This classic story first published in 1930, is still one of the best selling children's books of all time. It's often one of the first books added to a baby's bookshelf and a popular baby shower gift. This book's  messages are timeless.... believe in yourself... keep trying.
While there have been a number of different versions of the illustrations, the story has remained the same with each new publication. Your child will not only relate to all the toys the train carries, but also to the problem and ensuing struggles the train encounters. Before the story is over both you and your child will be cheering for this little train's success.

Additional Learning Resources
                                                             $2.99. (download and print)

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 ​​ While this page contains a lot of great information, you're just a quick download away from even more great ideas and materials designed to help your child foster an early love of learning. Each title's downloadable file includes printable vocabulary flashcards,  ideas for multiple ways in which to use the flashcards, a shared writing activity, a story elements  learning page and ideas for extending the learning beyond your home. Additionally, each bundle also includes printable versions of elements already included on this page.
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​                   Click HERE to view a sample of what's included in each bundle.

​Checking for Understanding

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Ask these questions as you read or after each reading. Some of the questions are open-ended which can lead to valuable discussions. Take the time to listen and respect your child’s point of view.

  1. The train carrying toys was a happy train.   How do we know this?
  2. What were your three favorite toys on the train?
  3. How could you use this chant to help you with something you do?

     Purchase  this title's Read it Again Resources Bundle for additional questions.

Words to Discuss

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Children use the words they hear and understand to later make sense of the words they later see in print when they begin to read. Research tells us that a larger vocabulary gives a child a huge advantage in school.

Purchase this title's Additional Learning Resources to receive printable flashcards of  the words listed below along with a wide variety of ideas for using your flash cards to increase your child's vocabulary.
teddy
mountain 
clown
doll
train
track
apple 
​orange
     blue      
giraffe
elephant
engine

Watch & Learn

Click below to watch a YouTube video containing tips on reading this book with your child. You'll learn where in the story to ask great questions and how to introduce new words. The video also shares ideas for taking the learning beyond the book.

 Art 
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Make an Engine and Tracks 
Go to Parents Magazine and check out the easy instructions for making this train engine and tracks. Here's my idea for customizing this craft...challenge your child to create additional train cars that resemble those in the story. Maybe even include faces on the train cars or add toys similar to those in the story. 
Sure you can go out and buy a train set, but isn't it  so much more empowering for your child to build one for herself?

Cooking Together

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Create a Train Cake
This special cake creation was found within the Parenting Magazine website.
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The complete instructions are found on the site, just click the link above.  Consider making this a joint effort by including your child in the shopping for all the special treats needed to make this train truly come to life.
Another idea would be to use engine colors similar to those found within the pages of the book.

Playthings

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Adding an element of play is a great way to deepen the understanding of concepts they learned within the story.

Why I Love This Toy:
  • no batteries
  • encourages imaginative play
  • teaches the alphabet

​Click HERE or on the image to purchase from Amazon. 
*Note that this site uses affiliate links. If you buy something through one of my  links, you won't pay a penny more,but I'll make a small commission which helps keep the lights on.  
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald