Favorite Train Books for Toddlers
As the mom of boys, I have spent countless hours reading these favorite train books to my kiddos.
Train books can take young readers on imaginative journeys, teach them about the history and workings of trains, and introduce them to the different types of trains and their purposes. Your toddler will adore these train childrens books that will stand the test of time!
You can find these train books at your local library or purchase through the affiliate links provided for your convenience.

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Do you have a child absolutely obsessed with trains? Oh yes! As the mom of boys, I get you!
My boys were so in love with trains as toddlers they would even slip their favorite train books into my purse just to have them nearby.
Hot Bee Train SetGiant bean 72PCS Fire Station Wooden Train Tracks
Thomas & Friends Motorized Toy Train
Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad
As I’m sure you’ve discovered… the more popular the book, the more the book gets beat up!

And did you know Toy Train Sets Benefit Children’s Growth and Development?
How Trains Work For Kids
Trains work by using a powerful engine to pull a long line of connected cars along tracks.
The engine runs on either electricity or fuel, and it moves the train forward by turning the wheels.
The tracks guide the train so it stays on the right path.
Hot Bee Train SetGiant bean 72PCS Fire Station Wooden Train Tracks
Thomas & Friends Motorized Toy Train
Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad
Inside the engine, there’s a big machine called a “locomotive” that creates the power needed to make the train go.

As the train moves, it can carry people or cargo from one place to another, stopping at stations along the way to let passengers on and off.
More Train Activities for Kids
All aboard for more train activities for kids like these train books that fuel imagination and provide hours of fun learning!
- Steam Train Dream Train Busy Bag
- Alphabet Train Game
- Train Songs for Kids
- Pool Noodle Train Tracks
Easy Printable Transportation Activities for Kids
Rev up the excitement with these easy printable transportation activities for kids!
Favorite Train Books for Toddlers
Trains Coming Through! introduces little ones to the exciting world of trains, from freight trains to high-speed ones. With vibrant illustrations and simple text, this book helps young readers learn about different types of trains and how they work.
*Caldecott Honor Book*
Freight Train takes young readers on a colorful journey through a bustling railway, showcasing various types of trains and their cargo. The rhythmic text and bold illustrations make this a perfect introduction to trains for young children.
*Caldecott Medal Winner*
Locomotive brings the story of a 19th-century train journey to life with stunning illustrations and detailed depictions of the steam engine and its passengers. This beautifully crafted book offers an immersive look at the history of trains, capturing the sights, sounds, and excitement of traveling by rail.
Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo is a rhythmic, energetic board book that follows a train as it travels along the tracks, inviting little ones to join in the fun. With lively, repetitive text and bright illustrations, this book is perfect for young children who love trains and enjoy interactive reading.
My Best Pop-up Noisy Train Book is a vibrant, interactive board book that brings the excitement of trains to life with pop-up illustrations and sound effects. Children will love pressing the buttons to hear train noises while exploring the colorful, engaging scenes on each page.
Trains introduces young readers to the world of trains with simple, colorful illustrations and clear, easy-to-understand text. This charming board book highlights different types of trains and their journeys, making it an engaging read for children.
Good Night, Thomas follows Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends as they wind down after a busy day on the tracks. With gentle rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this bedtime book is perfect for helping little ones relax before sleep.
The Little Train tells the story of a small train that chugs along the tracks, helping with the transportation of goods. Through simple, rhythmic text and charming illustrations, this book captures the joys of a hardworking little train on its journey.
I'm Fast! follows a speedy race car as it zooms through the streets, proudly showcasing its fast abilities. With energetic illustrations and lively text, this fun story will captivate young readers with its fast-paced adventure.
Steam Train, Dream Train takes young readers on a magical journey as a colorful train travels through dreamlike scenes, preparing for a restful night. With rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations, this book captures the wonder of both trains and bedtime.
Trains: Steaming! Pulling! Huffing! introduces young readers to the exciting world of trains, showcasing their powerful engines and exciting journeys. With energetic rhymes and lively illustrations, this book brings the fascinating world of trains to life.
In Pete the Cat's Train Trip, Pete takes a fun journey on a train and meets new friends along the way. This playful story, with its catchy rhymes and vibrant illustrations, will keep young readers engaged as they join Pete on his exciting adventure.
Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night? explores the fascinating journey of a steam train as it winds down after a long day of travel. With rhythmic, soothing text and colorful illustrations, this book gently introduces young readers to the world of trains and bedtime routines.
Trains by Amy Shields offers young readers an engaging introduction to the world of trains, from their history to how they work. With simple text and vivid photographs, this book is perfect for sparking curiosity about these powerful machines.
The Little Red Caboose tells the story of a small caboose who feels left out among the bigger, more important trains. As the train faces challenges, the caboose proves its value and becomes a vital part of the journey, teaching readers about teamwork and self-worth.
Tootle is the story of a young train who loves to speed down the tracks, but learns the importance of following the rules. After a series of adventures, Tootle discovers the value of patience and responsibility, becoming a better train in the end.

This is a great list of train books. There is something fascinating about trains for so many kids it is wonderful to link that interest with reading!
Because we live outside Chicago, we have the metra and commercial trains going by all the time. We would actually make a morning of going to the train station to watch them go by 🙂
Great list! The Goodnight Train is one of our favorites!
Isn’t that a sweet book? As toddlers, my boys were fascinated with Chugga Chugga Choo-Choo and Freight Train.
We have several of those. My son also loves tractors so Steam Train, Dream Train is a favorite because there’s a “bone on the boom”.
Nice list, trains are beloved from both genders.
I would add the ‘little engine that could’.
I would agree with that addition — but I really would only purchase the one with the original artwork.
We love Patricia Hubbell! That’s our favorite train book. I’ll have to check out the rest – my kids love trains! -Jess
http://www.sweetlittleonesblog.com
We live near Chicago and see the commuter and commercial trains all of the time… so we definitely live trains every day. Happy reading 😀
This is a great list! We’ve read Freight Train, Chugga-Chugga Choo Choo and I’m Fast. My son LOVES them. Thank you for sharing these. I look forward to checking out the others.
I hope you find some new favorites as well 🙂