10+ Best Train Books for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Choo-choo! Are you on the lookout for the perfect train books for 3-year-olds? Whether your little one is a budding train enthusiast or just loves a good story, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of captivating train-themed books that are sure to delight and engage your toddler's imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks for train books for 3-year-olds that will keep those little eyes wide with wonder!

Fun Train Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Freight Train by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Concept Book
  • Synopsis: A colorful train moves through tunnels, over trestles, and past cities, showcasing different types of train cars.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces basic concepts of color and movement through simple, vibrant illustrations, making it engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who love bright colors and moving vehicles.

• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, illustrated by George and Doris Hauman
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: A small engine helps a stranded train full of toys and food for children by believing in herself and her abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its message of persistence and resilience is inspiring for young children, encouraging them to believe in themselves.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about overcoming challenges.

• Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis, illustrated by Daniel Kirk
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: A day in the life of a busy little engine pulling his load from morning till night.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhythmic, energetic text and bright, detailed illustrations make reading fun and engaging for little ones.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who love trains and playful, rhyming texts.

• Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: Animals load a steam train with all sorts of items before heading off to dreamland.
  • Why we recommend this book: The soothing rhythm and gentle artwork make it a perfect bedtime read for little ones.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy bedtime stories and whimsical illustrations.

• Thomas and Friends: My Red Railway Book Box by Rev. W. Awdry
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A set of board books featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends on various adventures around the railway.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive with sturdy board books that are easy for little hands to handle and helps foster a love for reading through familiar characters and engaging stories.
  • Perfect for: Young train enthusiasts and fans of the Thomas the Tank Engine series.

Educational Train Books for 3-Year-Olds

• All Aboard! National Parks: A Wildlife Primer by Haily Meyers and Kevin Meyers
  • Genre(s): Children's Nonfiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This charming board book takes young readers on a train journey through several national parks, introducing them to different wildlife and scenic landscapes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, animal recognition, and geographic knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of train travel with educational content about wildlife and nature, presented in a simple, engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young nature lovers and budding environmentalists.

• Trains: A Pop-Up Railroad Book by Robert Crowther
  • Genre(s): Children's Nonfiction, Pop-Up Book
  • Synopsis: This interactive pop-up book features various types of trains and provides fun facts about railway systems around the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mechanical knowledge, fine motor skills, and global awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: Its pop-up elements make learning about trains an exciting, hands-on experience for young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy interactive reading experiences and are fascinated by how things work.

• Train! by Judi Abbot
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures of a little elephant who loves trains more than anything, as he embarks on a fun-filled railway journey.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, adventure, and understanding of transportation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful story that captures the joy and excitement of train travel through the eyes of a lovable character.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who dream of adventure and have a special fondness for trains.

• The Goodnight Train Rolls On! by June Sobel, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: This sequel to "The Goodnight Train" features a soothing, rhythmic tale of a train's nighttime journey to dreamland, filled with dreamy landscapes and gentle twists.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Sleep routine, relaxation, and rhythmic language
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for settling down at bedtime, with calming text and whimsical illustrations that help soothe young readers to sleep.
  • Perfect for: Children who need a peaceful story to help them wind down at night.

• Locomotive by Brian Floca
  • Genre(s): Children's Nonfiction, Historical
  • Synopsis: This detailed picture book provides an in-depth look at the early days of America's transcontinental railroad through the journey of a family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, technical understanding of trains, and attention to detail
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a rich, engaging exploration of train history with beautifully detailed illustrations and clear, informative text.
  • Perfect for: Young historians and any child curious about how trains and railroads helped shape America.

Challenging Train Books for 3-Year-Olds

• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Christmas
  • Synopsis: On Christmas Eve, 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 text features a rich, descriptive narrative that goes beyond simple sentence structures, challenging young readers with its depth and imagery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic of Christmas through a unique train ride that sparks the imagination and celebrates the joy of believing.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy magical adventures and the Christmas spirit.

• Alphabet Trains by Samantha R. Vamos, illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke
  • Genre(s): Children's Nonfiction, Alphabet Book
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a ride through the alphabet, with each letter representing a different train from around the world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced vocabulary related to trains and transportation, providing a learning challenge that is uncommon in typical alphabet books.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines learning the alphabet with a fascinating introduction to different types of trains, enhancing both literacy and general knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are interested in trains and are learning the alphabet.

• The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: Katy Caboose longs for freedom from her train, and one day, an accident gives her the chance to explore the world on her own.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story is told through rhyming text that plays with language and structure, offering a more complex reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that encourages imagination and a sense of adventure, all wrapped up in delightful rhymes.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories with a sense of adventure and playful language.

• Engine Engine Number Nine by Stephanie Calmenson, illustrated by Paul Meisel
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Interactive Book
  • Synopsis: This interactive book invites readers to engage with the story of a small switch engine through songs, counting, and problem-solving activities.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates interactive elements that require comprehension and participation beyond simple reading, including singing and counting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an interactive reading experience that promotes active participation and learning through fun and play.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive stories and learning through activities.

• Trains Go by Steve Light
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Concept Book
  • Synopsis: The book features various types of trains, each with its own unique sound and purpose, providing a simple yet captivating exploration of railway vehicles.
  • Why this book is challenging: The use of onomatopoeic words introduces young readers to complex sound patterns and phonetic challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's visually stimulating with vibrant illustrations and sounds that mimic real trains, making it a sensory delight for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers fascinated by trains and sounds.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your little one to the world of train books and want to foster a love for reading early on, you're in the right place. Here are some fun and educational exercises tailored for 3-year-olds that can help them develop good reading habits while enjoying their train adventures. Let's make reading time both fun and beneficial!

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Browse through the book looking at pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Stimulates curiosity and sets the stage for the story.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what might happen in the story based on the pictures.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Identify sounds of trains and other elements in the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances auditory discrimination and links sounds to visuals.
  • Tips: Make train noises together and find pictures in the book that match the sounds.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: Encourage your child to retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Use prompts from the book’s illustrations to guide the retelling.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out parts of the book using toys or as characters.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps in understanding character roles.
  • Tips: Use toy trains and other props to make the story come alive.

• Find the Letters
  • What it is: Look for specific letters or words in the text.
  • How it helps: Introduces letter recognition and basic pre-reading skills.
  • Tips: Start with letters in your child’s name or frequently seen words like "train."

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make the experience more interactive but also tremendously beneficial for your child’s early literacy development. Remember, the key is to keep it light and enjoyable, letting your child’s interest in trains lead the way. Happy reading and choo-choo along the tracks of imagination and learning!