Why Travel Books are Important
Introducing elementary-aged children to the concept of travel through books offers a world of benefits, even if they aren’t physically embarking on a journey. These stories serve as powerful tools to broaden their horizons, ignite their curiosity about different cultures, and introduce them to the diverse geography of our planet. Reading about travel helps children develop a global perspective, understand that the world is vast and full of unique places, and appreciate the variety of human experiences.
Beyond mere geography lessons, travel books foster empathy and a deeper understanding of people from different backgrounds. By following characters who explore new lands, children learn about various traditions, foods, languages, and ways of life. This exposure helps to break down preconceived notions and builds a foundation for cultural appreciation and tolerance, critical skills in an increasingly interconnected world. It also stimulates their imagination, allowing them to visualize distant places and exciting adventures.
Moreover, travel literature can be incredibly engaging for children in this age group, offering thrilling narratives that combine adventure with learning. Whether they’re preparing for a family vacation, reliving a recent trip, or simply dreaming of future explorations, these books provide a wonderful context. They encourage questions, spark conversations, and can even inspire children to conduct their own research about places that pique their interest, turning reading into an interactive and educational experience. Finding the best travel books for elementary age kids is a wonderful way to foster this early sense of adventure.
Our Top Book Picks
The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Join Jack and Annie on countless adventures as their magical tree house transports them to various historical periods and fantastical places around the globe. Each book is a standalone journey, perfect for encouraging emergent readers while introducing them to fascinating facts about different cultures, historical events, and natural wonders. This highly acclaimed series blends history, science, and a sense of wonder, making learning about different destinations an exciting and accessible experience for young elementary readers. Children will love the blend of adventure and education, fostering a lifelong love for exploration and discovery. The series consistently ranks high in popularity and parent reviews, making it a reliable choice among the best travel books for elementary age kids.
Flat Stanley: His Original Adventure by Jeff Brown
Stanley Lambchop’s unexpected transformation into a flat boy leads to extraordinary adventures, including traveling the world by mail. This whimsical story encourages imagination and introduces the concept of long-distance travel in a humorous and engaging way. Parents often appreciate how the book subtly teaches about geography and different places as Stanley literally mails himself to various destinations. It’s a charming tale that proves even the most unusual circumstances can lead to exciting new experiences and broadens a child’s understanding of how people and goods move across the world, making it a unique addition to the best travel books for elementary age kids.
This Is Paris by Miroslav Sasek
Part of a beloved classic series of illustrated travel books, “This Is Paris” offers a vibrant and detailed tour of the iconic French capital. Sasek’s distinctive artwork and engaging descriptions capture the essence of the city’s landmarks, culture, and daily life from a child-friendly perspective. It’s a fantastic introduction to a major international city, inspiring budding travelers with its charming depictions of everything from the Eiffel Tower to Parisian cafes. Parents will find these books not only beautiful to look at but also wonderfully informative, perfect for inspiring armchair travel or preparing for a real trip. These engaging guides are truly some of the best travel books for elementary age kids who dream of far-off places.
National Geographic Kids United States Atlas by National Geographic Kids
For young explorers keen on understanding their own country, this atlas is an invaluable resource, packed with colorful maps, captivating photographs, and fascinating facts about each state. It makes learning geography an exciting adventure, featuring information on landmarks, wildlife, cultures, and unique attractions across the U.S. This non-fiction gem encourages children to explore the diverse landscapes and rich history within the United States. Parents appreciate its educational value and how it makes complex geographical information accessible and engaging for elementary-aged children, solidifying its place among the best travel books for elementary age kids interested in domestic exploration. This title is a wonderful complement to our list of 50 Must-Read Books for Elementary School.
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Follow the spirited young Madeline and her schoolmates in their adventures across the beautiful city of Paris. This classic picture book introduces children to French culture, iconic Parisian sights, and the charming routine of a boarding school. The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations make it a joy to read aloud, transporting readers directly to the heart of France. It’s a wonderful story that not only entertains but also subtly educates about a famous foreign city, making it a beloved choice for introducing international destinations and certainly one of the best travel books for elementary age kids. For more charming reads like Madeline, check out our guide to Best Books for 1st Grade (Ages 5-7).
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
This Caldecott Honor book takes children on a delightful journey to a charming Italian village, introducing them to the endearing Strega Nona and her magical pasta pot. The story is steeped in Italian folklore and culture, offering a glimpse into a traditional European setting with humor and warmth. It’s a beautifully illustrated tale that shares themes of responsibility and the consequences of misusing magic, all while immersing young readers in the sights and sounds of Italy. Parents often choose this book for its rich cultural context and its timeless, engaging narrative, making it a fantastic example of the best travel books for elementary age kids.
Linnea in Monet’s Garden by Christina Björk and Lena Anderson
Join Linnea as she travels from Sweden to France to visit Claude Monet’s famous gardens in Giverny, learning about the artist’s life and work along the way. This unique book blends travelogue, art history, and a charming narrative, making it an ideal choice for culturally curious children. It’s a gentle and informative introduction to French countryside, art appreciation, and historical figures. Parents will appreciate its ability to combine several educational themes within an engaging story, inspiring both artistic and geographical exploration. This thoughtful story easily makes our list of the best travel books for elementary age kids.
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
This stunning Caldecott Honor Book transports readers to a magical summer night on a Harlem rooftop, where eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot dreams of flying over New York City. Through her imaginative flight, Cassie sees iconic city landmarks and dreams of a future where she owns them. The book beautifully blends an African American girl’s dreams with the realities of urban life, providing a unique cultural perspective on travel and ambition. Parents often value its celebration of heritage, imagination, and the powerful dream of overcoming limitations, all set against the vibrant backdrop of NYC. It is undoubtedly among the best travel books for elementary age kids, offering both inspiration and a sense of place. For more culturally rich stories, explore our selection of Diverse Kids Books on Holidays and Traditions.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Alice Rumphius embarks on a lifelong journey, fulfilling her grandfather’s wish to travel the world and “make the world more beautiful.” This inspiring story explores the themes of travel, purpose, and giving back to the world, beautifully illustrated with images of various landscapes. It’s a gentle yet profound tale that encourages children to dream big, explore distant lands, and leave a positive impact wherever they go. Parents love this book for its beautiful message about travel’s potential to enrich one’s life and inspire acts of kindness, making it a timeless choice among the best travel books for elementary age kids.
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
This classic Newbery Honor book tells the imaginative story of Elmer Elevator, who journeys to a wild island to rescue a baby dragon. While purely fantastical, the detailed descriptions of the island and Elmer’s clever problem-solving evoke a strong sense of adventurous travel to an unknown land. It’s a beloved tale that encourages creative thinking and a sense of daring, perfect for young readers ready for their first chapter books. Parents often introduce this book to children who enjoy imaginative journeys and heroic quests. Such adventurous narratives are certainly some of the best travel books for elementary age kids. Consider this an excellent read for Best Books for 8-Year-Olds (Ages 7-9).
Journey by Aaron Becker
A stunning wordless picture book, “Journey” invites readers to follow a lonely girl who draws a magical door and steps into a world of adventure, flying on a red carpet and navigating diverse landscapes. The intricate illustrations spark imagination and allow children to create their own narratives about the girl’s travels through fantastical cities, forests, and oceans. It’s a unique book that transcends language barriers, making it an excellent choice for fostering storytelling skills and visual literacy while exploring imaginary destinations. This imaginative escapade is truly one of the best travel books for elementary age kids, encouraging open-ended discovery.
Olivia Goes to Venice by Ian Falconer
The mischievous piglet Olivia embarks on a grand adventure to Venice with her family, experiencing the canals, gondolas, and famous sights of the Italian city. This charming picture book captures the unique atmosphere of Venice with Falconer’s signature minimalistic yet expressive illustrations and witty observations. It’s a delightful way to introduce young children to a specific international destination, full of humor and relatable family dynamics. Parents often enjoy this book for its artistic style and its ability to make a foreign city feel approachable and exciting, cementing its place among the best travel books for elementary age kids.
Atlas of Adventures by Lucy Letherland and Rachel Williams
This beautifully illustrated non-fiction book takes young readers on a visually stunning journey to explore 30 real-life adventures across the globe, from exploring the Amazon rainforest to attending a carnival in Rio. Each spread is packed with intricate details, maps, and fun facts about different cultures, wildlife, and natural wonders. It’s an immersive experience that encourages exploration and discovery of the world’s most exciting places. Parents appreciate its high-quality production and how it inspires children to learn about global diversity in a fun and interactive way. This comprehensive atlas is without a doubt one of the best travel books for elementary age kids who are curious about the entire planet.
Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
While seemingly simple, “Go, Dog. Go!” is a vibrant and energetic book that celebrates movement, vehicles, and the joy of travel from a foundational perspective. Dogs in cars, on boats, and even up a tree playfully demonstrate various modes of transportation and destinations (like the big dog party!). For the younger end of the 5-10 age range, it introduces the fun of getting from one place to another and observing different types of journeys. It’s a classic for a reason, perfect for sparking early conversations about movement and travel. This delightful read serves as a wonderful introduction to the concept of movement for the youngest readers among the best travel books for elementary age kids.
Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling C. Holling
This beautifully detailed classic tells the story of a carved wooden Indian figure in a canoe, launched into Lake Nipigon, Canada, and its long, adventurous journey through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean. The book combines geography, natural history, and a captivating narrative, showing the incredible journey of a small object through vast waterways. It’s a fantastic educational tool that teaches children about the interconnectedness of North American geography and the wonder of nature’s currents. This engaging story is certainly among the best travel books for elementary age kids, offering a unique perspective on geographical exploration.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
While complex, adapted versions or a guided read-aloud of “The Little Prince” can introduce elementary children to an extraordinary philosophical journey through different planets and encounters with unique characters. The Prince’s travels teach him about love, friendship, and the meaning of life, offering a profound sense of cosmic exploration. It’s a timeless allegory that encourages deep thinking about human nature and our place in the universe, making it a unique “travel” book that broadens more than just geographical horizons. This profound story truly stands out among the best travel books for elementary age kids, inspiring deep contemplation.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Join a brave family as they set out on an adventurous journey through a variety of landscapes—swishy swashy grass, splishy splashy river, squelchy squerchy mud—all in pursuit of a bear. This rhythmic and repetitive story is a perfect read-aloud that immerses young children in an exciting physical journey. For the younger elementary ages (5-7), it fosters imaginative play and sensory language while celebrating the thrill of an outdoor adventure, making it a beloved choice for its engaging narrative and beautiful illustrations. This adventurous romp is one of the best travel books for elementary age kids who love an interactive story.
The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf
This Swedish classic, often found in adapted versions for children, follows a mischievous boy named Nils who is turned into a tiny elf and travels across Sweden on the back of a goose. His journey exposes him to the diverse geography, folklore, and wildlife of Sweden, teaching him valuable lessons about empathy and kindness. It’s an epic tale of transformation and discovery that combines fantasy with real-world geography and cultural insights, perfect for older elementary readers seeking a grand adventure. This enchanting journey is a top pick among the best travel books for elementary age kids, especially those ready for a longer narrative. For more advanced reads, consider our Award-Winning 3rd & 4th Grade Books (Ages 7-9).
Amazing Machines: Busy Wheels by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker
For children fascinated by how things move, “Busy Wheels” is an engaging picture book that explores a wide array of vehicles, from cars and trucks to planes and trains, all busy traveling. The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations make learning about different modes of transport fun and accessible for the younger end of the 5-10 age group. It sparks an interest in how people and goods journey from one place to another, laying a foundation for understanding the mechanics of travel. This dynamic book is undoubtedly one of the best travel books for elementary age kids who are curious about transportation.
More Tips for Parents: Reading with Your 5-10 Year Old
Pair books with maps and globes
As you read about different places, pull out a physical map or globe to show your child where the story is taking place. This helps solidify geographical understanding and makes the stories more real, allowing them to visualize the journeys described in the best travel books for elementary age kids. Engaging with maps provides a tangible connection to the narratives.
Discuss new cultures and traditions
Encourage conversations about the customs, foods, and languages introduced in the books. Ask questions like, “How is that different from what we do?” or “What would you like to try from that culture?” These discussions deepen their cultural appreciation and expand their worldview, making the most of the diverse experiences offered by the best travel books for elementary age kids.
Connect stories to real-world travels or plans
If you have an upcoming trip, read books set in that destination to build excitement and familiarity. If not, talk about dream destinations and plan an imaginary itinerary. This helps children connect literary adventures with potential real-life experiences, enhancing the impact of the best travel books for elementary age kids.
Encourage journaling or drawing
After reading a travel book, suggest your child draw a picture of their favorite scene or write about a place they’d like to visit. This helps them process the story and engage creatively, fostering imagination and memory. Creative expression adds another layer to their engagement with the best travel books for elementary age kids.
Listen to travel-themed audiobooks
For long car trips or quiet time at home, consider audiobooks that feature journeys or are set in different countries. This can make travel itself a literary adventure, keeping children engaged and entertained while on the move. Audiobooks are an excellent way to continue exploring the world through stories, complementing the best travel books for elementary age kids.
