9 Engaging Books About Cars, Trucks, and Trains For Kids Who Love Them

Freight Train, by Donald Crews
For the youngest readers with a transportation fascination, Donald Crews is the place to start. A 1979 Caldecott Honor, this book features simple text, vibrant pictures, and an abundance of opportunities for train noises (Whoo-whoo!  Chugga-chugga!). Since the book is likely to become an immediate favorite, you should probably plan on adding Truck and School Bus to your collection, too.

Locomotive, by Brian Floca
At the other end of the spectrum is this picture book for older readers. With longer text and historical detail, Locomotive explores the early days of the transcontinental railroad and it will fill you with nostalgia for the days when traveling by train was a grand adventure for those above the age of 5. While the text may be geared toward the older crowd, the lyrical, rollicking rhythm and stunningly detailed illustrations will draw in readers of all ages.

How to Train a Train, by Jason Carter Eaton and John Rocco
At some point in time, every kid wants a pet. A cuddly bunny, a soft kitten, a roly-poly puppy. But how about a train? And, if by chance, you do get a pet train, what next? For those truly adventurous (and lucky!) new train owners, there’s How to Train a Train. This how-to guide covers everything from train selection, to names, to food options, to exercise. Kids will be thrilled, and parents relieved, to discover that owning a train isn’t as daunting as it might first appear, although it will probably never fetch your slippers.

Cars : Rushing! Honking! Zooming!, by Patricia Hubbell, Megan Halsey and Sean Addy
For the budding car enthusiast and the interactive (ahem…noisy) reader, this book is chock full of action and sound words. The illustrations are reminiscent of something you might find in the 50’s or 60’s, with a bit of humorous flair. Both words and illustrations zig-zag across the page, mimicking actual movement. Companion books for trucks, trains, boats, and airplanes are also available.

Truck Stop, by Anne Rockwell andMelissa Iwai
As much about the people who drive them as the trucks themselves, Truck Stop is told from the perspective of a young boy who is up early every morning to help serve breakfast to the regulars at the family truck stop. When one of those regulars doesn’t show up one morning, the rest of the truck stop community comes together to find them and solve the problem. Bright mixed-media illustrations make this a book an offbeat delight.

Three Little Rigs, by David Gordon
Children who already know the story of The Three Little Pigs will giggle over this truck version. Each rig has plans for the building of his new garage, but the big bad wrecking ball has plans, too. As in the story that inspires it, it’s only by working together will these three little rigs win the day.

Everything Goes: On Land, by Brian Biggs
The Everything Goes series, which also includes Everything Goes: In the Air and Everything Goes: By Sea is reminiscent of Where’s Waldo. In this first installment, Henry and his father are on their way to the airport to pick up Henry’s mother. There’s a loose plot, but the focus is really on search-and-find activities, mini-lessons, and many, many funny little illustrative details. One of those great books that can be read aloud, or just passed into the hands of younger children for their exploration and visual enjoyment.

Steam Train, Dream Train, by Sherry Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld
The creators of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site return with another imaginative bedtime story. This time, it’s a dream train that pulls into a station, ready to be loaded with giraffes and monkeys, polar bears and kangaroos. At first, the pace is fast, reflective of the chaos and excitement in the station. But as the animals settle into their beds, so does the rhythm of the text, ending on a suitably quiet note perfect for bedtime.

If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
Ever ride in a car and think, “Wouldn’t it be nice if this car had…?” Jack did! In If I Built a Car, Jack presents his dream car. But this is no ordinary car. This car can soar above traffic, or dive deep into the sea. It has a pool, a snack bar, and even a robot chauffeur. Rhyming text paired with illustrations that evoke nostalgia for the automobile’s golden era make this a hit for both kids and adults.

Any other transportation favorites you’d add to the list?