22 amazing books that take kids on an adventure around the world
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One of my favorite things about books is how they can take us anywhere.
With just a turn of the page, we can explore rainforests in Brazil, bustling cities in Japan, or the coral reefs of Australia — all from the comfort of home.
That’s what I love about this month’s book list. It’s filled with stories that bring the world to life for our kids, introducing them to new places, cultures, and traditions in a way that feels exciting and natural.
Some of these books take kids on adventures across the globe, while others help them see the world through someone else’s eyes and understand different ways of life.
These books make it easy to spark curiosity, invite meaningful conversations, and help kids see just how big and wonderful the world really is.
11 wonderful books that take the kids on a trip around the world
1 – Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built (by Angela Burke Kunkel) | 4-8 years
This picture book shares a heartwarming and inspiring true story about a garbage collector in Bogotá, Colombia, who started a library from discarded books and made a difference in his community.
2 – Coquí in the City (by Nomar Perez) | 4-7 years
This colorful picture book captures the spirit of Puerto Rico and celebrates the unique culture of the island.
3 – Welcome to Our World: A Celebration of Children Everywhere! | 3-6 years
This joyful and inclusive picture book showcases the diversity of children around the world, and introduces young kids to different cultures from around the world.
4 – Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music (by Margarita Engle) | 4-8 years
This lovely book tells the true story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a young girl in 1930s Cuba who dared to dream of becoming a drummer, despite cultural expectations that girls shouldn’t play drums.
5 – The Travel Book: A journey through every country in the world (by Lonely Planet Kids) | 8-12 years
This informative guide takes readers on a journey around the globe, inviting the kids to explore new places.
6 – Paddington (by Michael Bond) | 4-8 years
This beloved classic tale follows the adventures of a cute and curious bear from Peru who moves to London.
7 – A Ticket Around the World (by Natalia Diaz and Melissa Owens) | 5-8 years
This fun and educational picture book is great for introducing young readers to different countries around the world and teaching them about each country’s culture and traditions.
8 – The Mystery at the Coral Reef (Greetings from Somewhere – by Harper Paris) | 5-9 years
The chapter book follows the adventures of two siblings who travel to Australia and discover a mysterious underwater world. With vivid descriptions and a fast-paced plot, this book is perfect for young readers who love to solve puzzles and explore new places.
9 – Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah (by Laurie Ann Thompson) | 5-9 years
This moving and inspiring picture book tells the true story of a young boy from Ghana who overcame physical disabilities to become a cycling champion and activist for disabled rights.
10 – Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia (by Jeanette Winter) | 6-9 years
The picture book shares the heartwarming true story of a man in rural Colombia who brings books to children in remote villages on the backs of his two donkeys.
11 – Countries of the World: Our World in Pictures | 6-10 years
This stunning and informative book takes readers on a visual journey around the world, providing interesting facts about each country.
An adventure around the world: 11 more books to enjoy with your kids
12 – Carson Crosses Canada (by Linda Bailey) | 4-8 years
This lovely book shares the story of Annie Magruder and her trusty dog, Carson, who embark on an epic road trip across Canada, offering readers a great opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of the country.
13 – Along the Tapajós (by Fernando Vilela) | 4-8 years | Brazil
In this engaging story, readers are taken on an adventure through the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.
14 – National Parks of the USA (by Kate Siber) | 6-10 years
This comprehensive guide to America’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring natural parks features information on each park, including its history, unique features, and the activities that visitors can do there.
15 – All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids (by Willamarie Moore) | 8-12 years
This book is a cultural guide to Japan for children, featuring a variety of stories, songs, crafts, and games that help readers learn about the country’s culture and traditions.
16 – This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World (by Matt Lamothe) | 5-8 years
The book follows the daily lives of seven children from around the world, each from a different country and cultural background. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the similarities and differences between the different cultures and ways of life.
17 – Where Is the Great Barrier Reef? (by Nico Medina) | 8-12 years
This book is an engaging exploration of one of the world’s most fascinating natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. The book covers the history of the reef, its unique features, and the different animals and plants that call it home.
18 – Festival of Colors (by Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal) | 3-6 years
The book follows siblings Mintoo and Chintoo as they prepare for and participate in the colorful and joyous celebration of Holi, the Indian festival of colors.
19 – Africa Is Not a Country (by Margy Burns Knight) | 5-10 years
This book is an informative and engaging exploration of the many different countries and cultures that make up the continent of Africa.
20 – Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos (by Monica Brown) | 4-8 years
This charming picture book about the famous Mexican artist and her love of animals highlights the many pets that Kahlo kept throughout her life, and how they inspired her artwork.
21 – Katie in Scotland (by James Mayhew) | 3-6 years
The book follows the adventures of a young girl named Katie as she travels through Scotland, visiting famous landmarks like Loch Ness and Edinburgh Castle.
22 – The Water Princess (by Susan Verde) | 4-8 years
The book tells the inspiring story of a young girl’s quest for clean water, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of life in a village the heart of Africa’s Saharan desert.
I hope this list brings lots of wonderful reading adventures to your home and sparks meaningful conversations with your kids!