The Best Travel Books for Kids

SDFamily Travel Guides › Travel Books
Updated: June 22, 2019

  1. Katie in London

    by James Mayhew
    A fun introduction to London’s history, culture, and landmarks.
    Best book about London and Europe for kids.

  2. Oh, The Places You’ll Go

    by Dr. Seuss
    Classic Dr. Seuss revels in the magic of imagination and adventure.
    Best book about exploration for kids.

  3. Where the Wild Things Are

    by Maurice Sendak
    A young boy has adventures a magical land without leaving his bedroom.
    Best imagination book for kids.

  4. Sayonara, Mrs. Kackleman

    by Maira Kalman
    Wonderfully-illustrated tale of two siblings on a trip to Japan.
    Best book about Japan for kids.

  5. Next Stop Grand Central

    by Maira Kalman
    A quirky tribute to New York’s famous travel hub and the people who use it.
    Best book about NYC for kids.

  6. Madeline

    by Ludwig Bemelmans
    The first in a classic series of picture books about a small girl and her Parisian adventures.
    Best book about France for kids.

  7. Magic Tree House

    by Mary Pope Osborne
    Jack and Annie learn about history and science by traveling through time and space.
    Best book about knights and castles for kids.

  8. Cars and Trucks and Things That Go

    by Richard Scarry
    Classic picture book crammed with illustrations of all types of real and imagined vehicles.
    Best machine, car, plane book for kids.

  9. Fish is Fish

    by Leo Lionni
    A tadpole sprouts legs, explores beyond the pond, and recounts his adventures to his fish friend.
    Best intellectual book for kids.

  10. Journey

    by Aaron Becker
    A lonely girl has wild adventures in a magical land of her own making.
    Best journey book for kids.

  11. Katie and the Mona Lisa

    by James Mayhew
    A small girl steps into the worlds of five classic Renaissance paintings.
    Best art book for kids.

  12. Once Upon an Ordinary School Day

    by Colin McNaughton
    The transformative power of music turns a normal school day into an adventure.
    Best adventure book for kids.

  13. Paddington

    by Michael Bond
    A small bear travels to London and is adopted by a British family at a railway station.
    Best english book for kids.

  14. This is Paris

    by Miroslav Sasek
    A charmingly-illustrated introduction to the museums, monuments, and magic of Paris.
    Best Paris book for kids.

  15. Time of Wonder

    by Robert McCloskey
    An evocative portrait of one family’s summer vacation in Maine.
    Best sailing book for kids.

  16. Kids Beginner’s World Atlas

    by National Geographic
    Best world atlas for kids.

  17. Atlas of Adventures: A collection of natural wonders, exciting experiences and fun festivities from the four corners of the globe

    by Rachel Williams (author), Lucy Letherland (illustrator)
    Best travel atlas for kids.

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My Travel Newsletter

  1. Kids Travel Books

    Hi, my name is Valerie Van Ballaer, I write and illustrate a children’s travel book series called “The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo” (available in both paperback and eBook). The series follows George the goose and Paolo the cocker spaniel who travel to various countries around the world including Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos, Italy, Ireland, Australia, and Mexico. Each book includes post-it style checklists of the top recommended things to do and fun illustrations for each area. The Special Editions have additional pictures, fun facts, and a coloring section. You may find more details of the books on my website at vvbdesign.com/books. I think your little travelers will enjoy them.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Great. Thanks Valerie. Will definitely check them out.

  2. Gusto & Gecko Travel

    Madeline and Oh, The Places You’ll Go are my favorites! Have you heard of Gusto and Gecko Travel to China? It’s a great book on China / Asia.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      I have not heard of it but looks fun. Will check it out.

  3. Best Books About NYC For Kids

    Heading to New York City with 2 kids ages 8 and 10. What books about New York would you recommend for young kids? Thanks, Tiffany.

  4. Alex

    Great travel books for kids is the Geronimo Stilton & Thea Stilton book series. Have really enjoyed reading your posts. Safe travels. Alex

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      My son has been reading those too over the last few weeks. He loves them. Thanks.

  5. Jennifer @ Orangepolkadot

    Great list! So many of our favorites are on the list – Katie series, Magic Treehouse, This is… There is a Madeline in Rome that is also fun.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Hey Jennifer. I like Madeline in Rome too but tried to restrict the list to my very favorites — or it would get very long in a hurry :)

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