Book excerpt: For young Thomas & Friends fans on the go, here are four board books in a compact carry-along box with a plastic handle. The sturdy books teach toddlers ABCs, counting, colors, and opposites. Illustrated in full-color with pictures of Thomas and his many engine friends, each book focuses on a single concept that will help engine-loving boys and girls ages 1 to 3 learn their numbers, letters, and more, while they pore over pictures of dozens of Thomas and his friends, places, and things that illustrate those concepts. Carry box has a sturdy plastic handle and a tab closure.