Post updated in May, 2025.
I haven’t written a book list in a couple of months. My last one was some of our favorite book about Trees, seeds, and growing things.
So, it’s time to do another one. This time, we’ve been reading about trains!
I know a lot of kids love books about machines. There are the construction books, the tractor books, the little blue trucks, and the entire Thomas the Tank engine series.
Here are some of our favorite books about trains—many of them well-loved classics! I’ve sorted them loosely based on age, with short books first.
Picture books about trains
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Freight Train, by Donald Crews. This is the book for toddlers, just starting to read about trains! It’s small, bright, and focuses on colors. It’s an easy read for kids who aren’t ready for a longer book yet.
The Little Train, by Lois Lenski. The engineer and his crew load their train and drive it through the countryside to the city. Then they travel back again, ending at home–and that’s all about Engineer Small! This classic isn’t as well known as some of the others, but it’s great for toddlers.
Steam Train, Dream Train, by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. This popular story is a classic-in-the-making with lots of fun sounds and gorgeous illustrations. If you haven’t read it yet, you need to add it to your list now.
Trains Coming Through, by Stephanie Morgan, illustrated by Joe Bucco. Trains are exciting, and this book captures the anticipation and thrills of a train journey. It shows trains from all around the world, as well as through history, all in simple, easy-to-read text.
Thomas & Friends: Storytime Collection, by Wilbert Awdry. A list about train stories? You know it needs to include Thomas the Tank Engine on it somewhere. But, yes, we love these stories. I grew up reading a thick collection of the stories that’s out of print now. This collection is an updated set, though, and there’s dozens of other stories for kids that want more.
The Little Engine that Could, by Watty Piper, illustrated by Loren Long. A classic, newly illustrated by the fantastic illustrator of Otis. It’s a lovely story about being helpful and trying your best.
The Little Red Caboose, by Marian Potter, illustrated by Tibor Gergely. This is an older story as well, but one we found only recently. It’s very similar to The Caboose Who Got Loose. Instead of escaping from the train, though, this caboose saves the day and gets the recognition it longs for.
Train, by Elisha Cooper. We found this book by chance at the library and enjoyed it immensely. The book introduces a lot of different trains, but it does so through a traveling story. As each train pulls into the station at the end of its journey, another sets off.
All Aboard Trains, by Mary Harding, illustrated by Richard Courtney. This is another less-known classic that I read as a kid. It explains different types of trains and shows all kinds of train cars in detailed, colorful illustrations.
Trains: Steaming, Pulling, Huffing, by Patricia Hubbel, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy. A lively, entertain read-aloud book with all kinds of trains.
Choo Choo, by Virginia Wise Burton. This classic comes from the author of Mike Mulligan and Katy and the Big Snow. As an author & illustrator, I especially the artwork in this story. Plus, it’s a fun book to read!
The Caboose Who Got Loose, by Bill Peet. Katy the Caboose is tired. She doesn’t want to drag along at the end of the train. She wants to sit quietly for a change. This was one of my favorite books as a kid! For another fun book about trains, check out Bill Peet’s other travel story, Chester the Worldly Pig.)
Mailing May, by Michael O. Tunnel, illustrated by Ted Rand. When May’s parents can’t afford a train ticket for her, they find an ingenious loophole for her instead. This is the true story of a five-year-old whose rides across Idaho to visit her grandmother . . . as a piece of mail. We found this book by chance at the library and loved it. It sparked a few history questions too, and I imagine older kids would enjoy it a lot.
Locomotive, by Brian Floca. This is the perfect book for kids that love learning about the history of trains. It follows the journey of a transcontinental steam train, full of hissing and whooshing, and illustrated with fabulous detail.
How Trains Work, from Lonely Planet Kids. How much do you need to know about trains? Everything? If so, this book is for you! It’s a lift-the-flat book packed with information for train lovers of all ages.
What about you? Do you have any favorite train stories?
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