# Reading Train Christmas vs TotShelf

The clearest difference is update cadence: TotShelf at fortnightly against Reading Train Christmas's every 32 months. TotShelf also leads on ratings volume (35 vs 2). Reading Train Christmas's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Reading Train Christmas against 5.0 for TotShelf. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TotShelf has 35 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Reading Train Christmas ships an update every 32 months, TotShelf fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reading Train Christmas | TotShelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-christmas/id1056021768/reviews) | [5.0 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/totshelf/id1629047032/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **35** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 32 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 653 MB | 920 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Learning Station, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/702227887) | [Totshelf LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1591285377) |

## What reviewers say

### Reading Train Christmas

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-christmas/id1056021768)

This app offers interactive Christmas-themed books, songs, and games designed to build foundational reading skills. It features multiple reading levels, professional narration, and a fun train game to reinforce learning. Parents can track progress through detailed reporting tools.

**Highlights:** Interactive Christmas books, Multiple reading levels, Sing-along Christmas songs, Educational train game, User recording of books, Progress tracking for parents, Built-in audio dictionary

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### TotShelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/totshelf/id1629047032)

Discover the perfect books for children aged 0-5 with personalized recommendations based on their interests and personality. Create custom book lists for up to five children and receive new suggestions weekly. Easily find books to purchase or borrow from your local library.

**Highlights:** Personalized book suggestions, Custom book lists for up to 5 children, Weekly new book suggestions, Book videos and purchase links, Library hold options

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 💡 Personalized book recommendations
- 📚 Helps discover age-appropriate books
- ⏱️ Saves time on book research
- ✨ Beautiful and intuitive design

**Requested features**

- Continue populating with more books
- Leverage throughout child's development (K-12)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Reading Train Christmas free?

Reading Train Christmas is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is TotShelf free?

TotShelf is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Reading Train Christmas or TotShelf?

Reading Train Christmas and TotShelf are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 35 ratings respectively.

### Do Reading Train Christmas or TotShelf have ads?

Neither Reading Train Christmas nor TotShelf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Reading Train Christmas or TotShelf?

Reading Train Christmas ships an update every 32 months, and TotShelf fortnightly. Most recently, Reading Train Christmas was updated on November 2, 2026 and TotShelf on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*