21 Travel Books for Children to Spark Their Imagination
Are you looking for ways to encourage your child’s wanderlust? Reading travel books can be a great way to introduce them to different cultures, customs, and experiences from around the world. Below is a list of travel books for children that can captivate their imagination, foster a love for reading, and spur a desire to explore new places.
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1. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
This classic Dr. Seuss book is perfect for children of all ages. It’s a fun and playful story about the excitement and adventure that comes with life. It encourages children to dream big and keep exploring. This book is a great pick to start your child’s reading habit.
Reading age: 3+ years
2. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A timeless classic that tells the story of a young boy named Max, who travels to the land of the Wild Things. This book lets children go on adventures without ever leaving their bedrooms. The magical illustrations and impressive storyline will capture your child’s imagination.
Reading ages: 4-8
3. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
A charming story of the young Madeline, who lives in a boarding school in Paris. It is a perfect introduction to French culture and language for young children. The beautiful illustrations and enchanting storyline will take your child on a journey to Paris.
Reading age: 3-7
4. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
A heartwarming story of a small train engine that sets out to climb a steep hill. It reminds children of the importance of perseverance and the power of a positive attitude. The inspiring message will motivate your child to explore new adventures.
Reading age: 3-7 years
5. Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
One of the classic adventure novels for children, telling the tale of a family stranded on a deserted island. It features beautiful descriptions of exotic plants and animals that will make your child want to explore new worlds.
Reading age: 10-18 years
6. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
A fun-loving and free-spirited girl, Pippi, lives on her own in a Swedish village and constantly gets into silly mischief. This adventurous and humorous portrayal of Pippi’s life will keep your child entertained and engaged.
Reading age: 8-10
7. Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
A classic travel story about a man named Phileas Fogg who travels around the world in 80 days. This abridged version for children retains the essence of the original story and introduces them to different countries and their cultures.
Reading age: 10-12 years
8. The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
A bestselling children’s book series that takes young readers through time and around the world. The books transport the main characters, Jack and Annie, to various time periods and locations with magical adventures and mysteries to solve.
Reading age: 5-8 years
9. The Berenstain Bears Go on Vacation by Stan and Jan Berenstain
A delightful story about the Berenstain family’s vacation to the beach. This book makes a great introduction to teach young children about the joys of vacationing with family and exploring new destinations.
Reading age: 4-8 years
10. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
A timeless classic with vivid illustrations and an engaging narrative that follows little Peter Rabbit as he explores the garden. The tale is sure to encourage children to appreciate nature and explore the outdoors.
Reading age: 2-5 years
11. How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague
This book is a hilarious tale of a boy named Wallace recounting his summer vacation adventures. The story features some unlikely friends and an unforgettable day at the beach, making it a fun read for children of all ages.
Reading age: 6-10 years
12. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon (Young Adult)
This young adult novel tells the tale of two Jewish boys during World War II who create a comic book hero and become entangled in a spy ring. This book is a great introduction to history, culture and different perspectives on life lessons for teenagers.
Reading age: 12-18
13. The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew series) by Carolyn Keene
A gripping mystery series where the teenage detective, Nancy Drew, solves various mysteries with her quick wit, intelligence, and bravery. This book is exciting, informative, and will introduce your child to the world of detective and investigation.
Reading age: 8-12
14. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials series)
A thrilling fantasy novel that follows a young girl named Lyra on her journey to unravel the mysteries of her world. It is a perfect example of imaginative storytelling that’ll capture both young and adult audiences.
Reading age: 10+
15. The Adventures of Tintin series by Hergé
Tintin’s adventures are amongst the most popular foreign literature for children. The series follows a young reporter as he travels the world solving mysteries and making new friends. It is fun, exciting, and has some beautiful illustrations.
Reading age: 4+
16. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
A fantasy novel about a young girl named Meg who discovers she has the ability to travel through time and space. It is a whimsical story that’s full of adventure, making it a must-read for any child who loves exploring new worlds.
Reading age: 8+
17. Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
A classic science fiction novel that follows a group of explorers on a journey to the center of the Earth. This adaptation for children retains the essence of the original story, inspiring and encouraging your child to explore science and geography.
Reading age: 9-12
18. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
A heartwarming story of two dogs and a cat that sets out on an adventurous journey to find their way home. This tale is both entertaining and educational, making it a great pick for an early reading.
Reading age: 8-11
19. What Was The Titanic? by Stephanie Sable
“What Was the Titanic?” is a captivating book that delves into the disastrous sinking of the Titanic over a century ago. It explores the tragic event that claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people and uncovers the intriguing story of how the great ship went down and was eventually discovered seventy-five years later. With vivid details and engaging storytelling, young readers will be enthralled by this remarkable tale about the “unsinkable” ship that met its fateful end after colliding with an iceberg.
Reading age: 7-10
20. The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
A series of mystery books that follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings who live in an abandoned boxcar. These stories encourage children to think about independent problem-solving and also add a sense of adventure.
Reading age: 7-10
21. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the World by Elizabeth Carney
“National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the World” is a delightful and educational reference that takes young readers on an exciting journey around the globe. Through captivating photos, engaging facts, and a range of activities, kids will discover languages, landscapes, weather, animals, and more. From creating a mini-rainforest to singing a simple song in Spanish, this book encourages playful exploration. With kid-friendly maps and fascinating information about each continent, it will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to storytime, bedtime, or any other occasion.
Reading age: 3-6
Conclusion
Reading can be a magical and fulfilling way for children to explore the world from the comfort of their homes. These travel books for children offer a captivating blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery that’ll help children develop their imagination and creativity. So, pick up one or more ofthese books and let your child discover the joy of reading and the wonders of the world!
And for the travelers in your circle, our Travel Resources provide information that can help you plan your future travel adventures.
Thanks for visiting our website. We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
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