TRAVEL BOOKS FOR KIDS

Kids have an amazing capacity to dream and learn, and reading is perhaps one of the best ways to nurture these creative skills.  In fact, reading changes the way our brains work, providing children many educational and emotional benefits that will be a foundation for how they understand and appreciate thew world around them.  These 19 book recommendations are all aimed for children who want to explore and who love to use their imagination.  We agree with the quote popularized by Hodding Carter; "Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings".

A5 Top Pick - Oh, the Places You'll Go, by Dr. Seuss

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss is just a great children's book.  It is a travel book at heart, filled with the original vocabulary of Dr. Seuss at his best, and aimed at anyone ready to take off for new adventures and to explore new frontiers.  It is a fun and inspirational book, with quotes that will stay with you for a lifetime.  This was the last Dr. Seuss book published, and perhaps the best testament to this brilliant writer's optimism and wit.  Although perhaps best suited for kids, Oh, The Places You'll Go! is very popular as a gift for students graduating from high school or college.  See more.

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE BEST TRAVEL BOOKS FOR KIDS

Journey, by Aaron Becker

One of the best books to help inspire a child's imagination is the wordless trilogy by Aaron Becker about a bored girl who draws a magic door and discovers a new world of adventure.  The first book in the series is called Journey, which was named a Caldecott Honor book in 2014.  See more.

The Travel Book, by Lonely Planet

One of the best travel books for kids ages 8 and up comes no surprise from Lonely Planet.  This world atlas brings the world to life with a lot of pictures, fun facts and illustrated maps.  Makes for a great present.  See more.

Hello, World by Ashley Evanson

Hello, World is another great travel series for kids ware just learning to enjoy the wonder of books.  Each book focuses on one world city, with colorful illustrations from Ashley Evanson.  Books about Rome and Los Angeles will be released in early 2021.  See more.

Toot & Puddle, by Holly Hobbie

Toot & Puddle is an adorable book series about two best friends, one who loves to travel and the other one who prefers to be home.  Our two favorite travel books are the first book that started it all, Toot & Puddle, and On Top of the World.  See more.

The Harry Potter Series, by J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter series is of course world-renowned for its magical story of a famous boy wizard, but we believe that part of the allure is the setting.  From beautiful old neighborhoods with narrow winding streets in London to the beautiful scenery of the English countryside, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and the whole Harry Potter series are a great way to experience the United Kingdom.  See more.

Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas, by National Geographic

This summer looks to be a perfect time for a road trip, and one of the best ways to entertain kids along the way is with their own atlas.  Our recommendation is the Ultimate US Road Trip Atlas published for kids by National Geographic.  Easy to read, colorful, with lots of fun facts.  Also makes for a nice souvenir.  See more.

Madeline, by Ludwig Bemelmans

One of our favorite children’s book series takes place in “an old house in Paris, covered with vines”, telling the story of twelve little girls who lived in an orphanage and their adventurous leader Madeline.  See more.

How to be a World Explorer, by Lonely Planet

One of the better books from Lonely Planet Kids is the Not For Parents edition of How to be a World Explorer.  This fun “training manual” targeted for grades 4-6 provides advice on how to survive in extreme conditions, including remote jungles and deep oceans.  See more.

This is the World, by Miroslav Sasek

The “This is…” books are a famous series of children’s travel books from illustrator Miroslav Sasek, published between 1959 and 1974, each focused on cities like London, Paris and Rome.  See more.

Students Across the Seven Seas (S.A.S.S.)

Students Across the Seven Seas (S.A.S.S.) is a series of books featuring teenage girls who are studying abroad.  The stories are a little formulaic, but they are compelling for teen girls in 7th-9th grade.  See more.

Kids' Travel Guides Series

Those looking for a simple travel activity book for children ages 4-8 will like the Kids’ Travel Guides series, with books on several of the major cities in the United States.  See more.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a very impressive book about a twelve-year-old orphan boy living in a Paris train station who makes a mysterious discovery.  It is a 550-page book with many pages filled with wonderful illustrations that help tell the story.  Perfect for ages 9-12.  See more.

Inside Out & Back Again, by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out and Back Again is a touching National Book Award winning novel about the author’s experience fleeing her home in Vietnam as a child after the Fall of Saigon, and her immigration to Alabama.  An excellent choice for readers in grades 5 to 7.  See more.

One Girl One Dream, by Laura Decker

One Girl One Dream is the true story of a 14-year-old girl named Laura Dekker who defied authorities and departed on her 38 foot boat on a journey that ultimately would make history as the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone.  See more.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is Jules Verne’s classic science fiction adventure story about a French marine biologist on an expedition to find a sea monster whose crew is captured by the mysterious Captain Nemo.  See more.

The Adventures of Tintin

The Adventures of Tintin is a classic series of 24 comic books that first appeared in 1929, starring a young Belgian reporter named Tintin and his faithful Wire Fox Terrier who inevitably find themselves involved in dangerous situations that require their heroic intervention to save the day.  These adventures take them across the world, both to real and fictional places.  The series is one of the most popular ever, and it is still something enjoyed by kids today.  See more.

OTHER RELATED SUGGESTIONS ON KIDS' TRAVEL BOOKS

The Sketchbook Project: World Tour

Those who love drawing will love The Sketchbook Project: World Tour, an art book that showcases some of the best sketches submitted from independent and creative artists from all over the world.  The concept was created by an organization in Brooklyn called The Sketchbook Project, which has literally collected thousands of sketchbooks and displays them for the public.  It is a great gift for kids who like art.  See more.

Travels with Baby

One of the best books for parents and travel is the Travels with Baby guide, published by family travel blogger Shelli Rivoli.  This is a very well researched book, with valuable and specific information on packing, sleeping, heath issues, and specific recommendations on airlines, child-friendly hotels, and cruises.  A great gifts for new parents who love to travel

Room to Read

A5 Travel Books has chosen to help support the power of reading by promoting an amazing charity called Room to Read,  Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education.  Please learn more here at the Room to Read website about how to contribute to this great cause.