At a glance
The Little Engine That Could
Children's fiction
The Little Engine That Could
48 pages · First published 1930
A train carrying toys and food for children breaks down before crossing a mountain, and several larger engines refuse to help. A small blue engine finally agrees to try despite never having crossed the mountain before. Repeating “I think I can,” she pulls the stranded train upward until determination becomes accomplishment. Watty Piper’s enduring picture-book story is a simple parable of persistence, willingness, and the value of attempting a difficult task even when more impressive candidates have already said no.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Molasses Cinnamon Cocoa + Texas Red Ale
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
A train breaks down and needs help crossing a mountain; very mild transportation tension; no mature content.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Molasses Cinnamon Cocoa
Velvety chocolate suits a tense, twist-filled reading session.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
- Garnish: As listed.
- Glassware: Mug.
Cocktail Pour · 21+
Texas Red Ale
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A mellow, malty pour suits a tense, twist-filled reading session.
What you'll need
- 12 oz Red ale
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Pour into a clean pint glass and serve at the appropriate cool serving temperature.
- Garnish: None.
- Glassware: Pint glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Pint glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.