In less than two weeks it will be World Book Day, a time to celebrate literature and encourage children to pick up a book.
So there could not be a better time introduce your little ones to the joy of reading about travel – one of the best ways to broaden young minds, encourage adventure and learn about different places and cultures. Whether you are planning a trip or just want to enable your children to explore the world from an armchair at home, these wonderful travel guides and tales from around the globe will ignite their imagination and inspire them to discover more about every corner of the planet.
1. Lonely Planet City Trails
A good first port of call for a great travel book is the Lonely Planet. Far from being just for grown ups with wanderlust, their dedicated children’s section is superb and packed with titles that cover every corner of the globe in an age-appropriate way. Check out the City Trails series, From New York, London and Paris, to Sydney, Tokyo and Rome. Each book delves deep into the life of each city, taking kids off the tourist track and to the very heart of each place with its secrets, quirks and character. Packed with ideas of what to see and do, these books would be ideal to read before a visit or just simply to transport youngsters to some of the most fascinating cities in the world.
2. Around The World in 80 Ways: The Fabulous Inventions that get us From Here to There, by Henrietta Crane
From trams and yachts to bike and even camels, this wonderful book introduces children to the many ways to get from A to B. Considering everything from astronauts getting around in space to surfers riding waves at the beach, Katy Halford’s lovely illustrations brings the scenes to life and will encourage little ones to ponder how they would like to travel the world and the many forms of transport that can take us on thees journeys.
3.Welcome to Our World: A Celebration of Children Everywhere, by Moira Butterfield
The perfect way to start introducing children to the world’s many different countries and cultures, this simple but beautifully illustrated book teaches little ones that people all over the globe are different, but also have so much in common. From how they speak and dress, to hobbies to how they celebrate birthdays, the focus is on embracing and enjoying the differences and similarities, while realising how special and important each way of life is. Packed with facts and opportunities to practise new languages and sayings, it’s the ideal bedtime story for preschoolers.
4. National Geographic Kids Beginner’s World Atlas, 5th Edition
How better to start uncovering the world than with this fantastic book from the original explorers, the National Geographic Society. Now in its 5th edition, this clever atlas helps kids discover more about our wondrous planet in accessible ways that are designed to engage young minds. They will find colourful maps and explanations of how to read them, updated facts and statistics about the world’s geography, people, and animals plus stunning photographs. An amazing resource to keep on the bookshelf for reference any time you want to uncover more about the world and how to move around it. A must for every child.
5. The Boy Who Biked the World, by Alastair Humphreys
Alastair Humphreys is a ‘National Geographic Adventurer of the Year’ who has cycled around the word four times. He was given the award for his micro-adventures – simple, local adventures in unusual places. Turning his travels into this charming series of novels, Humphreys introduces children to Tom, an adventurous boy who believes there must be more to life than school. Readers join him on his journey as he leaves England, cycling through Europe and all the way through Africa to the tip of South Africa. Along the way, youngsters are introduced not only to the various fascinating landscapes he passes through, but also to the diverse people he meets along the way and who welcome him as he travels on his journey. With engaging illustrations, postcards, and journal entries throughout, this book provides an immersive experience and is ideal for tweens and young teens.
6. Everything & Everywhere: A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters by Marc Martin
Mini globetrotters will love this fact-filled book that will take them on unexpected journeys around the world to discover what makes each place unique – from Iceland to the Far East and back via Africa. Covering everything from cities and buildings to countryside and animals, this colourful classic really does visit every corner of the world with the turn of each the page. A bestseller that will entertain and inspire kids of all ages.
7. My Wide World: World Food
There are lots of great reasons to visit new countries, and trying new foods is one of them. Introduce your little ones to global cuisine in this interactive activity-filled book full of delicious foodie inspiration; from Japanese sushi to Italian gelato and Mexican tacos. Ideal for children aged 6 – 10 who will love finding foodie words in the word search, spotting the difference between photos of food markets in Thailand and India, colouring in dim sum, and much more. The book is one of a three-part series, other titles explore worldwide landmarks plus capital cities and flags.
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