As a follow-up to my first blog, Why travel with your kids, I wanted to suggest some kid travel books that could be used to take you on that beloved journey to new and exciting places. That being said, these children books will gently and easily open up a new world to your children and introduce them to the different ways of how to see the world. Most of these books are not just about travel here and see this or that but more about some beloved fictional characters in settings that show the different ways of life. It could be particular phrases that are spoken, certain attire, foods, or activities that happen in their everyday life that are not the same as your child's life.
Here are some of my favorite children picture books with a brief description to get them started on their way.
Fly High/Fly Low by Don Freeman
A 1958 Caldecott Honor Book by Don Freeman who is also the author and illustrator of Corduroy. Sid the pigeon builds a nest in the letter B atop a skyscraper in San Francisco.
Sid asks Dove Midge to share his home with him but one day construction workers come to take down the letters. Will Sid and Midge lose their home forever?
Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth - by Sanjay Patel
Ganesha is just like any other kid, except that he has the head of an elephant and rides around on a magical mouse. He loves sweets. But when Ganesha insists on biting into a super jumbo jawbreaker his tusk breaks off! Ganesha is terribly upset, but with the help of the wise poet Vyasa, and his friend Mr. Mouse, he learns that what seems broken can actually be quite useful after all.
Make Way for the Ducklings - by Robert McClosky
Awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children in 1941, it has since become a favorite of millions. Mrs. Mallard and her 8 little ducklings Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack arrive safely to their new home at the Boston Public Gardens. See how Mrs. Mallard and the Boston police help them get there through the busy streets
Strega Nona - by Tommy DePaola
A Caldecott Honor Book
Strega Nona means “Grandma Witch, she is the source for potions, cures, magic, and comfort in her Calabrian town. Her magical ever-full pasta pot is especially intriguing to hungry Big Anthony. When Big Anthony is supposed to look after her house and tend her garden, but one day, when she goes over the mountain to visit Strega Amelia, he recites the magic verse over the pasta pot, with disastrous results.
We’re Sailing Down the Nile - by Laurie Krebs
Sail along the Nile River and experience the wonders of Egypt. This rhyming story is followed by eleven pages full of educational information about ancient Egypt, gods and goddesses, a helpful map, and much more.
50 States Board Book - by Gabrielle Balken
Explore every state of the USA and the nation's capital to discover more than 2,000 facts that celebrate the people, cities, nature, and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. You'll also get an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.
Paris Hide n Seek - by Massumi
Theo's little dog Potchi keeps running away and getting lost in Paris! Help find his mischievous little pet. A search that will take you all over the city north, south, east, and west!
This is the World - by Miroslav Hasek
A collection of Miroslav’s most popular children’s travel books. Readers will feel part of this charming journey through the world’s great cities. master illustrator and storyteller Miroslav Hasek captures the essence of the world’s major capitals and brought them to life. This is series has officially reached iconic status. This book takes children and adults alike on a whirlwind trip to some of the world’s greatest destinations. It introduces readers to the art, architecture, music, food, and traditions of multiple cities and countries.
Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland - by Tommy DePaola
Learn of the life of Saint Patrick— his visions which led him to return and found the first Christian church in Ireland and a number of legends including the well-known story of how he drove the snakes from Ireland, and his association with the shamrock.
National Geographic Little Kids 1st Big Book of the World
This book introduces young readers to the wider world by exploring languages, landscapes, weather, animals, capital cities, mountains, deserts, and other landscapes and landforms, and more. More than 100 colorful photos with kid-friendly and age-appropriate maps along with basic facts about each continent.
The Lonely Planet Kids TravelGlobe Trotters
Take an incredible thrill-packed journey across the world. Travel continent by continent, through every country on Earth. Learn thousands of fun facts about everything from cities to rainforests, animals, foods and festivals. Watch the world come to life through stunning illustrations and vibrant photography. Get introduced to amazing people from each country.
The Vasa Saga - by Bertil Alyqvist
Vasa was a glorious ship built in Sweden in the early 17th century. It was the pride and joy of Sweden’s king. Unfortunately, the Vasa was a flawed ship and she sank on her maiden voyage out of the harbor.
Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas - by Lynne Cox
An inspiring story of an elephant seal who knew exactly where she belonged. The incredible story of Elizabeth, a real-life elephant seal who made her home in the Avon River. When Elizabeth decides to stretch out across a two-lane road, the citizens worry she might get hurt so a group of volunteers tows her out to sea. But Elizabeth swims all the way back. The volunteers catch her again and again—each time towing her farther but, Elizabeth still finds her way back home.
Humphrey, The Lost Whale - by WendyTokuda and Richard Hall
A true story of how a migrating humpback whale mistakenly entered the San Francisco Bay in 1985 and swam sixty-four miles inland before being led back to the sea by people concerned for his welfare.
Up and Down the Andes - by Laurie Krebs
Explore the many regions of Peru, from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca, through rhyme. This book follows people from all over the Andes celebrating the Festival of the Sun.
Festival of Colors - by Srishta Sehgal
Spring is here, and it’s almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun!
Grey Friars Bobby - by Richard Brassey
The true story of Skye Terrier a dog who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died on 14 January 1872. The story continues to be well known in Scotland, through several books and films. A prominent commemorative statue and nearby graves are a tourist attraction.
All About Thailand - Elaine Russell
This is an adventure story with two Thai children: Mali is a 9-year-old girl from the countryside and Tawan is an 11-year old boy from Bangkok. Travel with them as they explore their land. Get a glimpse of what it's like to live in Thailand, and all the things that kids in Thailand love to do.
NYC Board Book - by Paula Hannigan
A dimensional die-cut book is packed with fun facts about New York’s most iconic landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, all on stylishly designed pages.
Madeline -by Ludwig Bemselmans
Young Madeline is brave, kind, and confident, making her an incredible role model and has an impeccable taste in colorful clothes. She is an endearing and courageous heroine.