Favorite Children’s 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 Set
Giant bean 72PCS Fire Station Wooden Train TracksThomas & Friends Motorized Toy TrainMelissa & 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 Set
Giant bean 72PCS Fire Station Wooden Train TracksThomas & Friends Motorized Toy TrainMelissa & 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.
Interesting Train Facts for Kids
Here are 10 fun facts about trains for kids:
The first trains were powered by steam: Early trains used coal and water to create steam and move forward.
Some trains go super fast: The fastest train, the Shanghai Maglev, can reach 286 mph (460 km/h)!
Trains helped build countries: Railroads made it easier to travel and transport goods across large areas.
There are different types of trains: Steam, diesel, electric and even magnetic levitation (maglev) trains exist today.
The longest train was over 4.5 miles (7 km) long: A train in Australia had 682 cars!
Some trains run underground: Subway trains help people travel quickly in big cities.
Luxury trains have fancy rooms: Some trains, like the Orient Express, offer sleeping cabins and gourmet meals.
Trains don’t need steering wheels: They stay on tracks, so no steering is required!
Japan’s bullet trains (Shinkansen) are super quiet: They are designed to be smooth, fast and silent.
Hot Bee Train SetGiant bean 72PCS Fire Station Wooden Train TracksThomas & Friends Motorized Toy TrainMelissa & Doug 17-Piece Wooden Take-Along Tabletop Railroad
Trains carry more than people – Many trains transport food, cars and even animals across countries.
Trains are an exciting way to travel and play an important role in history and transportation!
Favorite Train Books for Toddlers
Favorite children's train books for toddlers bring the excitement of locomotives to life with engaging stories, colorful illustrations, and fun adventures perfect for little train lovers.
Young readers explore the exciting world of trains through rhythmic text and engaging illustrations showcasing different types of locomotives. This lively board book captivates little train enthusiasts with fun facts and bold, colorful artwork.
*Caldecott Honor Book*
A freight train rushes across the landscape, each colorful car adding to the journey’s rhythm and momentum. Donald Crews’ simple yet striking illustrations make this classic a captivating read for young train lovers.
*Caldecott Medal Winner*
A family embarks on an unforgettable journey aboard a transcontinental steam train, experiencing the sights, sounds, and power of early rail travel. Brian Floca’s detailed illustrations and poetic narration bring history to life in this captivating and immersive read.
A toy train chugs through a busy day, working hard from sunrise to bedtime. With rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations, this delightful board book makes for a fun and engaging read-aloud.
This interactive pop-up book brings the excitement of trains to life with vibrant scenes and fun sounds. Kids will love pressing the buttons to hear train noises while exploring each colorful page.
This simple and engaging board book introduces young readers to the world of trains, showcasing various types and their functions. With bright, clear illustrations and straightforward text, it's a perfect introduction to the world of trains for little ones.
Good Night, Thomas follows the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine as he winds down for the night with a gentle, soothing bedtime routine. Perfect for young fans of Thomas, this charming board book offers a peaceful, comforting story to help little ones settle down for bed.
The Little Train tells the story of a hardworking train that travels through scenic landscapes, making its way to deliver important goods. Lois Lenski's classic book features vibrant illustrations and a simple, engaging narrative that captivates young readers.
The Goodnight Train follows a group of sleepy passengers on a nighttime train ride as they head to dreamland. With rhythmic text and cozy illustrations, this soothing bedtime story is perfect for lulling little ones to sleep.
I'm Fast! tells the story of a speedy race car boasting about its incredible speed, as it zooms past other vehicles. With energetic illustrations and a playful tone, this book will delight young readers with its sense of motion and excitement.
Steam Train, Dream Train takes readers on a magical journey as the train prepares for a nighttime trip, with each car carrying a different dream-inspired surprise. The captivating illustrations and rhythmic text make this a soothing and imaginative bedtime read.
Trains: Steaming! Pulling! Huffing! introduces young readers to the exciting world of trains through lively text and vibrant illustrations, showcasing the powerful journey of these machines. Its dynamic and playful language makes it a fun, engaging read for train enthusiasts of all ages.
Pete the Cat's Train Trip follows Pete the Cat as he embarks on an exciting train adventure, meeting new friends and experiencing fun moments along the way. This easy-to-read book captures the joy of travel with simple, engaging text perfect for early readers.
The Little Engine That Could tells the classic story of a determined little blue engine who pulls a train full of toys over a mountain, proving that with persistence and a positive attitude, anything is possible. This timeless tale of perseverance remains a beloved favorite, inspiring young readers to believe in themselves.
Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night? takes young readers on a whimsical journey, exploring where steam trains rest after a long day of work. With soothing rhymes and delightful illustrations, this charming book offers a perfect bedtime read for train enthusiasts.
Trains (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 1) introduces young readers to the world of trains through engaging facts and captivating images. A great educational choice for early learners, this book offers an exciting and accessible way for children to explore trains.
The Little Red Caboose tells the story of the caboose's journey as it proudly plays a vital role in a train's travels. With its simple text and colorful illustrations, this easy-to-read book is a perfect introduction to the importance of each part of a train for young readers.
Tootle is the story of a little train who dreams of speeding down the tracks but struggles to stay on the straight and narrow. This timeless tale, with charming illustrations, teaches kids the importance of responsibility and following rules.
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!
Easy Printable Transportation Activities for Kids
Rev up the excitement with these easy printable transportation activities for kids!
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 🙂