Engineer Small has a little train. The engine is black and shiny, and with the help of Fireman Shorty and Conductor Little, Engineer Small drives the little train from one end of his run to the other. He passes farms and woods, grade crossings and drawbridges, he goes through tunnels and stops at stations on the way.

Readers who were friends with Mr. Small when he was an airplane pilot, a sailor, and drove his little auto, will welcome him in this new capacity. In both her text and illustrations Lois Lenski has the ability to make clear to five-year-olds the fundamental workings of a little train.

From the dust jacket of the 7th edition