Hey! Get Off Our Train
By John Burningham
The Story
A boy drifts off to sleep and dreams he's driving a night train through the countryside, stopping again and again to let endangered animals climb aboard.
Why It's Special
For the kid who turns every bedtime into one more adventure before lights-out, this dream train ride is the perfect last stop.
- Big idea: Kindness means making room for those who need help, one more passenger at a time.
- Vibes: Dreamy, gentle, and quietly hopeful — a nighttime journey that feels both cozy and important.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy stories that turn bedtime into an adventure
- are working on caring about animals and the natural world
- like to imagine driving trains, boats, or planes
- respond well to calm, dreamlike pacing before sleep
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & imagination: What do you think it would feel like to drive a train through the night like the boy in his dream?
- Feelings & empathy: Why do you think the boy wanted to help the animals get on the train?
- Real-life connection: Can you think of an animal that might need extra help or protection?
- Imagination: If you could pick up any animal on your own dream train, which one would you choose?
- Bedtime reflection: What do you think the boy dreams about after the train ride?
