The Goodnight Train Reading Guide & Activities | Ages 12 Months–8 Years

Turn storytime into an opportunity to read together, create together, and grow together with this printable companion guide for The Goodnight Train, written by June Sobel and illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith.

Designed for children ages 12 months through 8 years, this guide helps you enjoy the story at your child’s developmental level—without turning reading time into a lesson or quiz. Start by simply enjoying the book together. Then, return to the story whenever you are ready to explore its playful illustrations, train sounds, bedtime theme, and hidden details through engaging questions and a personalized hands-on activity. 

Inside this 18-page guide, you’ll find:

• Three During Reading Tips to help you explore the illustrations, adjust your reading pace, and bring the train’s sound effects to life
• Age-appropriate After Reading Questions for:
• 12–18 months
• 18–24 months
• Ages 2–4
• Ages 5–8
• Guidance showing where to ask each question, which skill it supports, and how it helps your child learn
• A complete materials list and step-by-step directions for a personalized craft
• Two ways to complete the same craft:
• With printable templates
• No printer needed, using the provided measurements
• Opportunities to build vocabulary, counting, picture awareness, inference, emotional understanding, critical thinking, and name recognition

About the activity

Families can choose the version that works best for them: print and trace the included shape templates, or draw the pieces using the measurements provided. 

The activity extends the train theme of the story while supporting fine-motor development, sequencing, letter recognition, and a growing sense of ownership and identity.

The goal is not a picture-perfect project—it is the connection, conversation, creativity, and time spent making something together.

This guide is a good fit for families who want to:

• Make a bedtime story more interactive and memorable
• Encourage children to notice humorous details hidden in illustrations
• Build vocabulary through rhyme, sound effects, and descriptive language
• Practice counting, observation, inference, and comprehension
• Support name and letter recognition through a personalized craft
• Choose between a printable or no-printer activity option
• Enjoy a prepared activity without having to plan everything themselves

Please note

This is a digital PDF download. No physical book, printed guide, or craft supplies will be mailed.

You will need access to a copy of The Goodnight Train by June Sobel to use the reading portions of this guide. The book may be borrowed from your local library or purchased separately.

Recommended ages: 12 months–8 years

Format: Printable digital PDF

Length: 18 pages

Included activity: 1

Craft options: Printable templates or no-printer directions