10+ Best Books About Trains for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Choo-choo! Are you on the lookout for the perfect books about trains for 6-year-olds? Whether your little conductor is a budding train enthusiast or just loves a good story, you've come to the right track! Keep reading to discover a variety of engaging and fun books about trains that are sure to captivate the imagination of any 6-year-old. Let’s get this locomotive rolling and dive into the world of train adventures!

Fun Books About Trains for 6-Year-Olds

• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, illustrated by Loren Long
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Motivational
  • Synopsis: This is the story of a small train engine that, despite its size, successfully pulls a train full of toys over a mountain while repeating its motto: "I think I can, I think I can."
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and optimism, encouraging kids to believe in themselves and their abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy uplifting stories and learning about perseverance.

• Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: In this book, animals load a train with all sorts of items before it heads off into the night. Each car has a different purpose, from carrying hoppers full of bouncy balls to tankers filled with paint.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a soothing bedtime story that combines the excitement of trains with the calmness of dreamy sleep.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and trains, and parents looking for a peaceful bedtime read.

• Freight Train by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Concept book
  • Synopsis: A colorful train moves through tunnels, by cities, and over trestles in this vividly illustrated book. It introduces different types of train cars and their functions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for learning colors and the basics of how trains work, all through simple, engaging text and bright illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early readers who are fascinated by trains and moving objects.

• Trains Go by Steve Light
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Sound book
  • Synopsis: This book features various trains and the sounds they make as they travel through different scenes. Each type of train has its own distinctive noise, illustrated with fun, energetic artwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and fun, allowing kids to vocalize the sounds trains make, which enhances their reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Young train enthusiasts and children who enjoy mimicking sounds.

• Locomotive by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Children's non-fiction, Historical
  • Synopsis: This detailed book follows a family's journey across the United States on the newly completed Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1860s. It provides detailed information about the workings of a steam locomotive and the history of American railroads.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's educational and visually stunning, offering a rich historical perspective combined with detailed illustrations that captivate young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in history and how things work, especially those fascinated by machinery and historical adventures.

Educational Books About Trains for 6-Year-Olds

• Choo Choo by Virginia Lee Burton
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This charming tale follows the adventures of a little steam engine who runs away from the train yard to see the world, only to realize the importance of home.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of adventure and consequences, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines delightful storytelling with lessons about exploration and responsibility.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love classic stories and adventurous tales.

• The Goodnight Train by June Sobel, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Bedtime story
  • Synopsis: This soothing story takes children on a magical nighttime journey aboard a dreamy train that winds its way through fantastical landscapes on its way to Sleepytown.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Language development, bedtime routines
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, soothing text and whimsical illustrations make it a perfect bedtime read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need a calming story before bed and train enthusiasts.

• Train! by Judi Abbot
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Elephant and friends are eager to board the train, but they must first figure out who will drive. This book is full of fun and laughter as each character tries to take charge.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social skills, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous take on teamwork and leadership, with vibrant illustrations to keep children engaged.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy funny stories and learning about cooperation.

• All Aboard! National Parks: A Wildlife Primer by Haily Meyers and Kevin Meyers
  • Genre(s): Children's non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This board book introduces young readers to the wonders of America's national parks and the various animals that inhabit them, all through a scenic train ride.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, animal recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It educates children about nature and conservation in an accessible and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young nature lovers and future explorers who enjoy learning about animals and the outdoors.

• The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: Katy Caboose longs for freedom from the monotonous track life and finds it unexpectedly through a series of adventurous twists and turns.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, rhyming text and creative storyline captivate and stimulate young imaginations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories with rhyme and a touch of whimsy.

Challenging Books About Trains for 6-Year-Olds

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Christmas, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his journey, he learns about bravery, friendship, and the spirit of Christmas.
  • Why this book is challenging: The text features rich, descriptive language and a deeper narrative that explores themes of belief and the magic of Christmas, which are more complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the wonder of childhood and the magical feeling of the holiday season through beautiful, detailed illustrations and a captivating storyline.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures and holiday-themed stories.

• The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three children and their mother move to a house near the railway after their father mysteriously disappears. They befriend the local railway porter and embark on various adventures, ultimately uncovering the truth about their father's disappearance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story deals with complex themes such as social justice and the impact of parental absence, which are sophisticated topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a mix of adventure and mystery, providing moral lessons and a glimpse into early 20th-century English life.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy classic tales with rich narratives and deeper meanings.

• The Big Book of Trains by DK
  • Genre(s): Children's non-fiction, Reference
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide explores all types of trains from around the world, detailing their history, mechanics, and the roles they play in modern society.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes technical descriptions and a wide range of vocabulary related to train mechanics and history, which are typically beyond the usual scope for a 6-year-old.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's educational and visually appealing, perfect for satisfying the curiosity of young minds fascinated by how things work.
  • Perfect for: Young train enthusiasts who are eager to learn more about the different aspects of trains and their operations.

• Brave Little Train by Monika Filipina
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A small train overcomes its fears and obstacles on a journey to deliver an important package. Along the way, it discovers its own strength and the importance of perseverance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates themes of courage and self-discovery, paired with a more complex vocabulary to challenge young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable life lessons through a fun and engaging story, encouraging children to face their fears and believe in themselves.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about adventure and self-growth.

• Trains: Steaming! Pulling! Huffing! by Patricia Hubbell, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy
  • Genre(s): Children's non-fiction, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This book presents various types of trains through engaging poems and vibrant, collage-style illustrations, exploring the exciting world of trains from old steam engines to modern high-speed ones.
  • Why this book is challenging: The poetic form introduces young readers to a different style of writing, which involves interpretation and a deeper understanding of the text.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines factual information about trains with the beauty of poetic expression, making it a unique and stimulating read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are interested in trains and enjoy reading poetry.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the exciting world of trains with your 6-year-old through books, enhancing their reading experience can be both fun and educational. Here are some engaging exercises to help your little one develop excellent reading habits while exploring their favorite train stories!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner dedicated to reading books.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child help in setting up the space with cushions, small chairs, and their favorite train toys.

• Story Map Drawing
  • What it is: Draw maps based on the train journeys in the books.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and recall of the story’s events and settings.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or crayons to make the activity more engaging and fun.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of their favorite character.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the characters and their motivations.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more exciting and realistic.

• Book-Based Question Hour
  • What it is: Set aside time to ask and answer questions about the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage more detailed responses and discussions.

• Reading Train Tickets
  • What it is: Create "train tickets" that your child can earn each time they finish a book.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more to collect more tickets.
  • Tips: You can make this more fun by setting up rewards for a certain number of tickets collected.

These exercises are designed to make reading about trains an adventurous and rewarding journey for your 6-year-old. Each activity not only boosts their reading skills but also deepens their love for books. So, hop aboard the reading train and enjoy the ride through every page and story!