Another original Thomas story, this time it's "James the Honey Bee" Enjoy and comment.
It was a beautiful sunny morning on the Island of Sodor. The birds were singing, and everyone was getting ready for work.
At Tidmouth Sheds, Sir Topham Hatt arrived with important news.
"The annual children's carnival is tomorrow, and I need a engine to be repainted for the carnival." he said.
Everyone wanted to be repainted, except Gordon.
"My blue paint is very important." boasted Gordon. "It makes me proud to be an Express engine."
"Then James shall be repainted for the carnival."
"Wow James!" said Percy. "You're going to be repainted!"
James was excited to be repainted, but the only thing he wished is that he wouldn't be repainted like a busy bee.
When James arrived at the Works, four workmen, and a painter were waiting for James.
"What should we paint him?" asked the painter.
"Anything but bee stripes." said the driver. "We don't want to frighten the children."
Soon, the painter started to paint James. As he painted him, James slept, and dreamed of all the children admiring his new paint.
It took a while, but soon the paint job was finished.
"He's all ready." said the workmen to James's driver and fireman, who were enjoying some tea.
When they walked in, they were surprised! The painter had given James black and yellow stripes!
"Why did you paint him like that?" asked the fireman.
The painter had no answer.
But the driver and the workman were laughing.
This woke James up.
"What's so funny?" asked James, but when he looked back, he was surprised!
"I look ridiculous in bee stripes!" said James. "Everyone's going to call me a busy-bee!"
All through the morning, James was called a "busy-bee" by everyone who approached him.
This made James feel very cross. He liked his red-coat of paint.
"Oh bother!" moaned James. "I wish I was painted red again."
That afternoon, it was decided that James would be painted back to his regular red color, and that Thomas would be repainted.
When James came out of the Works, he looked like a brand new engine.
"You look wonderful James!" exclaimed his driver.
James felt very pleased.
Later, they watched as Thomas was repainted. Just like James, he was painted with black and yellow stripes.
But unlike James, Thomas enjoyed his new paint.