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Kids Books,  Overview

Top 10 Travel Books for Kids to Ignite Wanderlust

January 30, 2024 /

As the new year unfolds and travel plans start filling our calendars, it’s the perfect time to begin the exciting process of planning.

For families with young children, especially those in the preschool age group (3-5 years), this planning phase is not just about destinations and itineraries; it’s also about immersing our little ones in the world of travel through knowledge and culture long before we set foot on our journey.

Reading can be a magical gateway for our tiny travelers, opening up new worlds and sparking an early love for exploration.

Below are some handpicked travel books for kids, focusing on the preschooler crowd, that are sure to ignite their wanderlust. I will add to the list whenever I come across great books!

Quick heads up: some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Sometimes, do you find yourself flipping to a random page in a book to get a feel for it? I certainly do. It’s amazing how the graphic style, font choice, and even the writing style can instantly give us a hint about whether we’ll enjoy the book.

That’s precisely why I’ve included a little sneak peek into each of the books listed below. While front covers can be captivating, they only tell part of the story.

Let’s dive in and see what truly makes these books special for your little ones.

“Maps” by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski

This is not just any atlas; it’s a visual feast for young eyes. With beautifully illustrated maps and details about different countries, it’s a great way to introduce little ones to the world around them.

A detailed page from the book 'Maps' by Aleksandra Mizielinska, depicting a colorful and intricately illustrated map of France. The image includes small, artistic representations of French landmarks, cultural icons, and notable features unique to the country.

“The Airport Book” by Lisa Brown

Airports are fascinating and sometimes overwhelming places for kids. This book demystifies the airport experience, from checking bags to what happens in the control tower, making the real thing less daunting and more exciting.

A page from 'The Airport Book' by Lisa Brown, illustrating passengers seated inside an airplane. The image vividly portrays various passengers in their seats, alongside a clear depiction of overhead compartments where luggage is stored, providing an educational glimpse into the interior of a commercial aircraft and the process of onboard luggage arrangement.

“Around the World We Go!” by Margaret Wise Brown

This delightful book takes children on a journey around the world, visiting kids in different countries and learning about their lives. It’s a wonderful way to teach global awareness from a young age.

A page from 'Around the World We Go!' by Margaret Wise Brown featuring children from various countries, each holding a sign with 'Hello' written in their native language. The illustration vividly depicts the diversity of cultures and languages, with each child dressed in traditional attire representative of their country, visually celebrating global unity and the joy of greeting.

“Good Night, World” by Willa Perlman

This bedtime storybook takes young readers around the globe, saying goodnight to children in different parts of the world. It’s a gentle introduction to the concept of time zones and the diversity of life on our planet.

A page from 'Good Night, World' by Willa Perlman, depicting a serene scene of sheep grazing on mountains. The illustration captures a peaceful and idyllic landscape, with fluffy sheep dotting the gently rolling hills and mountains in the background, conveying a sense of calmness and tranquility.

“This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World” by Matt Lamothe

Through the eyes of seven kids from Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda, and Russia, this book showcases the daily lives of children from different cultures, offering a beautiful glimpse into diversity and similarity.

A page from 'This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World', showcasing children from different countries in their school attire. The illustration depicts a diverse array of clothing styles, each representing the traditional or common schoolwear from the child's respective country, vividly highlighting the cultural variations in school uniforms and everyday wear across the globe.

“All Aboard! National Parks: A Wildlife Primer” by Haily and Kevin Meyers

This charming book takes young readers on an adventure through America’s National Parks. It’s beautifully illustrated and introduces children to the wonders of nature found in these parks.

A page from 'All Aboard! National Parks', featuring an illustration of a train labeled 'All Aboard the National Parks'. In the foreground, two people are depicted watching a beautiful sunrise from the seashore, capturing a moment of awe and tranquility in a picturesque natural setting.

“Everywhere Babies” by Susan Meyers, Illustrated by Marla Frazeec

This delightful book showcases babies from all over the world, doing everyday things. It’s a celebration of diversity and the universality of growing up, making it perfect for young children to understand the world’s vastness yet connectedness.

A page from 'Everywhere Babies' by Susan Meyers, featuring a heartwarming illustration of babies interacting with a variety of creatures and people. The scene includes babies making friends with a puppy, a kitten, a goldfish, and a bunny, as well as engaging with people of different ages, from the young to the old, and those who are amusingly funny. This image captures the universal joy and innocence of babies as they explore and connect with the world around them.

“A Walk in Paris” by Salvatore Rubbino

This beautifully illustrated book takes young readers on a journey through Paris, exploring its famous landmarks and streets. It’s an excellent introduction to one of the world’s most beloved cities.

A page from 'A Walk in Paris' by Salvatore Rubbino, showcasing a bustling Parisian market scene. The illustration vividly portrays a boulangerie, a brasserie, and various stalls offering an array of foods. Detailed depictions of bread, pastries, cheeses, and other culinary delights capture the vibrant atmosphere and the rich gastronomic culture of Paris, inviting readers to imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of a typical Parisian market.

“Lola Dutch I Love You So Much” by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright

Set in a whimsically drawn world, this book follows Lola Dutch, a creative and adventurous girl, as she explores and learns with her animal friends. It’s a story about love and friendship that also inspires curiosity about the world.

A page from 'Lola Dutch I Love You So Much', illustrating the character Lola engaging in a variety of creative activities. The image shows Lola painting a picture with bright colors, composing a song on a guitar, carefully picking a bouquet of colorful flowers, and enthusiastically starting a fan club for bears. Each activity is depicted with vibrant details and energy, showcasing Lola's boundless creativity and zest for life.

“Bee-Bim Bop!” by Linda Sue Park, Illustrated by Ho Baek Lee

This lively and rhythmic picture book introduces children to the fun and flavor of making and eating Korean dish bee-bim bop. It’s a wonderful way to explore cultural diversity through food and an engaging story.

A page from 'Bee-Bim Bop!' by Linda Sue Park, depicting a lively scene in a grocery store where a child and their mom are excitedly shopping for ingredients. They are shown rushing through the aisles, their shopping cart filling up with various items needed to make the delicious Korean dish, bee-bim bop. The illustration captures the bustling atmosphere of the store and the enthusiasm of the characters as they gather each ingredient.

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I hope you and your little ones find these travel books for kids as exciting and enriching as I do. And don’t worry, this list isn’t set in stone! I’ll be continuously updating it with more fantastic finds suitable for your curious preschooler.

The array of travel books available today that allow kids to learn about the world and beyond is truly astounding. For our children to see and explore the wonders of the globe from the pages of a book is nothing short of magical.

Stay tuned for more adventures in reading!

Former investment banker turned day trader, who spends her nights building passive income, so that she can spend her days doing what she loves.

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