Rally Takes the Train

A corgi picture book and train book for toddlers, told in rhyme and painted in real watercolor.

A Reedsy Discovery "Must Read," the site's highest rating
"This is one book my daughter requests to reread multiple times in one sitting." Kathryn Bettendorf, Reedsy Discovery

All aboard with Rally the corgi! In this rhyming read-aloud for kids ages 0 to 5, a real dog takes a real train ride on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner along the California coast, from San Diego to Orange County, to visit his grandparents.

Rally wakes up early, spots a suitcase, and packs his favorite toys. On the train he makes new friends, shares a pretzel with Mom, meets Mr. Conductor, and leaves a trail of furry corgi glitter down the aisle. Then the train rolls into a dark tunnel and Rally gets scared. With Mom and Dad beside him, he finds the bright light on the other side, and his grand-paw-rents, Grandmommy and Papa, waiting at the station.

Why families love this dog book:
- A train story for toddlers and preschoolers who love trains, choo choos, and railroads
- A corgi book for kids, starring the author's own real corgi
- A bedtime story and read-aloud that takes about five minutes
- A gentle book about being brave, feeling scared of the dark, and big feelings
- A story about visiting grandparents and a first train trip
- Hand-painted watercolor illustrations by Leslie Dunn. Every page was painted by hand in real watercolor, nothing AI generated.

The story behind the book
Kelsey's mom, Deb, dreamed up Rally's train ride and talked about writing it for years. She passed away before she could. Kelsey wrote Rally Takes the Train to make her mom's dream real, and to share a story from the grandmother her children never got to meet. For families who have lost someone, it offers a gentle way to talk with little ones about loss and the light that comes after.

A thoughtful gift:
- Baby shower book and new baby gift
- Birthday gift for toddlers, ages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
- Gift from grandparents to grandchildren
- Corgi lover and dog lover gift
- Classroom and library story time

The dark always ends, and love is never far away. Take a ride with Rally.