Best Children's Trains Books of 2025

Indestructibles: Things That Go! is an excellent book for babies that introduces them to different vehicles. The book is made of ultra-durable, waterproof material that can withstand chewing, drooling, and even washing. The book's bright pictures and few words encourage dialogic reading, making it an excellent emergent literacy tool. The book is also lightweight, portable, and meets ASTM safety standards. Stephan Lomp, the author, has done an outstanding job of creating a baby-friendly book that parents can trust. Overall, Indestructibles: Things That Go! is a unique and valuable addition to any baby's book collection.

The Little Engine That Could is a classic children's tale of determination and kindness. The story follows a small blue engine as she successfully pulls a train filled with special cargo over a mountain to deliver to waiting children. This beloved book has been inspiring young readers for 90 years and is part of the READ TOGETHER, BE TOGETHER movement, encouraging shared reading experiences between adults and children. This affordable classic, along with other titles, is a must-have for any family library and a great way to introduce important values to younger readers.

The Thomas and Friends: My Red Railway Book Box (Bright & Early Board Books) is a collection of all four popular Thomas board books: Go, Train, Go!; Stop, Train, Stop!; A Crack in the Track!; and Blue Train, Green Train. The box set comes in a nifty little lunchbox, perfect for little hands and Thomas fans on the go. The books are well-made with sturdy pages and feature colorful illustrations that will keep children engaged. Overall, this collection is a great addition to any child's bookshelf and a must-have for any Thomas the Tank Engine enthusiast.

This preschool activity book is a fantastic way for parents or caregivers to teach children aged 3-5 letters, numbers, colors, and shapes while keeping them entertained with exciting car, truck, and airplane activities. With over 75 educational activities, this book is perfect for learning on the go, and the colorful images and engaging tasks will keep young children occupied for hours. The book teaches children to follow directions and think critically, making it an excellent tool for developing essential skills. Overall, this book is an excellent screen-free option for teaching preschoolers basic skills, and it is a must-have for any parent with a child in this age group.

I Survived the Wellington Avalanche, 1910 is a gripping historical fiction book that tells the story of the deadliest avalanche in America's history. Lauren Tarshis's vivid narrative of one child's survival in the frozen nightmare is both heartwarming and action-packed. This book is part of the popular "I Survived" series that blends historical fact with an engaging story. The author's storytelling skills make this book a must-read for children interested in American history. Overall, this book is a great addition to the Children's 1900s American Historical Fiction Books, and it stands out for its detailed storytelling that educates and entertains young readers.

The Little Engine That Could is a timeless classic children's book that has been inspiring millions of children worldwide since 1930. The story follows the journey of the Little Blue Engine as she musters up the determination and courage to pull a train full of toys over a seemingly impassable mountain. This Grosset & Dunlap edition includes beautiful illustrations by Loren Long that add even more personality to the characters. The book is an entertaining and inspirational read that teaches children the power of positive thinking and determination. It's a great gift for special milestones like graduations and birthdays, and a must-have for any children's book collection.

I Knew You Could! is a children's classic book written by Craig Dorfman and illustrated by Cristina Ong. It features the Little Blue Engine, who encourages readers to choose the track that suits their interests and talents in life. The book's message of confidence and perseverance is much needed for children and adults alike, but the rhyming text often doesn't scan. The illustrations have a "young" look, which makes for an uncomfortable fit with the book's message. Overall, this book is an additional purchase at best, especially if Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go! is already on the shelf.

The Thomas & Friends 5-Minute Stories: The Sleepytime Collection is a delightful hardcover book that features various Thomas & Friends stories, perfect for train-obsessed children aged 3 to 7. Each story can be read in five minutes or less, making it an excellent choice for bedtime or any time of the day. Published by Random House Books for Young Readers, this book is an excellent addition to any child's bookshelf and an excellent way to help children develop a love for reading. Overall, this illustrated book is a must-have for any young train enthusiast.

DK Children's "Cars, Trains, Ships, and Planes: A Visual Encyclopedia of Every Vehicle" is a fascinating children's book that takes readers on a journey through land, sea, and air, with over 1,000 incredible images and fun facts. The book features detailed diagrams, drawings, and illustrations on every page, making it an engaging encyclopedia for transport enthusiasts aged 9-12. The book is an ideal combination of colorful diagrams with infographic text boxes, accompanied by an array of fun facts about various modes of transportation. Overall, this captivating encyclopedia is a must-read for curious children and adults alike.

The Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition is a beautiful hardcover book that follows the magical journey of a young boy aboard a train to the North Pole to make his Christmas wish. The book is a beloved Christmas classic and has won numerous awards, including the Caldecott Medal. The inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is showcased in this edition with a bold new jacket design and expanded interior layout. This book is perfect for all ages and makes for a great holiday tradition. Overall, The Polar Express is a must-read book for anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas.