I have read from easy books like “Dick and Jane” and “The Bobbsey Twins,” to more difficult and challenging literature like “Great Expectations.” One book that made a great impression on me is the classic “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper. In “The Little Engine That Could” one virtue that is dominant and easily seen is perseverance. The little blue engine, although not originally intended for heavy labor, persists up the steep mountain in order to give the children on the other side the toys and food they need. Though the going is difficult, time and again the little blue engine uses the expression which is now so familiar: “I think i can’t I think I can.” This slogan is a simplified version of “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again,” and it is the perfect encouragement for people of all ages.
Another virtue that appears in this book, though not noticed as easily, is responsibility. It is the train’s responsibility to get to the other side of the mountain on time for the children. Unfortunately, the train brakes down and so the clown, one of the toys, takes on the responsibility of getting past the mountain. He approaches each train that passes by and asks for help Here the clown is being very responsible, not only for himself but for all the other toys, too as well. At last, the clown is able to find the little blue engine who then helps them up the mountain. A final very important virtue that is illustrated in “The Little Engine That Could” is humility.
The strong and important trains had no humility at all. They would not even consider doing such a menial task as carrying toys and food up the mountain. The other engines were proud and thought themselves too important for such lowly work, The little blue engine, however willingly pulled the abandoned train cars filled with toys and food up the mountain and to the waiting children a children’s book can be packed with virtues. “The Little Engine that Coul ” is a great book that teaches children at an early age the important lessons of perseverance, responsibility, and humility. These traits are very important in life, and most adults still struggle with them.
