If you’ve got a preschooler in the house, chances are you’re already friends with Thomas, Gordon, Percy, James, Sir Topham Hat and the other denizens of the Thomas and Friends universe.. But did you know that Thomas and Friends are now owned by Mattel, the parent company to Fisher-Price? I thought that was pretty cool. Lucas and Simon are not *quite* as obsessed with the trains as Tristan was, but those trains still get a LOT of play use around our house.
(Where exactly did those chubby baby fingers go? Sigh…)
That round-cheeked wee baby is now learning to READ, people. Can you believe it? And just in time, Thomas and Friends have come out with a set of fun, personalize-able e-books for the train conductor in your life. Just visit the Open a World of Imagination storybook site, enter your child’s name and gender, and the book is created for you to enjoy on your computer or iPad. No downloads, no logins, no waiting.
And if you have an early reader on your hands, it’s pretty darn exciting to play “hunt for my name on each page” I can tell you with some assurance.
(I’m not sure who is reading the bedtime story to whom in that picture!)
There are two books to choose from now, and there will be new ones posted each month – just about the time you’ve read each one for the 100th time, if your wee booklover is anything like mine.
And on a mostly unrelated note, look at the little Thomas the Tank Engine fan I found in my Flickr archives! Not exactly on point for this post, but I had to share three year old Tristan enjoying his first Day Out with Thomas – EIGHT years ago!!
Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are ALWAYS my own.
Oh my! That darned Thomas has such a special place in my heart. both my sons loved Thomas but my younger son was completely obsessed! we have about 63 little wooden engines… now being stored for future grandchildren perhaps…. the ONLY toys I haven’t been able to part with.
I even made him his own Thomas book- “Goodnight Thomas”- based on Goodnight Moon! it soon became a nightly ritual.
the funny thing was how, as obsessed as he was from age 2-4, he quickly “forgot” all about it when he turned 5! I’m glad it wasn’t me who bought all those trains! (thanks Grandpa!)
thanks for bringing back those memories! sigh…..little boys!
oops……Anonymous above is me!
My 3 year old Godson is obsessed with all things Thomas. He has the YouTube videos showing a man unwrapping a new “Thomas” train with critical commentary. Noah hangs on to every word and repeats is all. I will definitely look into the books. Thanks !!