The Best Travel Books for Children: Our Recommendations & Reviews
Travelreads | 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
This masterpiece follows the journey of a young girl who, armed with nothing but her imagination and a red crayon, unlocks a portal to a world brimming with wonder and excitement. The series begins with the spellbinding Journey, a 2014 Caldecott Honor book that will ignite the spark of creativity in readers of all ages. As the story unfolds across three magnificent volumes, children and adults alike will find themselves captivated by the power of visual storytelling. Learn more about the Journey book series here.
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 kids. 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.
Toot & Puddle, by Holly Hobbie
Dive into the adorable world of Toot & Puddle, a book series featuring two pig best friends: globe-trotting Toot and homebody Puddle. Holly Hobbie's delightful illustrations and storytelling serve up the perfect blend of humor, warmth, and friendship that knows no boundaries. While every book is really good for kids, we're particularly fond of the original Toot & Puddle and On Top of the World. These lovable oinkers will charm readers of all ages with their piggy adventures, both at home and abroad. This is one of our top recommendations! Learn more about Toot & Puddle here.
The Travel Book, by Lonely Planet
The Travel Book from Lonely Planet Kids takes young readers on a journey around our diverse planet, with a full page dedicated to every independent country plus territories from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. This updated second edition brings each place to life through colorful maps, photography, and original art paired with lively, accessible writing. From learning about Iceland's geothermal hot springs to discovering Madagascar's unique lemurs or exploring the ancient temples of Cambodia, kids get a vivid snapshot of what makes each place special. It's the kind of reference book that makes learning about the world actually engaging.
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 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. Learn more about The Passport Project here.
Madeline, by Ludwig Bemelmans
Step into the enchanting world of Madeline, a beloved children's book series that whisks readers away to a vine-covered old house in the heart of Paris. Within these charming tales, we follow the adventures of twelve little girls living in a whimsical orphanage, led by the mischievous Madeline. This captivating series, which spans seventeen books, was born from the imagination of Ludwig Bemelmans in 1939. With his vivid illustrations and endearing storytelling, Bemelmans created a timeless treasure that has delighted generations of young readers. 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
Pisa Loves Bella is a charming rhyming story about Italy's famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Told from the perspective of Bella, the tower herself, this tale explores themes of self-confidence and kindness. When Bella overhears hurtful comments about her appearance, she makes a drastic change that worries the locals and tourists alike. With colorful artwork and sprinkled Italian expressions, the book delivers a heartwarming message about accepting yourself and others, all wrapped up in a fun, accessible story for children.
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
Inside Out and Back Again, Thanhha Lai's National Book Award-winning novel, offers a poignant glimpse into the author's childhood journey from war-torn Vietnam to the unfamiliar landscapes of Alabama. Written in evocative free verse, this compelling narrative chronicles Lai's escape from Saigon during its fall and her subsequent struggles as a young immigrant. The book's unique format and heartfelt storytelling make it an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who seek to understand the complexities of cultural displacement 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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Unlock worlds with the gift of travel reads. See our recommendations on books that provide the perfect window to inspiration and adventure for friends and family. Click here for some gift ideas!