model train set on track

Great Reading for Kids: Books About Trains

For the youngest railfans, there are an unbelievable number of books about trains. Most are available online from popular sources like Amazon, of course, but we recommend that parents join their local library with their kids to check out as many train books as possible. Below are some of our favorite books for younger readers that are widely available.

Need more recommendations? The National Toy Train Library is a great resource! Feel free to contact our Librarian to learn more.

NON-FICTION Children’s Books About Trains

For Ages 2 – 5

Things That Go by Tadasu Izawa

For Ages 5 – 10

Model Trains by Ed and David Radlauer

For Ages 10+

Railroadin’ Songs, Jokes & Stories by Wayne Erbsen
Trains by Stephanie Turnbull  (ages 10-12)
Classic Lionel Trains by Janet & Gerry Souter (ages 12 & up)
The Story of Joshua Lionel Cowen & His Lionel Train Company by Ron Hollander (12 & Up)

FICTION Children’s Books About Trains

For Ages 2 – 5

Crossing by Philip Booth
Runaway Train Illustrated by Jess Stockham
Terrific Trains by Tony Milton & Ant Parker
Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends by Rev. W. Awdry

For Ages 5 – 10

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Prairie Train by Antoine O. Flatharta 
Curious George Takes a Train by Margaret & H. A. Rey
My Grandpa Plays with Trains by Myrna Levy
Busy Trainsby Peter Lippman

Looking for Videos About Trains?

YouTube is a fantastic resource for train videos, but we also have several videos shot from the cab of toy train locomotives making their way around the track on layouts in our own National Toy Train Museum. These fun videos give viewers a sense of what the engineer in the locomotive would see as the train moves around the track! Visit the link below to watch the videos, and don’t forget to follow TCA on YouTube!

Want to Get on the Inside Track to Fun? Join Our TCA Youth Clubs!

Reading books about trains is even more fun when you can share your enthusiasm with others. If your child is not yet a member of our TCA Kids Club (under age 13) or TCA Teens Club (ages 13-18), this is your invitation to sign up for free!

When your child joins, they will receive a membership certificate, member card, and more.