THE BEST TRAVEL BOOKS FOR KIDS

Kids have a wonderful 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 later understand and appreciate the world around them.  Kids are amazingly open to traveling and experiencing new places, so it only makes sense that reading about faraway locations and unknown cultures can open a child’s eyes to all the wonderful things our planet has to offer.  Our book recommendations are aimed for children of all ages who love to use their imagination and explore.  We wholeheartedly agree with the quote popularized by Hodding Carter; "Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings."

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE BEST TRAVEL BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

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.

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.  All three books make an excellent present.

The Travel Book, by Lonely Planet

One of our favorite books for kids ages 8 and up comes from Lonely Planet.  Lonely Planet publishes a number of amazing travel-inspired hardcover children's books, and this is one of the best.  This world atlas brings the world to life with a lot of pictures, fun facts for the whole family, and a number of well-illustrated maps.  Makes for a great present.

Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for The World's Most Adventurous Kid

Looking for something to inspire a wanderlust spirit in your kid? Look no further than The Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid.  This unique travel book will introduce your child to some of the most interesting and off-the-beaten path locations around the world, with pages and pages packed with information about interesting places, cultural activities, weird creatures and other wonders.

Hello, World by Ashley Evanson

Hello, World is another great travel series for kids who are just learning to enjoy the wonder of books.  Each travel board book focuses on one world city, with colorful illustrations from Ashley Evanson.  There are now 30 books in the series.

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.  Holly Hobbie provides a delightful mix of humor and warmth and a friendship that knows no boundaries.  Our two favorite books in the series are the first book that started it all, Toot & Puddle, and On Top of the World.

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.

The Passport Project, by Kellie McIntyre

The Passport Project is the true story of two middle school sisters ages 13 and 11 who embark with their family on a five-month journey around the world.  Their trip is an amazing real-life social studies class of new cultures and experiences, made even more interesting for two girls navigating the everyday challenges of adolescence.  The book is targeted for middle school students and those considering their own family travel adventure. 

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.  The book is easy to read, colorful, with lots of fun facts, and something that will make a nice souvenir.

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.  This seventeen-book series was started in 1939 and written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans.

Travel Rangers: Mission to Australia

Travel Rangers: Mission to Australia​ is a new kids travel book that uses augmented reality (AR) from an easy-to-use app to provide a 3D digital overlay to enhance the reading experience.  Might be just what is needed to capture the attention of children and provide some inspiration to travel.  Best oriented toward children ages 4-9. 

How to be a World Explorer, by Lonely Planet

Another great book 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.

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.  This today is truly an inspirational travelogue that introduces readers to the art, architecture, music, food, and traditions of multiple cities and countries.

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

Students Across the Seven Seas (S.A.S.S.) is a series of books featuring American teenage girls who are studying abroad.  The stories are a little formulaic, but they are compelling for teenagers in 6th-8th grade.  Oher titles include Spain or Shine and Swede Dreams.

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.  This series can be both a great travel activity and future souvenir.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a magnificent 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.  

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, impressively written in free verse by Thanhha Lai. An excellent choice for readers in grades 5 to 7. 

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.  It is a great view into the power of independence and the strength of youth.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is of course 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.  The book was widely acclaimed on its release and remains so; it is regarded as one of the premier adventure novels and one of Verne's greatest works.

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.

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!

OTHER IDEAS ON CHILDREN'S BOOKS, FROM AMAZON

OUR RECOMMENDED CHARITY

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.