Trains: An Engaging Introduction to Trains and Their Uses Including Locomotives, Tanker Cars, Boxcars, and More

by Gail Gibbons

Clickety-clack. Clickety-clack. Choo, choo!  Race down the tracks with this colorful book all about trains.


In this fun nonfiction picture book, Gail Gibbons introduces the youngest readers to all kinds of trains. 

Featuring powerful locomotives, huge tanker cars, and boxcars full of cargo-- and many other types of trains-- this is a kid-friendly way to learn the ins and outs of trains, their parts, and why we ride them.

For even young readers, don't miss the board book edition!

Genres: Picture Books, Trains, Transport, Childrens, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1987

About the author

From gailgibbons.com: I was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1944. Even as a little child, I was always busy putting books together. Sometimes I would bind them with yarn to hold the pages together. I've always loved drawing and painting. I was also a very curious child. My parents tell me that I was always asking lots and lots of questions.

Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.

Reviews

[Adrienne Blaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually just learned more about trains from this picture book and I’ve been to train museums before. Why didn’t I know cabooses were for train crews? Some things are so simple, like the different types of train cars and what they’re for, that no one thinks to explain them to you as an adult!

[Jennifer Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trains by Gail Gibbons is a fantastic non-fiction story for any young train lover. This story features many types of trains and gives a brief explanation of their history. It goes over the differences between passenger trains and freight trains, including the various types of cargo they may carry. It even goes into detail about the types of train cars and their differing purposes, as well as the signs and signals you may see on or around railroads.

I love Gail Gibbons stories for teaching new information. These stories always have fantastic illustrations full of realistic details. This story includes labels on the pictures which is very helpful for those of us who may not be well versed in train trivia. The inclusion of common signs and signals at the end is great and I love to use it to discuss which of the signs the kids have seen before and what they may mean. I love reading this story with little kids because there seems to always be at least one in every group who is obsessed with trains. This story breaks down the information in very easy to understand language and teaches lots of new vocabulary. The setting goes through various stages, and we see trains go through the countryside, cities, towns, and even subways. This story is great for any train enthusiast and is always popular with my pre-k kids.

This story is available in paperback, hardcover, and board book.

[Carly Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This concept book about trains was a decent book for children to read. There were many facts about the history of trains, and the mechanics on how they work. It was informational and got the job done for learning about trains, however, the book was not effective in getting children interested in trains. There was no excitement or drive to read more on trains by the end of the book. The illustrations were pretty boring and similar to each other with little differentiation from page to page. I think this book is a little too formal to keep children’s attention and for that reason, I would not choose to read this to young children.

[Taylor Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Informational Nonfiction
Grade: k-2

This is a great book for children interested in learning about trains. It teaches you every aspect of trains you'll need to know. From the different types of trains to what trains carry it does the job. I think this book directed towards younger grades, but some of the vocabulary may be difficult.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1987 and again in 2019 this is a typical straight to the point factual title about trains telling about the different type of train cars and their contents. Very appropriate for the toddler set.

[Esther May · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a boy who is really into trains right now and this was a great read for him. Fun introduction to all things train.

[Wolfgang · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t that great because it was just telling facts.

[Pamela Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my son's favorite book when he was little. Beautifully illustrated and informative.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a very popular book with a kid who loves trains!

[Little Champs]

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[Lucila Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how this book is about the different types of trains. It shows different uses for them along with different tracks. The author explains how some are for people, while others carry coal and cars. Some are underground, while some are above. Some are on regular train tracks while others are held from the top. It puts trains in a very positive light saying "trains are fun to watch". While I was reading the story I noticed that this book focuses on bright, bold colors along with a big emphasis on lines. This is very appropriate considering the book is about trains and those are also in a line. Gibbons also uses a poetic way of talking about trains occasionally rhyming. His wording is very simple , sweet and gets to the point. This is good because it doesn't lose the attention of a younger reader. It also includes a page at the very end showing different signs used for both trains a people. Although this book is not a normal story telling book it gives great details and information for young readers who are still learning the basics of a variety of things. I also like how Gail Gibbons just has one simple line of text for each page, and yet the book is still filled with plenty of interesting facts. A good book for reading in class and make class discussions.

[Jordan Caton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This non-fiction book titled Trains is the book I chose for my concept book. This is a book about the different types of trains. It shows different uses for them along with different tracks. Some are for people, while others carry coal and cars. Some are underground, while some are above. Some are on regular train tracks while others are held from the top. It puts trains in a very positive light saying "trains are fun to watch".

This book focuses on bright, bold colors along with a big emphasis on lines. This is very appropriate considering the book is about trains and those are also in a line. Gibbons also uses a poetic way of talking about trains occasionally rhyming. His wording is short, sweet and to the point. This is good because it doesn't lose the attention of a younger reader. It also includes a page at the very end showing different signs used for both trains a people. This can open up a lot of discussion and possible activities.

I gave it 3 stars because while the book wasn't bad, I think it could have been more interesting. I would say this could be for kindergarden age.

[Kayla Mosson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great book that allows young readers to gain an interest in trains. It discusses a variety of different aspects that pertain to trains, from what you can eat on a train, what a train carries, to the parts of a train. Gail Gibbons does an excellent job with her vibrant colorful pictures that provides her readers with a depiction of the text. Although this book is not your normal story telling book it gives great details and information for young readers who are still learning the basics of a variety of things. If you are looking to find an author that provides expository non-fiction books to use in your classroom Gail Gibbons is an excellent author to choose from. Her books would be great for students to do book reports or presentations on as they provide detail over certain topics. I wold rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I gave it a four because some of the information may be a little to complicated for very young readers. Other than that I enjoyed this book as well as others.

[Katherine Settle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very well at showing what part of a train was, or teaching something to the reader. I liked how the colors were bright in the book. I think this could be very helpful for a small child, especially if they are interested in trains. The book does a good job of describing what all the trains can do. They also mention all of the different kinds of trains. Although, this book teaches a lot, I almost wish it told more of a story. This book was very good at teaching.

[midnightfaerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay book about trains. Colorful pictures but too technical to really hold the attention of my kids, both the preschool aged who love trains, and my 5 yr old. Just trying to find some good children's books about trains since my 2 yr old twins love trains so much. Too bad they lost interest after the first sentence.

[Misty Phelan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children's book that tells you about the history of trains. Even though this book is listed as a work of fiction, it is a wonderful resource to get a young child learning the history and possibly wanting to know more. A must-read for anyone who has a child who loves trains!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one we have checked out from the library MANY times because my boys are obsessed with trains. I like that Gail Gibbons just has one simple line of text for each page, and yet the book is still filled with plenty of interesting facts. A good book for young train enthusiasts.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little wordy for my 18 month old who wanted me to read it to her. She became disinterested quickly. However, a 3-4 year old would probably love it.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son has an interest in trains - due to Thomas the Train. I like how it has information but it's not too much information - where the child gets overloaded.

[Alyce Dougan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book all about trains and trains history. This book is very informative, easy to follow, and has simple pictures. I would recommend this book to a Pre-K or Kindergarten class.

[David Gallin-Parisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Facts and colorful tracks.
Not much of a story, yet a treat for train enthusiasts of any age.
Vintage Gibbons design and illustrations!

[Katie]

IIII

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read to James

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

My two year old likes this non-fiction train book a lot. He never seems to tire reading about different types of engines and trim cars and what they are used for.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A non fiction book that is a good introduction to trains. It talks about what the different cars are for on a train and a little about how trains run.

[Lindsey Saez Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book 4 times today. I like how clear the illustrations are. My 2 year old is very interested in learning the names of the different parts, so we spend a long time on each page.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library book. Read on MP first grade recommendation. Fine to read. Not going to buy. Didn't love.

[Aneesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The amount I don't know about trains is profound.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of lots of detail...perfect for a child who loves trains!

[Victoria Irons]

I would suggest most Gail Gibbons books to young readers exploring nonfiction because she does an excellent job of giving concise and accurate information in a kid-friendly way. Most of her books also have some sort of word/picture glossary and informational charts at the end of the books which serve as excellent text features.