Thoughts on Thomas in Africa:

I’m really confused why this book was split into two books? I have read a lot of books with this set-up and they are always two separate stories or adventures. This one just ends in a cliffhanger setting up the other book. It’s a picture book. What kind of picture book has a cliffhanger? Really unnecessary. I think they just wanted to jump on the bandwagon with the split books format but completely missed the point of them.

Anyway, onto the actual story. Overall, I think it was good. Kind of confused why Thomas was such a jerk to Nia and why he didn’t apologize or every say thank you for her help. I think part of this is due to the split set up. I am sure in the movie it takes him a while to realize his mistake, but this first book was not a very good model for friendship.

Thoughts on Friends Around the World:

Okay story. Thomas is still a jerk to Nia, but at least he realizes it and rights it.

To me this book ended kind of abruptly. There wasn’t much buildup. It was kind of like one engine got in trouble then the other got in trouble then it was done. A little dull.

But it was interesting to meet the new trains from all over the world.

Another downside to the split set-up is that I could easily see some kids wanting to read this side first, which won’t really make sense until you read the other side.

For me, this whole mess of a book was just an okay read. Probably good for kids who liked the movie, but it was dull and confusing to me.

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