Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this straight-to-DVD animated adventure is fine for even preschool-aged kids, especially those who love trains. There only potentially upsetting moments are a brief scene when a couple of bullies throw a snowball at a boy and then steal his grandfather's beloved pocket watch, and when a somewhat frightening Nightmare Train threatens Little Engine and her haul. The language includes mild insults like "annoying," "creepy," and "failure," but the message is a classic that all children should be exposed to: If you "think you can" hard enough, you can do anything, even if it seems impossible.

Sexual Content

Not applicable.

Violence

Boys bully Richard, throw snowballs at him, and steal his grandpa's pocket watch. A creepy Nightmare Train deceives the Little Engine and threatens to keep Richard and the circus toys trapped in Dreamland.

Language

Some mild insults like "creepy," "scrawny little shunter," "little," "failure," "annoying," and the like.

Social Behavior

"If you think you can, you will; if you think you can't, you won't." If you truly believe in yourself, you can accomplish almost anything.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable