So far, we’ve seen nothing but rave reviews from our bloggers for Thomas and Friends: Engines and Escapades. We’re not surprised; Thomas is a hit with kids who love trains (boys and girls alike), and many adults remember Thomas fondly from their own childhoods. As one mother described Thomas and Friends:

“Thomas has grown into quite the franchise since I was a kid. His personality has also changed a bit - he is no longer as cheeky and pompous as in years past, and has grown into a more friendly little chap - er - I mean, engine.

These days, Thomas shares the spotlight with his friends so the focus isn’t always on my favorite blue engine but that’s a good thing. Different personalities make for more interesting stories. [My daughter] doesn’t mind - as long as there is a train involved, it holds her interest.”

While Thomas and Friends: Engines and Escapades is “very wholesome [and] teaches great lessons” like earlier Thomas DVDs, this one has “…a mix between the old engines (Thomas, James, Duncan, etc.) and our new friends on the Narrow Gauge line who are even smaller than Thomas, yet work really hard.”

The introduction of the new characters was fun for both parents and kids. One mother reported: “Their favorite part is the introduction of a new character, Madge the truck. And their second favorite part is when they beg me on a daily basis to take them to Target so we can buy Madge.” Another blogger, who has three little girls at home, also appreciated Madge: “We really liked meeting Madge the truck, who was strong enough to carry James! She was also strong enough in character to deal with James when he was being rather snotty. We are very enthusiastic in [our] household about strong female characters…”

One mother advised: “Now, if your kiddo is new to the Thomas and Friends scene, you’re going to be scratching your head and saying, Who? Your kid is going to say, Where is Thomas? But for those fans among us, this DVD was a real treat.” Another also noted: “Thomas isn’t a main character in most of these stories, but I don’t think that will keep kiddos from watching. In fact, as a parent, it was nice to see some of the other characters featured. This gave way for new lessons to be learned.”

This same mother went on to say that: “The lesson behind each episode is a great opportunity to open up a dialogue between caregiver and child. It’s very interesting to see what message a child comes away with. What has been equally as fascinating has been how [my son's] interpretation of the lesson has changed as he’s gotten older.” Likewise, another blogger, whose daughter is still quite young, agreed: “I like that this series will grow with her because these kind of little life lessons will always be applicable. You can never learn enough about being a good and supportive friend.”

In summary, as one blogger put it, “I have never found fault in any Thomas DVD and the same goes for this one.”

More reviews of Thomas and Friends: Engines and Escapades are coming up!

Mon 4/7 - Ebony Mommy
Tues 4/8 - Flexible Parenting
Wed 4/9 - Mom Reviews
Thurs 4/10 - Mommy’s Must Haves
Tues 4/15 - Round-Up Review on PBN