Books About Trains · 336 titles considered

The Best Trains Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about trains? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Trains

Sale price

$1699

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10

The Box-Car Children

By Gertrude Chandler Warner · The boxcar children mysteries series

Four orphaned children run away from their grandfather and live in a boxcar, where they learn to fend for themselves and have many adventures.

160 pages· 17,402 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 131,219 ratings

Summary: Four siblings, determined to stay together, make a home in an abandoned boxcar. As they navigate their new life, they uncover a surprising family connection that could change everything. Will they find the stability they crave, or will their discovery lead to unexpected challenges?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2024

Sabotage on the Solar Express

Book #5 in the Adventures on Trains series

A young sleuth races to stop a train sabotage before disaster strikes.

256 pages· 47,100 words· Est. 5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 953 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Hal Beck, a young sleuth, embarks on the Solar Express's maiden voyage across the Australian Outback. Joined by his uncle Nat, tech prodigy Boaz, and Marianne, Hal must uncover the saboteur threatening to derail the train. As mysterious mishaps escalate, the stakes rise: can they solve the mystery before the train explodes? With time running out, Hal's detective skills are put to the ultimate test in this thrilling adventure.

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2022

Danger at Dead Man's Pass

By M. G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman, Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Adventures on Trains series

A young detective faces a family curse and haunted railway mystery.

272 pages· 52,385 words· Est. 6 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,076 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Hal Beck, an artist and budding detective, is drawn into a chilling mystery involving a family curse and a haunted railway. Invited by Baron Essenbach, Hal and his Uncle Nat must uncover the truth behind the Kratzenstein family's dark legend—a supposed deal with the devil. As they go undercover, strange occurrences escalate, challenging Hal to solve the supernatural puzzle before time runs out. Can Hal unravel the secrets of the past and save the present, or will the curse claim another victim? Dive into this thrilling adventure and discover the truth lurking in the shadows.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2020

Kidnap on the California Comet

By M. G. Leonard, Sam Sedgman, Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Adventures on Trains series

A missing billionaire's daughter on a train sparks a race against time.

256 pages· 50,747 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,675 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Hal Beck, an amateur sleuth, embarks on a train journey across America with his uncle. When a billionaire's daughter vanishes aboard the California Comet, Hal, alongside new friends Mason and Hadley, must unravel the mystery before reaching San Francisco. Can they solve the case in time?

Sale price

$2089

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1985

The Polar Express

By Chris Van Allsburg

A young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

Caldecott Medal (1986)

32 pages· 910 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 249,991 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Summary: On Christmas Eve, a young boy boards a magical train bound for the North Pole. As the Polar Express journeys through dark forests and icy landscapes, he anticipates a special gift from Santa. Will his Christmas wish come true in the city atop the world? This enchanting adventure, filled with wonder and mystery, has captivated readers for generations. Experience the magic anew with this special edition, featuring stunning illustrations and a keepsake ornament. Join the boy on a timeless journey where belief and imagination lead to the heart of Christmas.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

The Silver Arrow

By Lev Grossman · Book #1 in the The Silver Arrow series

A birthday gift steam locomotive whisks siblings on a magical, world-saving adventure.

272 pages· 36,046 words· Est. 5 hour read

6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,205 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Kate's mundane life takes a wild turn when her mysterious Uncle Herbert gifts her a colossal steam locomotive for her birthday. With her brother Tom, she embarks on a journey aboard the Silver Arrow, traveling through magical lands with talking animals. As they navigate this thrilling adventure, the siblings must rely on their wits and courage. Can they uncover the secrets of the Silver Arrow and perhaps even save the world? Join Kate and Tom as they discover the wonders and challenges of a world beyond their imagination, where every turn of the track brings new surprises.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

Bunnies on the Bus

By Philip Ardagh, Ben Mantle (Illustrator) · Sunny Town Bunnies series

A group of bunnies cause chaos on a bus and then a train.

32 pages· 279 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 654 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In Sunny Town, bunnies have taken over a bus, causing delightful chaos as they zoom past stops and swings. Their wild ride leaves everyone wondering where they'll hop off next. Will they ever stop, or is this just the beginning of their mischievous adventure? With vibrant illustrations and a catchy refrain, this tale promises endless fun and surprises.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 2018

The Train to Impossible Places

By P. G. Bell · Book #1 in the Train to Impossible Places series

A girl must choose between saving a friend or risking everything on a magical train journey.

400 pages· 71,359 words· Est. 10 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 3,440 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Suzy's world flips when a magical train crashes through her living room. Now, as Deputy Post Master, she must deliver a talking snow globe to the sinister Lady Crepuscula. But the globe, Frederick, holds secrets that could endanger the entire Union of Impossible Places. Suzy faces a heart-wrenching decision: protect Frederick and risk her friends' safety, or complete the delivery and doom countless worlds. With the stakes sky-high, Suzy's courage and wit are put to the ultimate test in this thrilling adventure.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

The Secret Subway

By Shana Corey, Red Nose Studio (Illustrator)

Discover the hidden tale of New York's first underground train.

40 pages· 1,202 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,072 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1860s New York, chaos reigned with crowded, filthy streets. Visionary Alfred Ely Beach dared to dream of an underground escape—a fan-powered train beneath the city. After relentless work, his secret subway was unveiled in 1870, astonishing all who rode it. Will this bold innovation transform the city's future, or remain a forgotten marvel?

Sale price

$858

Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2013

Steam Train, Dream Train

By Sherri Duskey Rinker, Tom Lichtenheld (Illustrator) · Steam Train, Dream Train series

Animals load a dream train with whimsical cargo before bedtime.

32 pages

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,964 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: As the dream train arrives, animals like polar bears and elephants load whimsical cargo—ice cream, paints, and more. With zebras refereeing and kangaroos hopping, this enchanting bedtime tale invites young train enthusiasts to drift into a world of dreams. Will the train's journey soothe them to sleep?

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Browse by age

Trains Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about trains for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$599

The Little Red Caboose

Ages 2–5 · 1953

A caboose dreams of being as admired as the steam engine.

Sale price

$1199

All Aboard! Pacific Northwest

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Embark on a train journey through the Pacific Northwest's wonders.

Sale price

$1099

That's Not My Train...

Ages 0–3 · 2000

A mouse seeks his perfect train amidst a puzzling array.

Sale price

$899

Steam Train, Dream Train Colors

Ages 2–5 · 2016

Join a colorful train journey with lively animals and learn colors through rhymes.

Sale price

$899

Moo Moo, Choo Choo

Ages 0–3

No book description provided.

Sale price

$1199

All Aboard! California

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Embark on a global train adventure with your little one.

Sale price

$1199

All Aboard! Paris

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Embark on a train journey exploring cities with your little one.

Sale price

$899

Steam Train, Dream Train 1-2-3

Ages 2–5 · 2016

Join animal friends on a dreamy train counting adventure.

Sale price

$799

My Big Train Book

Ages 0–4 · 2003

Explore the world of trains with captivating photos for young readers.

Sale price

$699

Choo-Choo Colors

Ages 0–3

Discover the secrets hidden in each train car.

Sale price

$999

The Goodnight Train

Ages 2–4 · 2006

Embark on a whimsical train ride to dreamland.

Sale price

$799

Maisy's Train

Ages 2–5 · 2002

Join a joyful train ride through hills and tunnels.

View all trains board books

Browse by age

Trains Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about trains for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1899

Overground Railroad

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young girl journeys north, seeking freedom and new beginnings.

Sale price

$1799

When Jackie Saved Grand Central

Ages 3–7 · 2017

A New Yorker fights to save Grand Central from a skyscraper threat.

Sale price

$1799

Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo

Ages 2–5 · 1999

A train's journey unfolds with unexpected adventures.

Sale price

$1995

The Man With the Violin

Ages 5–8 · 2013

A boy tries to make his mom notice a subway violinist's enchanting music.

Sale price

$1299

I Knew You Could!

Ages 3–7 · 2003

A little engine inspires graduates to embrace new beginnings with determination.

Sale price

$1599

Here Comes the Train

Ages 2–5 · 1998

A family awaits the thrilling arrival of a train.

Sale price

$1899

Silver Packages

Ages 5–8 · 1987

A boy's hope for a special gift reveals the true meaning of Christmas.

Sale price

$1799

Our Subway Baby

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A baby found in a subway finds a loving family.

Sale price

$1799

Trucker and Train

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A big rig faces a choice: continue bullying or embrace kindness when a crisis hits.

Sale price

$1899

Milo Imagines the World

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A subway ride reveals that appearances can be deceiving.

Sale price

$1895

Railway Jack

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A legless inspector and a baboon must prove their teamwork to skeptical authorities.

Sale price

$1199

A Treasury of Curious George

Ages 4–7 · 2004

Join a curious monkey on adventures filled with mischief and discovery.

View all trains picture books

Browse by age

Trains Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about trains for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$599

Trouble on the Orphan Train

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Time-traveling kids must clear an orphan's name and find a missing friend.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1699

The Sound of Colors

Ages 6–9 · 2001

A woman seeks healing on subway rides with her dog.

Sale price

$899

Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express

Ages 7–10 · 1990

A storm-damaged bridge, a midnight train, and a race against time to save lives.

Sale price

$899

First Class Murder

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A murder on the Orient Express. Can two young detectives solve it before the killer strikes again?

Sale price

$895

How to Get Away with Myrtle

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A vanished tiara, a murder, and a young detective on a train. Can she solve the mystery?

Thea Stilton and the Mystery on the Orient Express

Sale price

$899

Thea Stilton and the Mystery on the Orient Express

Ages 7–10 · 2012

Can the Thea Sisters stop a daring heist on the Orient Express?

Sale price

$899

Delivery to the Lost City

Ages 10–14 · 2021

A magical book threatens chaos; can Suzy find its lost world before it's too late?

Sale price

$1699

Murder on the Safari Star

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A train journey turns deadly. Can Hal solve the mystery before reaching the final stop?

Sale price

$599

Trapped on the D.C. Train!

Ages 6–9 · 2011

A group of kidnappers target the vice president of the United States and her stepdaughter on a train ride to Pennsylvania

Sale price

$799

Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A young girl embarks on a journey to discover herself and find her place in the world

Sale price

$1699

The Train of Lost Things

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy seeks a magical train to recover his lost jacket and save his father.

Sale price

$1299

The Highland Falcon Thief

Ages 10–14 · 2020

A boy must solve a jewel theft on a royal train to clear his friend's name.

View all trains chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Trains

Great books, picked for their age.

Trains Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Trains Picture Books

Trains Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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