Ivor the Engine

November 22, 1977

When the snow is deep and Mrs Williams runs out of jelly-babies, it is time to invent something to move the snow out of the way.

November 23, 1977

Some snowdrifts are just snow, but some have more than snow in them, and they must not be ploughed aside, even for the sake of the General's new teeth.

November 24, 1977

Some fire engines will go absolutely anywhere, so long as they don't get stuck. Then they must not be too proud to ask for help.

November 25, 1977

Pulling sledges up the hill can be quite fun, if you are strong enough, but it can be even more fun sledging down the hill again - if you have a sledge.

November 29, 1977

When all the latest technical equipment cannot pull you out of trouble, perhaps it is time to get help from more old-fashioned pushers and pullers.

November 30, 1977

Some engines are very particular about what they will or will not be willing to drink, for the sake of who or what happens to be in the drink.

December 1, 1977

We must always do what we can to help others, even if they do chose to build their houses in such extraordinarily silly places.

December 2, 1977

It doesn't tell the time any more, it doesn't sing anymore. It is no use at all, except to a homelessbird and her family.

December 6, 1977

Some trumpets sound very low indeed, but some sound so loud that only mythical creatures can hear them, and they will come to your aid.

December 7, 1977

What is life if full of case we have no time to be with our friends and do nothing at all. We don't all have to be busy all the time.

December 8, 1977

Everybody loves to go to the seaside and have fun splashing about in the surf, but some of us aren't able to - and that is a bit sad.

December 9, 1977

Engines don't always do what you would expect them to do, but luckily they are very rarely stolen by gangsters.

December 13, 1977

Even the most difficult feats of engineering can be achieved, especially if they will help a friend to join in the fun, and also get very wet.

December 14, 1977

The money may no longer buy things in the shops, but people who know where to find it can help to keep the dragons warm.

December 15, 1977

Who said only dogs can herd sheep? Everybody should be allowed to have a try and it doesn't matter a bit how heavy they are.

December 16, 1977

When Ivor leaves to seek his fame and fortune, who or what can take his place? Is it worth a load of gold just for the pleasure of seing it go?

December 20, 1977

Ivor has earned a small fortune, but even though he knows what he wants to buy with it, can he persuade them to take the money?

December 21, 1977

Keeping lots of friends warm on his boiler may help to keep his friends warm, but it makes him a bit grubby. But there are some advantages in it.

December 22, 1977

Very small dragons do sometimes make mistakes when they meet an old enemy, especially if they don't notice what he is made of.

December 23, 1977

There are places where a dragon could possibly live, but wouldn't want to, and there are places which, with a little help, will do very nicely, thankyou.