When you grow up in a small rural town the thought of traveling doesn’t come naturally. Where I grew up the thought of going outside your safe comfort zone wasn’t an option for most. My parents both came from very large families and almost all of their collective 20-ish siblings and partners all live in the same town they grew up in.
As a small child I knew I didn’t want that. I knew I was different and although it was scary I wanted to go out and see what this world had to offer. Back then we didn’t have iphone, siri, or the internet. So as a child looking for an escape or information I went to the library. While my parents were worried about my brother sneaking out, my mother was yelling at me that I was going to ruin my eyes by reading in bed under the covers with a flashlight.
Come Over to My House
When I was trying to escape and well past the age of when I should have enjoyed it, my favorite book was ‘Come Over to my Place’ by Dr. Seuss. The easy-to-read words and captivating images of places I couldn’t believe existed made me want to travel the world. Whether it was kangaroos and emus, sliding down pine needles or roads of water this multi-cultural book showed me a whole new world. It showed me kids are the same all over the world no matter the color of your skin, what you eat or where you live.
Reading to inspire travel
Come over to my house
After I had children I started to think about traditions and things from my childhood that I enjoyed and wanted to pass on. Remembering how much I loved to read, I checked out ‘Come Over to my Place’ and discovered the book was originally published in 1966 and was sadly no longer available. My aunt remember how much I loved the book and sent me a copy. Then in 2016, after 20 years of being unavailable, the book was brought back into publication. This new edition has updated images which are even more inclusive with children in wheelchairs and more accurate facial descriptors. So of course, I had to get one of those too. Side note: it’s surprising how much thinner and smooth paper is now compared to the 70s.
Years later I have gone to Australia and finally understood the importance of an Emu there. I have been to china and ate with chopsticks. And, I have seen the streets of water in Italy. My biggest problem is that my daughter this book too. Even with her dyslexia she listens to a reading of the book on YouTube. Although I’m proud of how many of the countries she can recognize that I couldn’t, I’m not looking forward to all the travel plans she is making.
Here are a few other books that will inspire your kids to travel!
Lonely Planet ‘Not-for-Parents’ Series
We got the first one in Australia for our kids to teach them about everything we were seeing on our trip (they were at home). I love that they play up the ‘not-for-parents’ angle, and my kids did too. When we went to Rome we got one for our son as he was in charge of planning the activities we would do in Rome. These books highlight aspects for children and have fun facts that parents may otherwise overlook.
‘Not-For-Parents’ Asutralia
Oh, the Places you’ll Go
I got this one from a friend when I graduated University, and now most children receive it as a kindergarten graduation gift. Although it’s not destination specific it is great to encourage children to explore. It may also be helpful with children with anxiety to encourage then about adventures and possibilities.
Oh, the Place You’ll Go
Madeline
If your from Europe it will not be as engraining, but if your from Canada or the U.S., this will make any child want to go to Paris. These Paris-themed books allow readers to follow Madeline’s adventures at zoos, school or her trips around the world. This book may have came out in 1939, but it has been updated, turned into movies and tv shows and has expanded to keep current.
Madeline
Anne of Green Gables
As a red haired, freckled-faced girl growing up in the Maritimes, I wanted to be Anne of Green Gables. I read the books, watched the TV show and tried to be the spunky girl, Anne Shirley, portrayed in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels. Another great thing is that they now have Anne of Green Gables books for all reading levels. Get these books to inspire your children to visit Anne’s home in scenic Prince Edward Island.
Anne of Green Gables
The Adventures of Tintin
Growing up I had one Tintin comic and to be honest I preferred my Archie or Marvel comics. Now thanks to updated versions, movies and TV my children are a bigger Tintin fans. This book, is available in a variety of languages, which helps it’s popularity worldwide. One of the few travel-inspired books geared towards boys the readers can follow the reporter Tintin and his dog Snowy as they get caught up in adventure and mystery all over the world.
The Adventures of Tintin
Want to find more books to inspire travel for all ages? Check out a story I collaborated with for Countdown To Friday blog. You will find something for everyone.
