In the first of three stories, big red engine James faces the consequences of a tantrum, finds himself getting teased, and makes a friend when he helps another engine in need. A frustrated James slams his coaches together and breaks their connection, forcing passengers to deboard until one rider reluctantly gives up his bootlace for the repair. James feels bad for letting the train line down and gets two chances to redeem himself in the following stories. Thomas conducts his own mischief when he makes a break for it without his conductor, goes fishing in the river thereby giving himself a "pain in his boiler," and teases Terence the Tractor for his "ugly wheels." Of course, Thomas has to eat his words and concede that "caterpillars are splendid" when he becomes snowbound and needs the tractor to dig him out. Finally, Thomas and Bertie have a trademark Thomas-style race, with their conductors' blessing and participation. --Kimberly Heinrichs