Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends is a British children's television series based on The Railway Series by the Rev. W. Awdry which was first broadcast in 1984 and the end of 2021. This article lists Thomas books in the Pictureback series released by
Random House.
Thomas Gets Tricked and Other Stories
Stories and episodes
Thomas Gets Tricked
Come Out, Henry!
Henry to the Rescue
A Big Day for Thomas
Years
1989
1991 (with audio cassette)
2005 (with CD)
Notes
Introduces Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon and Sir Topham Hatt.
First book used for four stories.
This is the first book and 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 the Tractor.
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 the Bus and Harold the Helicopter.
Thomas cannot be seen in this book, but he did star 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 cannot be seen in this book, but he did star in "Double Trouble" and "A Cow on the Line".
Bill and Ben made their debut but were not yet introduced.
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 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 and 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 the Crane, Lady Hatt, Caroline and George.
First book to include three stories.
This is the first book and 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 and 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.
Thomas' Milkshake Muddle: Three Thomas & Friends Stories
Stories and episodes
Thomas' Milkshake Muddle
Toby Feels Left Out
Thomas and the New Engine
Year
2007
Note
Introduces Neville and Iron 'Arry & Bert.
Thomas and the Treasure and Other Stories
Stories and episodes
Thomas and the Treasure
Duncan's Bluff
Seeing the Sights
Year
2008
Note
Introduces Mr. Percival.
Steam Engine Stories: Three Thomas & Friends Adventures
Stories and episodes
The Magic Lamp
James Gets a New Coat
Thomas and the Golden Eagle
Year
2008
Notes
Proteus is mentioned in "The Magic Lamp", but he is not seen.
Last book used for three stories.
This is the last book and storytelling by Michael Brandon.
Notes
These books were published by
Random House and released in America only.
The books Thomas Gets Tricked and Trouble for Thomas have a saying underneath the front cover and on the back cover, "As seen on the television show Shining Time Station".
