The Little Engine That Could

Reach for this book when your child is facing a developmental milestone that feels insurmountable, such as potty training, sleeping in a big kid bed, or joining a new sports team. This classic story follows a small blue engine who steps up to help a stranded train full of toys when larger, more powerful engines refuse. It is a foundational text for teaching the power of self-talk and persistence. While the narrative is simple, its emotional resonance is profound for children aged 3 to 7. It models how to transform fear into a mantra of capability, 'I think I can.' Parents choose this book because it provides a shared language for encouragement, allowing them to remind a frustrated child of their own inner 'little engine' when things get tough.