Custom story book for grandson and Grandad trains

What happens in your child's Grandad Train Day

1. Your child packs a snack and meets Grandad at the station.
2. Grandad shows your child his train-spotting notebook.
3. Together they notice signals, carriages and rumbling wheels.
4. Your child listens for each train’s own sound.
5. Your child makes the day’s final, brilliant observation with Grandad.

How the first page could read

On Saturday morning, your child tucked a snack into a small bag and held Grandad’s hand at the station gate. “Today,” said Grandad, opening his little notebook, “we are looking for trains with the brightest lights, the busiest wheels and the best sounds.” A whistle answered from beyond the bridge.

Your child’s name, look and little details replace these words, and the whole story is written for their age.

Why this story works

At three to six, children can enjoy a familiar outing made full of small things to spot: coloured signals, shiny rails, windows, wheels and the changing sounds of trains. This story gives Grandad and your child a shared purpose, with Grandad’s notebook making room for the child’s own observations rather than simply following along. A photo of your child is used to draw them as the main character across the 32-page personalised picture book. Parents can add little details when creating it, helping the station visit feel connected to the child’s own world and their time with Grandad.

Reading it together

• Before reading, ask your child what they think they might hear at a station.
• Pause at each train and invite your child to choose one detail for Grandad’s notebook.
• Afterwards, make your own simple list of trains, vehicles or sounds spotted on a family walk.

Suggested art style: Storybook watercolour

Storybook watercolour gives the station, its changing light and its small train details a warm, observant feel. You can pick any of the four styles and change the details in the form.