Travel Books for Children
Children have an incredible ability to dream big and absorb new ideas, and reading is one of the most powerful ways to nurture those skills. Books shape young minds by building creativity, sparking curiosity, and providing lifelong educational and emotional benefits. Travel books for kids are especially impactful because they introduce little readers to faraway places, unique cultures, and exciting adventures—all from the comfort of home. These stories inspire a sense of wonder and encourage children to imagine themselves exploring the world, making them the perfect tool to broaden horizons. Beyond their learning value, books also make thoughtful and lasting gifts for children, offering the joy of adventure, discovery, and knowledge with every page turned. Books make great gifs for kids, and here are some recommendations.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, by Dr. Seuss
Oh, the Places You'll Go! isn't just any old tale, but a Seussian journey beyond any trail. With whimsical words and fantastical sights, this book nudges young dreamers to soar to new heights. From mountains to valleys, it serves as a compass for those who dare, speaking to the heart of each girl and boy with unbridled joy. Though aimed at ages four to ten, its wisdom transcends, making it a popular gift for graduates and seekers alike—a literary balloon to give spirits a lift. As Dr. Seuss's final opus, it stands as a crown, a last hurrah from this wordsmith of renown. Whether you're big or still learning to grow, this book whispers secrets all journeyers should know, offering quotes that will stay with you for a lifetime. Learn more about this book here.
The Best Travel Books for Children
The Best Travel Books for Children
Journey, by Aaron Becker
With only her imagination and a red crayon, a lonely young girl draws a doorway on her bedroom wall and steps into a world of castles, forests, canals, and flying machines. Aaron Becker’s Journey, a 2014 Caldecott Honor Book, tells the entire story without words, allowing its richly detailed illustrations to carry readers through moments of wonder, danger, courage, and unexpected friendship. Whenever the girl encounters an obstacle, her crayon creates a way forward, transforming into a boat, a balloon, or a flying carpet. The adventure continues in Quest and concludes with Return, expanding the mysterious world while exploring the power of creativity, loyalty, and connection. Beautifully imagined and accessible to readers of any age, the trilogy demonstrates how much emotion and excitement can be conveyed through pictures alone. Learn more about the Journey book series here.
Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid
Looking for a book that will spark your child’s curiosity about the world? The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid is a wonderfully imaginative introduction to some of the planet’s strangest, most surprising, and least-visited places. Rather than moving country by country like a traditional atlas, it takes young readers on an adventure through hidden caves, unusual festivals, mysterious landscapes, remarkable animals, and extraordinary cultural traditions. Colorful illustrations and fascinating facts fill every page, encouraging children to look beyond the familiar and see travel as a chance to discover the unexpected. It is the kind of book that can inspire hours of browsing—and perhaps plant the seed for a lifetime of curiosity and adventure.
Toot & Puddle, by Holly Hobbie
Holly Hobbie’s beloved Toot & Puddle series follows two pig best friends whose very different personalities make them a perfect pair. Toot is an eager traveler who dreams of distant places, while Puddle is happiest at home in Woodcock Pocket, enjoying the quiet pleasures of everyday life. Their friendship stretches easily across the miles, whether Toot is sending postcards from faraway destinations or Puddle is creating adventures closer to home. Hobbie’s gentle storytelling and expressive watercolor illustrations give the books a wonderful combination of humor, warmth, and curiosity. The original Toot & Puddle introduces their enduring friendship, while On Top of the World sends Toot on an ambitious journey to a remote corner of the globe. Across the series, young readers discover that adventure can be found both in exploring the wider world and in appreciating the familiar places that make home special. Learn more about Toot & Puddle here.
The Travel Book, by Lonely Planet
The Travel Book from Lonely Planet Kids invites young readers to explore the entire world, with a full page devoted to every independent country as well as a selection of territories, arranged alphabetically from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. This updated second edition combines colorful maps, striking photography, playful illustrations, and lively facts to create an engaging introduction to the people, wildlife, landmarks, traditions, and landscapes that make each destination distinctive. Children can learn about Iceland’s geothermal hot springs, discover the unusual animals found only in Madagascar, explore Cambodia’s ancient temples, and uncover countless other details that inspire curiosity about unfamiliar places. The short, accessible entries make it easy to browse one country at a time or spend hours moving across continents. Both a reference book and an invitation to dream, The Travel Book encourages children to see the planet as a vast collection of cultures, stories, and adventures waiting to be discovered.
Hello, World by Ashley Evanson
The Hello, World series is a treasure trove of travel-themed board books for young explorers just beginning to discover the joy of reading. Each book in this delightful collection focuses on a single world city, bringing it to life through Ashley Evanson's vibrant and charming illustrations. The simple yet engaging format makes these books ideal for little hands and growing minds, fostering a love for both reading and global awareness from an early age. Whether used as bedtime stories or as preparation for family trips, the Hello, World series opens up a world of imagination and learning for our youngest armchair travelers. Learn more about this amazing travel books for kids series here.
The Harry Potter Series, by J.K. Rowling
Dive into the enchanting world of Harry Potter by reading the books first. The movies are great, but the real magic happens when you open the pages of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and the rest of the series. From the cozy, winding streets of old London to the breathtaking beauty of the English countryside, the books transport you to the heart of the United Kingdom. You'll wander through the bustling shops of Diagon Alley, feel the excitement of your first trip on the Hogwarts Express, and marvel at the grandeur of Hogwarts castle with its moving staircases and talking portraits. The books bring to life the misty moors of Scotland, the mysterious depths of the Forbidden Forest, and the charming village of Hogsmeade with its butter beer and magical sweets. Through this masterful storytelling, you'll not only follow Harry's adventures but also experience the rich tapestry of British landscapes that serve as the backdrop to this beloved series.
The Passport Project, by Kellie McIntyre
The Passport Project tells the true story of two sisters, ages 13 and 11, who leave behind their familiar routines to join their family on a five-month journey around the world. As they move from one country and culture to the next, travel becomes a real-life social studies classroom filled with unfamiliar customs, historic places, new foods, and encounters that challenge the way they see the world. At the same time, the girls are still navigating the ordinary complications of adolescence, from sibling disagreements and changing friendships to the frustrations of spending so much time together as a family. That combination gives the book both its educational value and its relatable charm. Written with middle school readers in mind, The Passport Project offers an honest, engaging look at long-term family travel and the many ways it can encourage independence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of life beyond home. Learn more about The Passport Project here.
Madeline, by Ludwig Bemelmans
Ludwig Bemelmans first introduced readers to Madeline in 1939, opening the doors to an old vine-covered house in Paris where twelve little girls live under the watchful care of Miss Clavel. The smallest and boldest of them all, Madeline approaches every adventure with curiosity, courage, and just the right amount of mischief. Whether she is visiting the hospital, exploring the city, or finding herself in another unexpected situation, her stories capture the excitement of childhood against an unmistakably Parisian backdrop of bridges, gardens, grand buildings, and bustling streets. Bemelmans’s distinctive illustrations, playful rhymes, and memorable characters give the books a warmth and energy that have endured for generations. More than eight decades after her debut, Madeline remains one of children’s literature’s most beloved travelers, inviting young readers into a world where friendship, independence, and adventure are always close at hand. Learn more about the Madeline series here.
This is the World, by Miroslav Sasek
The "This is..." series by Miroslav Šašek has captivated young travelers since 1959 with whimsical journeys to cities like London, Paris, and Rome, each brought to life through his distinctive mid-century modern aesthetic. Šašek's genius lies in distilling complex destinations into their most memorable elements—the double-decker buses of London, the gondolas of Venice, the cable cars of San Francisco—while capturing the rhythm of daily life through food, music, and local traditions. Created between 1959 and 1974, these beautifully illustrated volumes remain remarkably fresh, their warm, witty voice and childlike sense of wonder continuing to inspire curiosity and wanderlust in new generations of readers.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
Harold and the Purple Crayon is a beloved children's book that tells the story of a young boy named Harold who creates his own world using nothing but a purple crayon. As Harold draws, the things he imagines come to life, leading him on a fantastical journey through moonlit landscapes, across oceans, and into enchanted forests. Throughout his adventure, Harold faces challenges and solves problems with his creativity and quick thinking. This timeless classic celebrates the boundless power of imagination, inspiring generations of children to explore their own creativity and showing how a single idea can open up endless possibilities.
Pisa Loves Bella: A Towering Tale of Kindness
In Pisa Loves Bella, Italy’s famous Leaning Tower becomes a character with feelings, worries, and a voice of her own. Bella has always stood proudly over the city of Pisa, but when she overhears visitors making unkind remarks about the way she leans, she begins to wonder whether she should change herself. Her attempt to stand perfectly straight creates unexpected trouble, alarming the people who have always loved her exactly as she is. Told in playful rhyme and accompanied by bright, colorful illustrations, the story introduces young readers to one of Italy’s best-known landmarks while exploring themes of confidence, kindness, and self-acceptance. A sprinkling of Italian words adds to the sense of place, making Pisa Loves Bella both a cheerful travel-inspired story and a gentle reminder that the qualities that make someone different may also be what make them special.
The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide to Inventing the World
The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide to Inventing the World is an exceptional gift for kids that turns curiosity into exploration, perfect for young readers eager to uncover the world's most remarkable innovations. This STEM-focused follow-up to the bestselling Atlas Obscura series guides children through a captivating journey across 50 of history's most groundbreaking inventions and scientific breakthroughs, revealing how technologies connect across different eras and cultures. Beginning with humanity's first invention—fire—discovered in South Africa's Wonderwerk Cave, and tracing its essential role in creating glass, including the vertigo-inducing glass bridge in China that hovers 1,300 feet above the ground, young readers will explore telescopes that reveal distant comets, invent secret codes, use lasers to clear space debris, and experience the thrill of supersonic speed in the planet's fastest vehicle. With stunning illustrations bringing each discovery to life, this book transforms reluctant readers into passionate learners who are thrilled to see how one invention leads to another, demonstrating that the most effective way to inspire a lasting enthusiasm for reading, science, and discovery is to reveal the extraordinary connections behind human innovation.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick
The Invention of Hugo Cabret whisks you away to 1930s Paris, where a lonely orphan boy hides within the walls of a busy train station. This magical book tells its story through both words and pictures - over 250 pages of beautiful pencil drawings bring Hugo's world to life. Hugo spends his days tinkering with clocks and dreaming of his father, but everything changes when he meets a grumpy old man with a toy shop. Together, they unlock secrets from the early days of movies, including the fantastical films of Georges Méliès. The book inspired the hit movie "Hugo," but the original story on the page has a special charm all its own. It's a tale full of mystery, friendship, and the power of following your dreams - perfect for both kids and adults who love a touch of magic in their stories. Read our full review of The Invention of Hugo Cabret here.
Inside Out & Back Again, by Thanhha Lai
Inspired by Thanhhà Lại’s own childhood, Inside Out & Back Again follows ten-year-old Hà as she is forced to leave Saigon with her family during the final days of the Vietnam War. After a difficult journey by ship, they eventually resettle in Alabama, where Hà must adjust to a new language, unfamiliar food, schoolyard cruelty, and a culture that often leaves her feeling isolated and misunderstood. Told in spare, expressive verse, the novel captures both the upheaval of displacement and the small moments that help a child begin to feel at home again. Hà’s grief for the country she has lost is balanced by her determination, humor, and growing confidence as she learns to navigate her new life. Winner of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and a Newbery Honor, Inside Out & Back Again offers middle-grade readers a deeply human account of war, immigration, family, and resilience. Read our book review here.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne
Dive into the depths of imagination with Jules Verne's masterpiece, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. This groundbreaking science fiction adventure plunges readers into a world of wonder and mystery, following a French marine biologist's perilous expedition to uncover the truth behind a terrifying sea monster. As the crew finds themselves ensnared by the enigmatic Captain Nemo aboard his advanced submarine, the Nautilus, they embark on a journey that pushes the boundaries of human exploration and scientific understanding. Hailed as a visionary work upon its release, this maritime epic continues to captivate audiences today, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of adventure literature and a crowning achievement in Verne's illustrious career.
Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas, by National Geographic
Summer is perfect for family road trips, and keeping kids engaged is key. Our top recommendation: Ultimate US Road Trip Atlas by National Geographic, designed for young explorers. This colorful, easy-to-read guide brims with fascinating facts about each state, entertaining children throughout the journey. Not only does it educate, but it also serves as a cherished souvenir of your family's cross-country adventures, turning your little ones into eager co-pilots along the way.
One Girl One Dream, by Laura Decker
One Girl One Dream tells the compelling true story of Laura Dekker, a brave 14-year-old Dutch sailor who dared to chase an incredible dream. In the face of strong pushback from both the government and society, Dekker set out to sail around the world all by herself. She fought hard against those who tried to stop her, showing remarkable determination for someone so young. Finally, aboard her trusty 38-foot sailboat named Guppy, Dekker began her amazing journey. For 518 days, she battled rough seas, loneliness, and countless challenges as she circled the globe. Her incredible feat not only earned her the title of youngest person to sail solo around the world but also showed what humans can achieve when they truly believe in themselves. Read our full book review here.
The Adventures of Tintin
The Adventures of Tintin is an iconic series of 24 comic books, first unleashed upon the world in 1929, that follows the daring exploits of Tintin, a young Belgian reporter with an insatiable appetite for adventure. From the bustling streets of Brussels to the mysterious depths of the Congolese jungle, and from the desolate peaks of Tibet to the imaginary lands of Syldavia and Borduria, Tintin's globe-trotting quests have enthralled generations. With its perfect blend of mystery, humor, and heart-pounding action, this timeless series continues to ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike, cementing its place as one of the most beloved and enduring works in the comic book pantheon.
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