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Train of Thought
Brief Description
A big-hearted story from incredible new talent Jess Horn with joyful illustrations by Hayley Wells, Train of Thought is a fun-filled ride through the twists and turns of a runaway imagination. Andy has a brilliant imagination, and it carries him to the most amazing places. Mum...
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Train of Thought
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A celebration of imagination and neurodivergence, Train of Thought is a joy-filled picture book for big dreamers who sometimes need a little help to find their way back to reality.
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Description
A big-hearted story from incredible new talent Jess Horn with joyful illustrations by Hayley Wells, Train of Thought is a fun-filled ride through the twists and turns of a runaway imagination.
Andy has a brilliant imagination, and it carries him to the most amazing places. Mum calls it his train of thought. But, when it's time for real-world tasks, Andy's train doesn't always stop! Can Andy find a way to be a treasure hunter and sit down in time for dinner?
Train of Thought will delight readers aged 3 to 7 – and everyone and anyone who can relate to getting swept up in their imagination!
EMBRACE IMAGINATION: empowers young children to use their creativity and imagination to overcome challenges.
CELEBRATE NEURODIVERSITY: written through the lens of a neurodiverse child who hyperfocuses, Train of Thought offers constructive and affirming ways of talking about neurodiversity.
CREATIVE THINKING: Andy’s ingenious solutions in the story will resonate with young readers who struggle with self-awareness and self-regulation.
AN ADVENTURE-PACKED RIDE: Hayley Wells’ illustrations are bursting with colourful detail, as Andy’s train journey takes him from one inventive world to the next.
‘Train of Thought is both entertaining and insightful, encouraging reflection and resilience in young minds. A thoughtful, conversation-starting addition to classrooms, libraries and homes, especially for children with vivid imaginations and wandering thoughts.’
– Books + Publishing
‘There are so many didactic picture books about kids who struggle with self-regulation or have challenges such as ADHD, but [Train of Thought] is not one of them. The writing takes such a creative approach to exploring daydreaming and self-awareness. I loved the way it externalises internal experiences without judgement or instruction. This would be great for any families who want books that open conversations about attention, focus, and the many different ways minds work.’
– Karys McEwan, CBCA committee
PERFECT FOR:
- Kids (and grown-ups!) with big imaginations
- Train and transport enthusiasts
- Parents, grandparents and carers
- Teachers, librarians and story-time readers
- Fans of All of the Factors of Why I Love Tractors (Bell & Lovlie) and The Polar Express (Chris Van Allsburg)
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781761214301
Publisher: Hardie Grant Children's Publishing
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 26 August 2025
Country: Australia
Imprint: Bright Light Books
Illustration: Full colour
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Hayley Wells
- Illustrated by Hayley Wells
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 10.0mm
Width: 225.0mm
Height: 275.0mm
Weight: 370g
Pages: 32
About the Author
Jess Horn is an Australian children's author, passionate about empowering kids and sparking imagination. Her stories are full of humour and heart, often exploring the world from a neurodivergent perspective. With a background in speech pathology and disability services, Jess now pursues her love of words by weaving in a subtle message of inclusivity, encouraging readers to think outside the box. Jess lives with her rainbow family-of-four in Sydney, Australia. Aside from writing, she enjoys coffee (who doesn't?) and spoonerisms (doo husn't?!).
Hayley Wells is an Essex-based illustrator with an MA in Children's Book Illustration from Cambridge School of Art. Their work has been shortlisted for the World Illustration Awards, featured on television, and published worldwide. When they're not illustrating, Hayley can be found growing vegetables at their allotment or falling over on roller skates.
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