The Big Book of Trains (DK Big Books)
DK Big Books Series
on Goodreads (72)
What’s inside...
From the first locomotive built in 1804 to the high-speed bullet train, The Big Book of Trains is the perfect book for kids who love trains. Packed with amazing facts and photographs of trains around the world, The Big Book of Trains covers the history of trains and train travel. Different types of trains are featured on their own spreads, and each page features multiple images to give a close-up view as well as informative text about each train. See the differences among monorails, passenger trains, and TGVs. Learn about pistons, fireboxes, boilers, and coupling rods, and find out exactly what they do to help the train travel down on the tracks. See key features of each train model and discover the difference between steam trains and diesels. Find out how trains are designed for certain jobs and tasks, including mountain trains, snow trains, and freight trains. Look at the biggest and fastest trains in the world. With incredible pictures and informative text, The Big Book of Trains is the essential book for young readers who want to know everything about trains.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes trains an important mode of transportation?
How do you imagine the experience of traveling on different types of trains mentioned in the book?
Which train would you like to learn more about, and why?
How do trains help connect different places and people according to the book?
What new things did you learn about trains that surprised you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about trains to activate prior knowledge.
While reading, pause to look at the pictures together and discuss what you see to enhance visual understanding.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the different trains by asking how they would feel traveling on them.
Link the story to personal experiences or upcoming travels involving trains to make the discussion more relatable.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite train from the book, which can lead to further discussion about its features.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding of teamwork
Explanation: The book showcases how various roles work together to operate and maintain trains, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of cooperating and contributing in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Technological curiosity and knowledge
Explanation: Through detailed explanations of different types of trains and their functions, the book fosters curiosity and knowledge about technology and engineering.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore, ask questions, and learn more about how things work in their daily surroundings.
Example Lesson: History and cultural awareness
Explanation: The book covers the historical development of trains and their impact on societies, providing a cultural perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the historical context of technology and its evolution, enhancing their understanding of history in school and everyday life.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: Discussing trains as a mode of mass transit, the book introduces concepts of sustainability and environmental benefits.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of environmentally friendly transportation choices.