Chickens to School (magazine story)

"Really useful engines don't need help or feel tired."

- Gordon

Chickens to School is a magazine story, it was illustrated by using photographs from the television series.

Plot
One morning, Thomas is feeling very tired; he had been working hard all night and wished he had had some help. Gordon tells Thomas that really useful engines do not need help or feel tired. So, even though he is exhausted, Thomas readily agrees to help when the Fat Controller needs an engine to run three specials. The Fat Controller tells Thomas to take the chickens to market, sheep to the farm and children to school. Percy offers to help, but Thomas declines his offer.

Thomas is so tired that he gets muddled up. He has the sheep unloaded at the market, drops the children at the farm and takes the chickens to the school. Thomas is very upset when the Fat Controller tells him what he did. The Fat Controller tells Thomas that he just needs some help - the same way Gordon needs Edward to help him up his hill.

So, Percy and Emily help Thomas drop off the chickens, sheep and children at their correct destinations. Finally, Thomas is able to get some much-needed sleep.

Plot

 * Thomas
 * Gordon
 * Percy
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Annie
 * Edward
 * Emily

Locations

 * Tidmouth Sheds
 * Dryaw School
 * McColl Farm
 * Gordon's Hill

Trivia

 * This story is based on the eighth series episode of the same name.