A special picture book edition with a gold foiled cover of the original, classic story introducing Thomas the Tank Engine!

This is a beautifully-illustrated story about Thomas the little blue Tank Engine, who worked really hard on The Fat Controller's railway. Every day he puffed around Sodor shunting trucks and pulling freight. But what he dreamed about was having his very own branch line …

Thomas & Friends is a great way to pass on the tradition of Thomas to early readers. Children aged 2 and up will love meeting classic characters such as Percy, James, Gordon, and Toby down on The Fat Controller’s railway.

Thomas has been teaching children lessons about life and friendship for 75 years. He ranks alongside other beloved character such as Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage.

Other picture books about Thomas the Tank Engine include:

Thomas & Friends: Thomas and the Dinosaurs 9781405293112

Thomas & Friends: Thomas and the Spring Surprise – 9781405292917

Thomas & Friends: A Day at the Football – 9781405289238

Thomas & Friends: A Visit to London for Thomas the Tank Engine – 9781405281263


Join Thomas the Tank Engine on a royal adventure as he attends the Queen's birthday celebrations.

The Fat Controller has been invited to the Queen's birthday party, far from the Island of Sodor, in the biggest city in the land, London. And what better engine to take him there than Thomas the Tank Engine.

A delighted Thomas makes the long journey to London where he is put on a barge and taken down the Thames seeing Tower Bridge, St Paul's, The Shard, Parliament and many other landmarks along the way. Toddlers will delight in discovering the delights of London with their favourite engine.

It's a very proud day for the little blue engine in the big city and a perfect accompaniment to the Queen's birthday celebrations. Great for toddlers aged 2 and up.

Thomas has been teaching children lessons about life and friendship for over 75 years. He ranks alongside other beloved character such as Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage.