List of Thomas the Tank Engine pictureback books facts for kids

Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends is a super popular British TV show for kids! It's all about trains and their adventures, based on the amazing books by the Rev. W. Awdry. The show first chugged onto screens in 1984 and kept going until the end of 2021.

This article is your guide to the special Thomas books called "Pictureback" books. These books were released by Random House and often included fun stories from the TV show!

Thomas Gets Tricked and Other Stories

This book was one of the first Pictureback books! It shares some classic adventures of Thomas and his friends.

Stories and Episodes

• Thomas Gets Tricked
• Come Out, Henry!
• Henry to the Rescue
• A Big Day for Thomas

Release Years

• 1989
• 1991 (This version came with an audio cassette, so you could listen along!)
• 2005 (This version came with a CD, a more modern way to listen!)

Trouble for Thomas and Other Stories

Get ready for more railway fun with this book, featuring Thomas in some tricky situations!

Stories and Episodes

• Trouble for Thomas
• Thomas Saves the Day
• Thomas Goes Fishing
• Terence the Tractor

Release Years

• 1989
• 1991 (Came with an audio cassette)
• 2005 (Came with a CD)

Fun Fact!

This book was special because it introduced some new friends! You got to meet James, the red engine, and Annie and Clarabel, Thomas's coaches. It also showed the silly Foolish Freight Cars and Terence the Tractor.

James in a Mess and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

James, the proud red engine, takes center stage in these stories!

Stories and Episodes

• James in a Mess
• Bertie's Chase
• Percy and the Signal
• Percy Proves a Point

Release Year

• 1993

A Cow on the Line and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

Sometimes, unexpected things happen on the railway, like a cow on the tracks! Find out what adventures unfold in this book.

Stories and Episodes

• Double Trouble
• A Cow on the Line
• Old Iron
• Percy Takes the Plunge

Release Years

• 1992
• 1992 (Came with an audio cassette)
• 2005 (Came with a CD)

Diesel's Devious Deed and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

Watch out for Diesel! He's known for causing trouble, and these stories show some of his sneaky plans.

Stories and Episodes

• Pop Goes the Diesel
• Diesel's Devious Deed
• A Close Shave for Duck
• Woolly Bear

Release Years

• 1992
• 1992 (Came with an audio cassette)
• 2005 (Came with a CD)

Edward's Exploit and Other Thomas The Tank Engine Stories

Edward, the kind old engine, shows how brave and useful he can be in these exciting tales.

Stories and Episodes

• Donald and Douglas
• The Deputation
• The Diseasel
• Edward's Exploit

Release Year

• 1993

The Cranky Day and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

Even engines can have cranky days! See what happens when things don't go quite right on Sodor.

Stories and Episodes

• Cranky Bugs
• Put Upon Percy
• Lady Hatt's Birthday Party

Release Years

• 2000
• 2001 (Came with an audio cassette)
• 2005 (Came with a CD)

A Better View for Gordon and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

Gordon, the big express engine, often wants the best view! Discover what adventures he and his friends have in these stories.

Stories and Episodes

• Toby and the Flood
• A Better View for Gordon
• Busy Going Backwards

Release Years

• 2001
• 2002 (Came with an audio cassette)
• 2005 (Came with a CD)

Fun Fact!

This book introduced two more characters to the railway family: Oliver, the Great Western engine, and his brake van, Toad.

Thomas and the Rumors and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

Rumors can spread quickly, even on the Island of Sodor! See how Thomas and his friends deal with gossip and other adventures.

Stories and Episodes

• Thomas and the Rumors
• James and the Trouble with Trees
• Happy Ever After

Release Years

• 2002
• 2003 (Came with an audio cassette)
• 2005 (Came with a CD)

Percy's Chocolate Crunch and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

Percy, the little green engine, loves his jobs, but sometimes things get a bit messy, like with chocolate!

Stories and Episodes

• Percy's Chocolate Crunch
• Salty's Secret
• A Bad Day for Harold the Helicopter

Release Years

• 2003
• 2004 (Came with an audio cassette)
• 2005 (Came with a CD)

James and the Red Balloon and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

James has some exciting adventures, including one with a big red balloon!

Stories and Episodes

• James and the Red Balloon
• Harvey to the Rescue
• Thomas and the Jet Engine

Release Years

• 2004
• 2005 (Came with a CD)

Hooray for Thomas and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories

Celebrate with Thomas and his friends in these cheerful stories!

Stories and Episodes

• Hooray for Thomas
• The Grand Opening
• Best Dressed Engine

Release Years

• 2005
• 2006 (Came with a CD)

Track Stars!: Three Thomas & Friends Stories

These stories feature some of the railway's biggest stars and their important jobs.

Stories and Episodes

• Thomas Gets it Right
• Emily's New Route
• Percy's Big Mistake

Release Year

• 2006

Thomas' Milkshake Muddle: Three Thomas & Friends Stories

Sometimes, even simple tasks can turn into a big muddle for Thomas!

Stories and Episodes

• Thomas' Milkshake Muddle
• Toby Feels Left Out
• Thomas and the New Engine

Release Year

• 2007

Fun Fact!

This book introduced Neville, a friendly steam engine, and the grumpy diesel twins, Iron 'Arry and Bert.

Thomas and the Treasure and Other Stories

Join Thomas on a treasure hunt and other exciting discoveries!

Stories and Episodes

• Thomas and the Treasure
• Duncan's Bluff
• Seeing the Sights

Release Year

• 2008

Fun Fact!

This book introduced Mr. Percival, the kind and wise controller of the Skarloey Railway.

Steam Engine Stories: Three Thomas & Friends Adventures

More adventures with your favorite steam engines!

Stories and Episodes

• The Magic Lamp
• James Gets a New Coat
• Thomas and the Golden Eagle

Release Year

• 2008