Cheer on a little red engine who refuses to give up in this encouraging night night story about how believing in yourself helps you climb any hill.
Choo-choo, choo-choo! Little red engine Diego, puffing and chugging, went up and down the hill. Diego was a helpful train, moving people and packages to all the towns. Even though he was small and not as strong as the big trains, Diego was ready to help, always with a smile and a whistle!
One sunny day, Diego was given a really, really long train to pull up a super big hill. His train friends said, ‘Oh no, Diego, you’re too small. You can’t go up that big hill!’ But Diego looked at the hill and said, ‘I’m little, but I’m strong! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!
With all his might, Diego chug-chug-chugged up the big, big hill. He puffed and puffed, but oh no, he started sliding backward! ‘Maybe I can’t do this,’ thought Diego. But then he remembered, ‘Never give up!’ Diego took a deep breath and said, ‘I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!’ He pumped his pistons as hard as he could. And what happened next? Slowly but surely, Diego’s wheels started turning forward up the hill again. With a mighty chug, Diego and his train rolled to the top!
Chugga-chugga-choo-choo! Little Diego did it! Hooray! Everyone cheered for the little engine that kept trying until the job was done.
Now that the hard work was over, Diego felt his wheels slow down. He coasted gently down the other side of the hill.
The little red engine rolled all the way back to the quiet train station. Diego slowly puffed into his warm, cozy roundhouse. Chug… shhh. Chug… shhh.
His engine cooled down. His tired wheels stopped turning. Diego closed his eyes and whispered, “I knew I could.”
Fast asleep, the little engine dreamed of sunny tracks and gentle hills.
Night, night, Diego.
Notes for the Reader:
This story was inspired by Watty Piper’s timeless tale, ‘The Little Engine That Could,’ and Yogi Berra’s wise words: ‘It ain’t over till it’s over.’ We hope Diego’s journey has encouraged your little one to believe in themselves, embrace determination, and remember the power of perseverance, no matter how big the task may seem.
Tip: During play time tomorrow, your little one might enjoy celebrating Diego’s victory with some fun songs like
- Little Red Caboose by Lisa Loeb
- I’ve Been Working on the Railroad by The Kiboomers
- Choo Choo Boogaloo by Buckwheat Zydeco
- Get on Board by Buckwheat Zydeco
Get ready to sing and dance along!
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