10+ Best Books About Trains for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Choo-choo! Are you on the lookout for the perfect books about trains for 4-year-olds? Whether it's the thrill of the tracks or the adventure of the journey, train-themed books capture the imagination of little ones like nothing else. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of captivating reads that are sure to delight any young train enthusiast. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books about trains for 4-year-olds that will keep your little conductor engaged and learning.

Fun Books About Trains for 4-Year-Olds

• Choo Choo by Virginia Lee Burton
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This charming story follows the adventures of a small steam locomotive who runs away from her tracks to explore the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the imagination of young readers with its spirited narrative and delightful illustrations, encouraging curiosity and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Young train enthusiasts and adventurers at heart.

• Freight Train by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A colorful train moves through tunnels, over trestles, and through towns, while teaching colors and the names of train cars.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple yet powerful use of color and design makes it easy for young readers to engage and learn.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers learning colors and those fascinated by moving trains.

• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, illustrated by Loren Long
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Classic
  • Synopsis: An inspiring story about a small blue engine who agrees to help pull a stranded train full of toys over a mountain when larger engines refuse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and optimism, showing kids that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, regardless of size.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories of determination and triumph.

• Thomas and Friends: My Red Railway Book Box by Rev. W. Awdry, illustrated by Tommy Stubbs
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A set of four board books featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, each book tells a different story about the adventures on Sodor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and sturdy, ideal for little hands, and helps foster a love for reading through engaging stories and familiar characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting their reading journey and love trains.

• Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: As the steam train slows down for the night, a crew of animals loads up the train cars with all sorts of fun, like ice cream in the reefer car and toys in the boxcars.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic, soothing text and magical illustrations make it a perfect bedtime story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a soothing, dreamy read before bed.

Educational Books About Trains for 4-Year-Olds

• Trains: Steaming! Pulling! Huffing! by Patricia Hubbell, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides a lively introduction to all kinds of trains and their uses. It features vibrant illustrations and engaging rhymes that capture the essence of the railway.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of different types of trains, rhyming skills, and early literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic text and colorful illustrations make learning about trains an exciting and enjoyable experience for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who show interest in trains and rhythmic stories.

• Locomotive by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Historical
  • Synopsis: This detailed book follows a family’s journey across the U.S. on the newly completed Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1860s. It provides a detailed look at the history of trains and their operation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, technical understanding of trains, attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an in-depth exploration of train mechanics and history through stunning illustrations and clear, informative text.
  • Perfect for: Young train enthusiasts and history buffs.

• The Goodnight Train by June Sobel, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: This whimsical book takes readers on a magical nighttime train ride that winds its way to dreamland, with soothing and rhythmic text to help lull children to sleep.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Bedtime routines, rhythm and rhyming, calming techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: Its gentle, lulling text and dreamlike illustrations make it the perfect bedtime companion.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy a calming read before bedtime.

• Train! by Judi Abbot
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A rabbit and a giraffe have very different ideas about how to use the train they play with, leading to a story about sharing and friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, sharing, cooperation
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun train play with important lessons about friendship and sharing.
  • Perfect for: Young children learning about friendship and cooperative play.

Challenging Books About Trains for 4-Year-Olds

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy, Holiday
  • Synopsis: A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, learning about bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex themes of belief and the spirit of Christmas, intertwined with advanced vocabulary for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic of Christmas and the power of belief through beautiful, detailed illustrations and a captivating storyline.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures and holiday stories.

• The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: Katy Caboose longs for freedom from the end of the train and finds herself on an unexpected adventure when her wish comes true.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses a rhyming text that is playful yet sophisticated, introducing young readers to a more complex narrative structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the value of freedom and satisfaction through engaging rhymes and lively illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories with rhythm and a touch of adventure.

• The Big Book of Trains by DK
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: From old steam engines to modern high-speed trains, this book explores the fascinating world of trains with stunning visuals and loads of interesting facts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents detailed technical information and historical facts that are typically above the usual level for 4-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive introduction to the world of trains, perfect for nurturing a child's curiosity about how things work.
  • Perfect for: Young enthusiasts of trains and technology, and kids who enjoy fact-filled books.

• Alphabet Trains by Samantha R. Vamos, illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Alphabet Book
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a ride through the alphabet, featuring different trains from A to Z.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces various types of trains, each represented by a different letter, combining learning the alphabet with advanced vocabulary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively mixes the excitement of trains with the educational task of learning the alphabet.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are starting to learn the alphabet and have an interest in trains.

• Train Song by Diane Siebert, illustrated by Mike Wimmer
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Poetry
  • Synopsis: A rhythmic poem that captures the essence of a train's journey across the countryside, celebrating the beauty and power of trains.
  • Why this book is challenging: The poetic form and rhythmic cadence provide a more sophisticated reading experience, encouraging phonemic awareness and appreciation for lyrical writing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a lyrical exploration of the sights and sounds of train travel, enhancing sensory appreciation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy the rhythmic flow of poetry and the dynamic world of trains.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there, book-loving parents and guardians! If you're diving into the exciting world of trains with your little one through books, why not enhance their reading experience with some fun and educational exercises? These activities are designed specifically for 4-year-olds and will help cultivate a love for reading while keeping them engaged. Let’s chug along!

• Read and Role Play
  • What it is: Read a train book and then act out the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props like toy trains to make the role play more exciting.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the book looking at pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the book might be about based on the pictures.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Make train noises that match the actions in the book.
  • How it helps: Engages auditory skills and adds fun to the reading experience.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to create different sounds for different types of trains.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: Put events from the story in order using drawings or cutouts.
  • How it helps: Develops understanding of narrative structure and sequence.
  • Tips: Start with broad segments of the story before breaking it down into more detailed parts.

• Train Talk Time
  • What it is: Discuss the story after reading, focusing on the train elements.
  • How it helps: Improves verbal skills and memory recall.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions like "What would you do if you were the conductor?"

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a dynamic and interactive part of your child's daily life. By incorporating these playful and educational activities, you're setting the tracks for a lifelong journey of learning and loving books. All aboard the reading express!