Booth, Philip E. Crossing. 2001. j Picture Book
Beautiful full-spread vintage paintings illustrate this 1950’s train poem. The fond depictions of train cars and those who watch them are priceless.
Brodsky, Ed. Sophia & Benjamin Watch a Train Go By. 2005. j Concept Book
This hands-on counting book folds out to form a six-foot train with colorful cargo in each car.
Brown, Margaret Wise. Two Little Trains. 2001. j Picture Book
A journey of two trains, one in the outside world, and one in the indoor world of a child, Two Little Trains has the imaginative and snug quality of much of Margaret Wise Brown’s work.
Crews, Donald. Freight Train. 1978. j Picture Book
The exciting passing-by of a rainbow-hued freight train, Donald Crew’s classic has entertained and enriched the lives of preschoolers since 1978.
Crews, Donald. Shortcut. 1992. j Picture Book
For slightly older listeners, Shortcut tells the story of a group of children who decide to take the train track instead of their usual footpath home. An important lesson is learned.
Fleischman, Paul. Time Train. 1991. j Picture Book
Miss Pym and her class taking the train to visit the fossils at Dinosaur National Monument; but when the ticket man at the train station directs them to the Rocky Mountain Unlimited, the excitement begins. Before the class knows it, it is traveling through some mighty mysterious surroundings, and ends up having the field trip of a lifetime! Beautiful watercolor illustrations combine with a fun story.
Guthrie, Woody. New Baby Train. 2004. j Picture Book
Where do babies come from? Why, the train, of course! Join this rollicking ride to deliver a trainload of pint-sized passengers to their new homes. Sweet, humorous illustrations in muted dustbowl hues are by acclaimed illustrator Marla Frazee.
Johnson, Angela. I Dream of Trains. 2003. j Picture Book
Evocative wording and glorious illustrations work together to tell a poignant tale of a country boy’s love for trains and a famous engineer. The young man’s dreams for his future are inextricably intertwined with trains.
Kelly, Mij. William and the Night Train. 2000. j Picture Book
William is wide-awake, but everyone must sleep on the train that goes to tomorrow. Stylized paintings and rhythmic text combine to produce a mystifying yet safe journey from one day to the next.
Kuklin, Susan. All Aboard! 2003. j Picture.
Full color photos depict vintage steam engines pulling their loads through the rugged Rocky Mountains. Very simple text with lots of action.
Magee, Doug. All Aboard ABC. 1990. j Concept
Photographs combine with the alphabet to present a carload of interesting facts for the budding train enthusiast.
Mallat, Kathy. Trouble on the Tracks. 2001. j Picture
Suspense builds as a small train pulls away from its station, bound for Black Paw Crossing. Read to find out what kind of trouble lurks on the tracks for this peace-loving train and community.
Stutson, Caroline. Night Train. 2002. j Picture
Watch out! Stand back! Thunder, lightning, on the tracks… Here comes the train! A sensory ride through the countryside and into the city, with Grandma waiting at journey’s end.
Voake, Charlotte. Here Comes the the Train. 1998. j Picture
Each Saturday a father and his children ride bicycles to a high footbridge where they wait expectantly for the most exciting event of the day. Read this book to find out what it is!
Wolcoxen, Chuck. Niccolini’s Song. 2004. j Picture
Niccolini, the train yard night watchman, cares for his engines in a unique way. Soon town mothers are bringing their fussy babies to Niccolini for his special touch. Illustrated in muted nighttime colors, Niccolini’s Song is a restful, magical read.
Zimmerman, Karl. Steam Locomotives. 2004. j Non-fiction
This book combines high-quality photos and brief text to bring the bygone era of the steam locomotive to life. A good choice for the older listener or reader.
