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

Choo-choo! Are you on the lookout for the perfect train books for 6-year-olds? Whether your little one dreams of driving a steam engine or is just fascinated by the hustle and bustle of the railway, we've got a collection that will keep their curiosity chugging along. Keep reading as we explore a variety of captivating train books for 6-year-olds that are sure to delight and educate. All aboard for a literary adventure!

Fun Train Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, illustrated by Loren Long
  • Genre(s): Children's literature, Motivational
  • Synopsis: A timeless story about a small train engine that, despite its size, achieves the seemingly impossible task of bringing toys and food to children over a mountain.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches perseverance and optimism, showing kids that they can accomplish big things regardless of their size or others' doubts.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy uplifting stories and any child who needs a boost of confidence.

• Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: As night falls, a magical train pulls into the station. Each car is loaded by a crew of busy animals with items that match their peculiar needs, creating a whimsical bedtime parade.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic, soothing text and imaginative illustrations make it an ideal bedtime story, encouraging a love of reading and sparking creativity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and enchanting, dream-like stories.

• Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis, illustrated by Daniel Kirk
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Picture book
  • Synopsis: The day in the life of a busy little train is captured in bold, bright scenes and simple, engaging text as it travels through tunnels, past cities, and over bridges.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and rhythmic text helps develop language skills, while the fun illustrations keep young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who are fascinated by trains and enjoy lively, rhythmic read-alouds.

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christmas story
  • Synopsis: A young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, experiencing a journey of self-discovery and the wonders of the holiday season.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its beautiful, detailed illustrations and heartwarming story captivate and inspire a sense of wonder and belief in magic.
  • Perfect for: Children who love Christmas and magical adventures, as well as fans of beautifully illustrated picture books.

• Locomotive by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction, Informational
  • Synopsis: This book details the adventures and workings of the American steam locomotive during the 19th century, offering a comprehensive look at its mechanics and the experience of traveling by train during that era.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines detailed historical insights with captivating illustrations, making it both educational and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young train enthusiasts and history buffs eager to learn more about the age of steam trains.

Educational Train Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Freight Train by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Concept book
  • Synopsis: This vibrant book introduces children to the different types of cars on a freight train as it speeds through tunnels, over trestles, and through towns.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Color recognition, understanding of train components, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Its simple and clear text combined with bright, colorful illustrations makes learning about trains fun and accessible for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early readers who are beginning to learn about colors and transportation.

• Trains: Steaming! Pulling! Huffing! by Patricia Hubbell, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy
  • Genre(s): Children's poetry, Picture book
  • Synopsis: This book features playful rhymes and engaging illustrations that explore all kinds of trains and what they do.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, motor skills, introduction to different types of trains
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic, poetic text makes reading aloud a joy, and the detailed illustrations provide plenty to discuss and explore.
  • Perfect for: Young train lovers and children who enjoy rhythmic, lively read-alouds.

• My Big Train Book by Roger Priddy
  • Genre(s): Board book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers large, colorful photos and simple labels that introduce young children to the world of trains and their many types and uses.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary development, early literacy skills, recognition of different train types
  • Why we recommend this book: The big, bold photographs are easy for little eyes to focus on and the simple text helps build basic vocabulary.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who show an interest in trains and are learning to identify different objects.

• Thomas and Friends: My Red Railway Book Box by Rev. W. Awdry
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This set of board books takes young readers on adventures with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends on the Island of Sodor.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship, problem-solving, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: Each story teaches important lessons about cooperation and kindness while engaging children with their favorite characters.
  • Perfect for: Young fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and children who enjoy stories about teamwork and adventure.

• The Goodnight Train by June Sobel, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
  • Genre(s): Children's fiction, Bedtime story
  • Synopsis: This gentle, rhyming book takes children on a magical nighttime journey aboard a dreamy train to Sleepytown.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming and rhythm, calming bedtime routines, imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: Its soothing, lyrical text and whimsical illustrations make it the perfect bedtime read.
  • Perfect for: Young children who need a calming story before bed and train enthusiasts alike.

Challenging Train Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
  • Genre(s): Classic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three children and their mother move to a house near the railway after their father mysteriously disappears. They befriend the local stationmaster and embark on various adventures, involving trains and the people connected to them.
  • Why this book is challenging: The language and themes are more complex than typical children's books, involving moral dilemmas and a historical setting that requires comprehension beyond simple storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a rich narrative that encourages empathy and understanding of different social circumstances while captivating the imaginations of young readers with its adventurous spirit.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy historical settings and stories about family and resilience.

• The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternate historical universe, this novel follows a boy traveling on a gigantic, luxurious train. The journey becomes thrilling and dangerous as he becomes entangled in a plot involving a traveling circus, magical creatures, and a deadly enemy.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of class division and ambition, intertwined with a richly built fantasy world that demands advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story's blend of history, fantasy, and suspense makes it a compelling read that also sparks the imagination about the early days of train travel.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who love a mix of adventure, fantasy, and historical elements.

• The Iron Man by Ted Hughes, illustrated by Andrew Davidson
  • Genre(s): Science fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A mysterious metal giant appears and befriends a small boy, leading to extraordinary adventures that culminate in a dramatic confrontation with a space-bat-angel-dragon.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores themes of fear, acceptance, and redemption, woven through poetic language and metaphor that require thoughtful engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its unique blend of poetry and fantasy encourages critical thinking and imagination, providing a profound narrative experience beyond simple entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are not only interested in trains but also in stories that challenge their understanding of the world and humanity.

• Midnight on the Moon by Mary Pope Osborne, part of the Magic Tree House series
  • Genre(s): Science fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Jack and Annie travel to a futuristic moon base where they don a special suit and explore the lunar surface to find the fourth M thing needed to save a friend.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book introduces scientific concepts and futuristic technology through an engaging narrative that requires readers to imagine and understand scenarios beyond their everyday experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with historical facts, which helps cultivate a love for science and history through literature.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds that enjoy science fiction and adventures that stretch the imagination.

• The Secret Subway by Shana Corey, illustrated by Red Nose Studio
  • Genre(s): Historical fiction, Picture book
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Alfred Ely Beach and his ingenious invention of New York City’s first underground train in the 1860s.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with historical concepts and the technological innovation of the subway system, which are complex topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights creativity and determination in engineering and urban development, offering a fascinating glimpse into a piece of New York City's history.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and engineers in the making, as well as any child interested in how things work behind the scenes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to turn your 6-year-old into a little locomotive of learning with some train-themed books, you're on the right track! To boost their reading skills, here are some engaging exercises that go beyond just reading the words on the page. These activities are designed not only to improve their reading habits but also to make the whole experience a lot more fun.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw a map that follows the storyline of a train book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the story’s sequence.
  • Tips: Use simple symbols or drawings to represent different parts of the story.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book using favorite characters.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and empathy for different characters.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to express what the character might be feeling or thinking.

• Train Ticket Bookmarks
  • What it is: Create bookmarks shaped like train tickets.
  • How it helps: Makes finding the last read page fun and encourages a return to reading.
  • Tips: Write down the page number and a short note about what happened last.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or chapters aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and reading fluency.
  • Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make it more engaging.

• Question Express
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child specific questions about the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Start with simple questions and gradually move to more detailed ones.

• Illustration Station
  • What it is: Draw or color a picture about a favorite scene from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps recall details of the story.
  • Tips: Display the finished artwork to show appreciation for their effort.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you're not just chugging through pages, but also fueling your child’s love for books and bolstering their reading skills. So, all aboard the reading express! Let’s make learning fun and effective for your little conductor.