The Little Red Caboose

the long version

The little red caboose always came last. By the time the little red caboose came along, the boys and girls were turning away. "How I wish I were a big black engine, puffing and chuffing way up at the front of the train! But I'm just the little old red caboose. Nobody cares for me." The train went slower and slower and s-l-o-w-e-r. It looked as if that train could not get up the mountain. The little red caboose slammed on his brakes. And he held tight to the tracks. And he kept that train from sliding down the mountain! Now, children wave at the big black engine and at all the cars. But they save their biggest waves for the little red caboose. Because the little red caboose saved the train.