The Big Book of Trains (DK Big Books)

The publisher describes separate spreads for different types of trains, with several close-up images and text about each one. It explains parts such as pistons, fireboxes, boilers and coupling rods, and what they do to move the train along the tracks, and it compares steam trains with diesels. The publisher's own wording is that it is meant for young readers who want to know everything about trains. Its coverage runs from the first locomotive, built in 1804, to the high-speed bullet train, and the publisher says it covers the history of trains and of train travel.

A reference book for the living room rather than for carrying to a station. Its spreads cover trains built for particular jobs, including mountain, snow and freight trains, and they highlight some of the biggest and fastest trains in the world. The publisher also lists the differences among monorails, passenger trains and TGVs, and the key features of each train model it shows. It says each page carries several images that give a close-up view of a train, with informative text beside them, and that the book is packed with facts and photographs of trains from around the world.

A parent or relative buying a gift for a child of about five to nine who is curious about how trains work and wants pictures of many kinds of locomotives in one book. It also suits a family with an adult railfan who would like a children's book to share: the topics the publisher lists include boilers, coupling rods and the difference between steam and diesel.

DK's Train: The Definitive Visual History is the in-depth, adult-level companion already in the catalogue. National Geographic's 100 Train Journeys suits the adult reader who wants destinations rather than machines. Where a family wants a gift suited to Christmas specifically, Steam Train, Dream Train: Next Stop, Christmas! is the seasonal choice for younger children, while this DK book is the factual choice for the early school years.