Trains are universally fascinating to young children, especially preschool-age boys. Wise parents and teachers know that one of the quickest ways to calm these rambunctious locomotive lovers is to share a simple storybook about their favorite subject.
Fortunately, libraries and bookstores are full of beautifully illustrated and well-written train books. Here are a few tried-and-true favorite titles.
The Little Engine That Could
This is, perhaps, the most beloved choo-choo train story of all time. The Little Engine That Could was originally published in 1930 (Platt & Munk) and the complete original edition, featuring Watty Piper's retelling and George and Doris Hauman's beautiful color drawings, is still available.
Its timeless message, "I Think I Can," has resonated with children for generations. Who can't relate to the broken-down engine, with its very important load of dolls and toys? In the end, everyone is cheering for the peppy little blue engine who saves the day and teaches the power of positive thinking.
Two Little Trains
The author of perennial favorite Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown, wrote the words to this simple and rhthmic tale in 1949. Two Little Trains (Harper Collins, 2001) was later paired with beautiful illustrations by Caldecott winners, Leo and Diane Dillon.
The book visually compares a real train's adventures with the gentle happenings of a little toy train. Brown's words are characteristically simple yet poetic. This is a soothing, bedtime type story suitable for even young toddlers.
Down by the Station
Board books are a sturdy favorite with young readers. This board version of the traditional children's song by Child's Play International, Ltd. (2002) features illustrations by Jess Stockham. It is a "book with holes" which offers a peek-a-boo experience little ones will enjoy.
Donald Duck's Toy Train
Although this book may be hard to find, it is well worth a search. Donald Duck's Toy Train by Jane Werner (Golden Books Press, 1973) was adapted from Disney Studio's short film, "Out of Scale." The book features the popular Disney chipmunks, Chip and Dale, and follows them as they accidentally find Donald Duck's backyard train set.
Kids love the detailed artwork and familiar characters. The plot is simple and humorous. Children will enjoy riding vicariously through the miniature railroad alongside the fuzzy little engineers.
The Little Red Caboose
Another Golden Book classic, The Little Red Caboose by Marian Potter and Tibor Gergely (Golden Books Press, 1953) isn't about an engine saving the train. In this story, the caboose saves the day. Children will cheer for the brave red hero who helps push the train up a steep mountain.
Jiggle Joggle Jee!
Laura E. Richards originally published the text of this book as a poem titled "The Baby Goes to Boston" in 1902. The words were then illustrated with whimsical paintings by Sam Williams and published as Jiggle Joggle Jee! (Greenwillow Books, 2001). Children of all ages will respond to this rocking, rhythmic, rhyming story that mimics the pace of a real train ride.
Big Book of Trains
Older children will enjoy getting real facts about trains and locomotives. The Big Book of Trains (DK Publishing, 1998) is a nonfiction book filled with satisfying photographs of real trains as well as a multitude of facts about trains past and present.
This book features 31 oversized pages of facts and photos, including a center fold out double page spread. Kids interested in bullet, diesel and electric trains will spend hours poring over the photos.
Reading about locomotives can be almost as exciting as riding behind them. Young train fans will enjoy these popular railroad read alouds.
Fortunately, libraries and bookstores are full of beautifully illustrated and well-written train books. Here are a few tried-and-true favorite titles.
The Little Engine That Could
This is, perhaps, the most beloved choo-choo train story of all time. The Little Engine That Could was originally published in 1930 (Platt & Munk) and the complete original edition, featuring Watty Piper's retelling and George and Doris Hauman's beautiful color drawings, is still available.
Its timeless message, "I Think I Can," has resonated with children for generations. Who can't relate to the broken-down engine, with its very important load of dolls and toys? In the end, everyone is cheering for the peppy little blue engine who saves the day and teaches the power of positive thinking.
Two Little Trains
The author of perennial favorite Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown, wrote the words to this simple and rhthmic tale in 1949. Two Little Trains (Harper Collins, 2001) was later paired with beautiful illustrations by Caldecott winners, Leo and Diane Dillon.
The book visually compares a real train's adventures with the gentle happenings of a little toy train. Brown's words are characteristically simple yet poetic. This is a soothing, bedtime type story suitable for even young toddlers.
Down by the Station
Board books are a sturdy favorite with young readers. This board version of the traditional children's song by Child's Play International, Ltd. (2002) features illustrations by Jess Stockham. It is a "book with holes" which offers a peek-a-boo experience little ones will enjoy.
Donald Duck's Toy Train
Although this book may be hard to find, it is well worth a search. Donald Duck's Toy Train by Jane Werner (Golden Books Press, 1973) was adapted from Disney Studio's short film, "Out of Scale." The book features the popular Disney chipmunks, Chip and Dale, and follows them as they accidentally find Donald Duck's backyard train set.
Kids love the detailed artwork and familiar characters. The plot is simple and humorous. Children will enjoy riding vicariously through the miniature railroad alongside the fuzzy little engineers.
The Little Red Caboose
Another Golden Book classic, The Little Red Caboose by Marian Potter and Tibor Gergely (Golden Books Press, 1953) isn't about an engine saving the train. In this story, the caboose saves the day. Children will cheer for the brave red hero who helps push the train up a steep mountain.
Jiggle Joggle Jee!
Laura E. Richards originally published the text of this book as a poem titled "The Baby Goes to Boston" in 1902. The words were then illustrated with whimsical paintings by Sam Williams and published as Jiggle Joggle Jee! (Greenwillow Books, 2001). Children of all ages will respond to this rocking, rhythmic, rhyming story that mimics the pace of a real train ride.
Big Book of Trains
Older children will enjoy getting real facts about trains and locomotives. The Big Book of Trains (DK Publishing, 1998) is a nonfiction book filled with satisfying photographs of real trains as well as a multitude of facts about trains past and present.
This book features 31 oversized pages of facts and photos, including a center fold out double page spread. Kids interested in bullet, diesel and electric trains will spend hours poring over the photos.
Reading about locomotives can be almost as exciting as riding behind them. Young train fans will enjoy these popular railroad read alouds.
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