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Thomas & Friends is a British children's television series based on The Railway Series, created by the Rev. W. Awdry, and was first broadcast in 1984 alongside Shining Time Station until the end of 2021. This article lists Thomas & Friends books in the Pictureback series published by Random House and released in America only.
This is the first book to contain four stories, and the first book to include storytelling by Ringo Starr.
Trouble for Thomas and Other Stories
Stories and episodes
Trouble for Thomas
Thomas Saves the Day
Thomas Goes Fishing
Terence the Tractor
Years
1989
1991 (with audio cassette)
2005 (with CD)
Note
Introduces James, Annie and Clarabel, Foolish Freight Cars and Terence.
James in a Mess and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
James in a Mess
Bertie's Chase
Percy and the Signal
Percy Proves a Point
Year
1993
Notes
Introduces Toby, Henrietta, Percy, Bertie and Harold.
Thomas does not at all appear in this book despite appearing in "Bertie's Chase" and "Percy Proves a Point".
In the original print, the sentence line "It was such an insult to be reminded of the time a bootlace had been used to mend a hole in his coaches." was divided by a page break, showing that this page ends with the word "an," and the next page starts with the word "insult." This is later corrected in the reprint.
A Cow on the Line and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
Double Trouble
A Cow on the Line
Old Iron
Percy Takes the Plunge
Years
1992
1992 (with audio cassette)
2005 (with CD)
Notes
Toby does not appear in this book despite starring in "Double Trouble" and "A Cow on the Line".
Bill and Ben made their debut in these stories, but were not introduced like many of the other characters.
Diesel's Devious Deed and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
Pop Goes the Diesel
Diesel's Devious Deed
A Close Shave for Duck
Woolly Bear
Years
1992
1992 (with audio cassette)
2005 (with CD)
Notes
Introduces Duck and Diesel.
This is the last Thomas audiobook to have a beep sound indicating when to turn the page.
Edward's Exploit and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
Donald and Douglas
The Deputation
The Diseasel
Edward's Exploit
Year
1993
Notes
Introduces Donald, Douglas, Bill, Ben and BoCo.
Bill and Ben are properly introduced in this book, unlike "Percy Takes the Plunge" in the "A Cow on the Line" book.
Last book used for four stories.
This is the last book to feature storytelling by Ringo Starr.
The Cranky Day and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
Cranky Bugs
Put Upon Percy
Lady Hatt's Birthday Party
Years
2000
2001 (with audio cassette)
2005 (with CD)
Notes
Introduces Cranky, Lady Hatt, Caroline and George.
First book to include three stories.
This is the first book to feature storytelling by Alec Baldwin.
This is the first Thomas audiobook to include a Ding sound to turn the page.
Α Better View for Gordon and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
Toby and the Flood
Α Better View for Gordon
Busy Going Backwards
Years
2001
2002 (with audio cassette)
2005 (with CD)
Note
Introduces Oliver and Toad.
Thomas and the Rumors and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
Thomas and the Rumors
James and the Trouble with Trees
Happy Ever After
Years
2002
2003 (with audio cassette)
2005 (with CD)
Notes
Introduces Mrs. Kyndley and Old Slow Coach.
Last book to feature stories from the fifth series
Percy's Chocolate Crunch and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
Percy's Chocolate Crunch
Salty's Secret
A Bad Day for Harold the Helicopter
Years
2003
2004 (with audio cassette)
2005 (with CD)
Notes
Introduces Salty and Mavis.
Foolish Freight Cars now called Troublesome Trucks.
This is the last television series based on children's book to include an audio cassette.
James and the Red Balloon and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
James and the Red Balloon
Harvey to the Rescue
Thomas and the Jet Engine
Years
2004
2005 (with CD)
Notes
Introduces Harvey.
Stepney is mentioned in this book in the story "James and the Red Balloon", but is not seen.
This is the last book to feature storytelling by Alec Baldwin.
Hooray for Thomas and Other Thomas the Tank Engine Stories
Stories and episodes
Hooray for Thomas
The Grand Opening
Best Dressed Engine
Years
2005
2006 (with CD)
Notes
Introduces Skarloey, Rheneas, Peter Sam, Rusty, Duncan, Trevor and Murdoch.
Duncan only has a cameo in this book, however he will play a role in the story "Duncan's Bluff" in the "Thomas and the Treasure" book.
