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How to Train a Train Hardcover – Picture Book, September 24, 2013

by Jason Carter Eaton (Author), John Rocco (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 307 ratings
See all formats and editions
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Everything you need to know about finding, keeping, and training your very own pet train.

Finding advice on caring for a dog, a cat, a fish, even a dinosaur is easy. But what if somebody’s taste in pets runs to the more mechanical kind? What about those who like cogs and gears more than feathers and fur? People who prefer the call of a train whistle to the squeal of a guinea pig? Or maybe dream of a smudge of soot on their cheek, not slobber? In this spectacularly illustrated picture book, kids who love locomotives (and what kid doesn’t?) will discover where trains live, what they like to eat, and the best train tricks around—everything it takes to lay the tracks for a long and happy friendship. All aboard!
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    3 - 5 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    48 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD520L
  6. Dimensions
    10.18 x 0.41 x 11.12 inches
  7. Publisher
    Candlewick
  8. Publication date
    September 24, 2013
  9. ISBN-10
    0763663077
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0763663070
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1–From Thomas the Tank Engine to The Little Engine That Could, kids love personified trains, so it's not such a huge chug forward to imagine one as a pet. But how do you select, train, and care for your pet engine? Written as a guidebook for new owners, this amusing title incorporates language usually associated with pet ownership and child rearing. “It's only natural that you'll want to take home all the trains, but don't just grab the first one you see. Take your time and choose one that's right for you.” Juxtaposing sensible tips with the absurdity of a huge pet locomotive creates a text that is at once believable and preposterous. “A warm bath can help calm a nervous train…and few trains can resist a good read-aloud.” But what really makes this concept roar down the track are the entrancing digitally colored illustrations that perfectly capture the expressiveness and playfulness of the pet trains. Whether illustrating the new pet going for a “walk,” performing a trick, or enjoying a playdate with other pet vehicles, the artist has so cleverly incorporated facial features onto the various engines that their distinct personalities shine through, as does the obvious affection children feel for their new pets. Additionally, the large-scale, saturated colors, and comic details of these pictures give young readers a boxcar full to look at and appreciate. From the appealing cover to the final moonlit scene of a boy and his pet steam engine happily chugging down the track, this book is sure to be popular with train and pet lovers alike.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Libraryα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* As it turns out, a train is not so very different from a dog—at least in the way you train it. Our young narrator, outfitted in pith helmet and khakis, sets the tone: “So you want a pet train? Well, of course you do!” He begins at the beginning, showing readers how to find trains (“early steam engines pretty much just sit in a museum”); how to capture a train (smoke signals seem to be the best method); and what to name it (a gallery of pictures shows Smokey, Sir Chugsalot, et al.). Once a train gets home, it can be soothed by reading aloud and sent to sleepy town by listening to clickity-clack music. And oh the fun to be had as you teach your new train to fetch or rollover. Eaton’s tongue-in-cheek—and eminently enjoyable—text is matched by Rocco’s smooth and sleek artwork laced with whimsy. A simple sentence like “How does it feel about tunnels and bridges?” results in a cleverly angled spread of a boy pulling his nervous train over a wooden bridge. Despite the human (or is it canine?) sensibility with which the trains are invested, they also seem like real mechanical objects—sturdy, strong, and powerful. Often they’re set against serene skies with blues and golds that could have come from the brush of Maxfield Parrish. This will get kids rolling. Preschool-Grade 2. --Ilene Cooper

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick; 8/25/13 edition (September 24, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0763663077
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0763663070
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 5 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD520L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.38 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.18 x 0.41 x 11.12 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 307 ratings

About the authors

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  1. John Rocco

    John Rocco

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    I love books. The fact that I get to make books for a living still thrills me everyday. I write and illustrate picture books and novels for children as well as illustrate books for older readers. Many of my books have received prestigious awards including my New York Times Bestselling book, BLACKOUT which received the Caldecott Honor. I am also the illustrator for Rick Riordan's blockbuster series' Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles and Heroes of Olympus.

    I didn't always make books. Before embarking on full time work as an author/illustrator I worked as an art director in the entertainment business. Movies, television, theme parks and museums were my canvas. It was great work and I enjoyed every minute of it, but...

    Did I tell you I love books?

    See more on the author's page
  2. Jason Carter Eaton

    Jason Carter Eaton

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Hello, if you're reading this, that means you're not me. Cause I wrote it, but I'm not gonna read it. Same with all my books. I wrote each and every one of 'em. But I'll be damned if I'm gonna sit around and read 'em all again! Who's got time for that? But don't let that stop YOU from reading them. In fact, I encourage you to. Read them all and tell me what they're about, okay? Cause, um, there's a test on them on Monday and I'm not really prepared. Thanks!

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
307 global ratings
Your kid(s) will love this book.
5 Stars
Your kid(s) will love this book.
If you want an example of a high-concept picture book executed fabulously, look no further. From just the title, "How to Train a Train," you get a sense of not just the plot of the book but also the anthropomorphic humor you are in for.I'm learning that high-concept books take a deep commitment to the underlying "bit" (for lack of a better term) to truly shine--and this is a great example. From choosing to "tracking" your train (haha) and beyond, this book will walk you through all the usual "selecting a pet" steps but taken to their logical, train-centric extremes. I won't spoil the other jokes, but this line, "If you brought any coal with you, now would be the time to offer it." made me laugh out loud.John Rocco's illustrations are hilariously ridiculous and ALSO super realistic--the perfect combo for fueling train-filled daydreams.
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Top reviews from the United States

sugaree
5.0 out of 5 stars Cutest Toddler Train Book
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
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This is an amazingly engaging book for your train loving toddler. It is so cutely written and my son loves picking what train he wants as a pet. Cleverly written, beautiful pictures and so colorful!
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Hannah
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024
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My son absolutely loves this book! It’s cute and lighthearted and sweet.
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B. Baker
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2022
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My child loves this book. We borrowed it from the library and he wouldn't put it down. He was thrilled when we got it. He was three at the time and still loves it. I enjoy reading it to him as well.
One person found this helpful
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COCO NOelle
5.0 out of 5 stars CAPTAIN FOOFAMALOO?
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2015
Verified Purchase
Haha! The young man we purchased this book for absolutely loves the page when we get to Captain Foofamaloo!! He squeals his name and giggles every time! The idea behind the story truly activated his imagination and after having had this book out on loan from the local library we finally decided to go ahead and purchase a copy for him and right now it's his favorite book. From an adult perspective there are many things I appreciate from the colorful graphics to the creative storyline that a Train could be captured and trained. This book will captivate your child's imagination so completely that it might surprise you as much as we have been surprised.
3 people found this helpful
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Betsi
4.0 out of 5 stars Train book
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2013
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my two 4 year old grandsons. It has great graphics and a cute story. The only disappointment I had was in learning that the "training process" includes having a child (trainer) stand on the tracks in front of a train. I realize this is fiction and pretend but in my opinion this was not a bright thing to include in all the training possibilities.
3 people found this helpful
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P. Stofanak
5.0 out of 5 stars A very fun book for little train enthusiasts!
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
My four-year-old loves this book and chooses to read it every night. It's cute and teaches kids how to catch a pet train and take care of it. He loves the part about choosing a name and laughs at some of the silly name ideas. Would definitely recommend!
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Naomi Bernstein
5.0 out of 5 stars Instant favorite
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2013
Verified Purchase
This book was one of my 4-year-old son's Chanukah gifts. I did not think it would get much attention, as it was competing with some pretty fun toys. Boy, was I wrong (happily so). My husband and I have had to read it at least once a day, usually several times a day, EVERY DAY since he opened it. He has now learned it by heart and still wants to read it. It is incredibly humorous and whimsical, with clever illustrations. My husband and I enjoy it too.
One person found this helpful
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jamie
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is my 2 yr old son's second favorite book. It's very cute and I think the illustrator is great! I really think the issue that people are having with the girl standing in front of the train is very minor. Im not worried about my son getting that idea in his head because i actually watch my kids. Even if he had that in his head that it was a good idea to stand in front of a train, there is no way in hell i would ever allow him to be alone long enough to accomplish that. don't blame the book if your an unattentive parent.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Tara Anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars The illustrations are fantastic too. Sludge and go for the hardcover and ...
Reviewed in Canada on December 13, 2016
Verified Purchase
If your child has imaginary friends that are trains this is a book for you. The illustrations are fantastic too. Sludge and go for the hardcover and you will see all the details! Lovely edition. Nice heavy paper stock and we'll bound. Candlewick never disappoints.
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Family
5.0 out of 5 stars My 3-year-old train lover adored this book
Reviewed in Germany on April 22, 2014
Verified Purchase
The illustrations are very nice and my son loves the story. He keeps asking me to re-read this story even though he has a lot of other train stories.
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RS
3.0 out of 5 stars A nice story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2021
Verified Purchase
Nice illustrations and quirky story
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Momto3children
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2014
Verified Purchase
I Read this to my 5 year old son and he LOVED it (and so did I)! He Asked to read it again and again (and he's not a huge train person either)!
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SAWarren
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for 3 year old
Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2014
Verified Purchase
Bought for my grandson. He demands it be read to him every single night, at least once. Very wise choice.
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