The loved summer on the island of Sodor. It was a special time of year. The Fat Controller had a lot of concerts on his railway, and the engines enjoyed it, as they got extra work and if they behaved and did it well, they got to listen in. It was a treat.

One day, news spread like wildfire that Alicia Botti, a famous Italian opera singer, was coming to the Island to perform at the castle!

"She's a coloratura!" Gordon informed the other engines in his usual pompous manner.

"What is a coloratura?" Asked Thomas, curiously.

"It means that she is capable of performing high notes very loudly." Explained the railway's number 4 locomotive. And I'll be chosen to take her to the concert! He added.

"Pah! The Fat Controller will choose me!" Cried James.

"He might choose me." added Thomas, wanting to feel important.

Just then, Percy rattled in with his coaches.

"Well, one thing's for sure- he won't choose dirty old Percy!" Decided Gordon.

"Don't call me dirty!" Wheeshed Percy. He left the station in a hurry.

...

But it turned out that neither Gordon nor James were chosen to take Alicia Botti- Thomas was!

"Now Thomas both you and our coaches must be squeaky clean for five past four- you'll be picking her up at Brendam Docks."

He drove away to Brendam to meet her.

...

"Move over dirty Percy!" Chuffed Thomas, "I need the wash-down."

"But I need a wash-down!" insisted Percy. "Or else my passengers will laugh at me!"

"Well, I have one very important one to pick up at Brendam at five past four! You'll have to wait."

"I can't wait! I'm a guaranteed connection!" Wailed Percy, but he left to collect his passengers nevertheless.

...

Later, however, as Thomas was coupled up to Annie and Clarabel, he heard a squeaky noise.

"That's strange- What's that?"

Annie and Clarabel were given oil for their undercarriages.

"Well, that should fix it!" The driver said confidently.

...

He was wrong.

Thomas heard it again on the way Brendam, and it continued since then.

By the time he was at the docks, the squeaking was loud and definitely beyond control.

Alicia Botti was waiting for him patiently with the Fat Controller.

He held Clarabel's door open for the opera singer whilst she climbed aboard.

...

She screamed and screamed.

She screamed so much that windows broke over town!

"Definitely a coloratura." chuckled Gordon.

Inside Clarabel, was a small cheeky brown mouse!

"I ask-a for clean coaches and you give me a-one with a mouse!" She said crossly.

"Thomas, this not what I meant by squeaky clean!" The Fat Controller scolded, clearly embarrassed.

The little blue engine did not feel so important.

...

Just then Percy chuffed in from his guaranteed connection. He was still cross with Thomas for before.

"Look at the little green engine! So dirty- like a proper steam engine."

Percy felt better.

He felt even better when Alicia Botti decided to travel on him instead of Thomas!

...

That night, Alicia Botti held a rand concert at the castle. Several engines attended- but not Percy and Thomas.

They were at Tidmouth with their new friend.

The Fat Controller had rescued the mouse from Clarabel, and gave her a cosy home in Tidmouth Sheds.

Thomas named her Alicia.