rail. The Grin of Ben and Bump of Bill animate the characters as if they are real and around somewhere. At the end of the book, there are two puzzles, which are also engaging, just like the stories. The book, like its name, is both fun as well as bumps.

With colourful pictures, short and expressive sentences, and engaging vocabulary, children have always enjoyed learning with Thomas. He has been teaching valuable lessons about life and friendship to children for over 70 years and continues to do so even today. Just like Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, and Peter Rabbit, Thomas and Friends are loved by readers of all ages and never disappoint.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 16th, 2022