20 Books For Your Kids To Explore the World
Most of us would love to show our kids the world firsthand, wandering through ancient ruins, exploring bustling markets, or discovering incredible wildlife together. I know I do!
But with busy schedules, endless to do lists, and the cost of travelling as a family, hopping on a plane isn't something most of us can do whenever we'd like.
The good news is that books can take children on amazing journeys without ever leaving home. Every story opens the door to a new country, introduces different cultures and traditions, and inspires curiosity about the world around them.
If you're looking to raise little explorers, here are 20 wonderful children's books, organised by age, that will transport your family from snowy mountain villages to tropical islands, vibrant cities, and everywhere in between.
Board Books (1-3)
The A Little Engine That Could Road Trip series is a fun collection of board books that takes little readers on a journey across the United States. Featuring the much-loved Little Blue Engine, each book explores a different state, introducing children to famous landmarks, local culture, food, and interesting places along the way.
With colourful illustrations, simple text, and fun facts throughout, these books are a lovely way to help toddlers and preschoolers discover the incredible variety of places found within one country. They’re perfect for little explorers who love trains, travel, and learning about the world around them. We found a few of them randomly on the marketplace and really enjoyed them, especially my daughter who is 2!
The Little Traveler Board Book Set is a fun and interactive way for little ones to start discovering the world. Rather than a traditional story, this collection of four mini board books introduces children to different countries through food, animals, vehicles, and famous landmarks.
Picture Books (Ages 3–7)
Short, colourful, and full of feeling; these are perfect for little ones who love beautiful illustrations and big adventures.
The My Little Cities series is a great collection of books designed to introduce young children to some of the world's most iconic cities, including Paris, London, New York, and San Francisco.
With fun rhyming text and colourful illustrations, little readers are taken on a journey through famous landmarks, parks, museums, and other special places that make each city unique. Each book also includes a few fun facts at the end, making it a great way to introduce young children to different places around the world and inspire a love of exploring. I have the Paris and London books for my kids, and they absolutely love looking at the illustrations, spotting details, and sharing their thoughts about what they see!
Join Claris, a fashion-obsessed mouse with a dream to move to Paris. Gorgeous illustrations, French flair, and themes of determination, kindness, and style. Très chic and perfect for fashion-forward toddlers (or mums). I've bought all the books because the illustrations are really pretty and they also make for gorgeous baby shower gifts.
Another five star recommendataion. This is a beautifully poetic story of two children living in very different climates — one dry, one drenched. It shows how nature shapes our lives and gently introduces kids to how people live in India.
Based on model and activist Georgie Badiel’s childhood in Burkina Faso, this story follows a girl who dreams of bringing clean water to her village. Powerful, moving, and sparks big questions (in the best way).
Set in Korea, this is a gentle, awe-inspiring tale of a young girl learning to free-dive with her grandmother, a real-life “sea woman.” It celebrates bravery, tradition, and the bond between generations.
Early Readers (Ages 6–8)
Still picture-heavy, but with longer text and more narrative depth; perfect for early independent readers or read-alongs.
A classic Italian tale about a magical pasta pot and a well-meaning but clueless assistant. It’s part folklore, part comedy, and a great intro to Italian culture and consequences (especially pasta-related ones).
The companion to Strega Nona, this one’s all about Anthony himself. It gives readers a new perspective on the lovable (if slightly clumsy and chaotic) character, with themes of misunderstanding and redemption.
A whirlwind journey following kids from 13 countries as they share their daily lives. Bright, engaging, and filled with real facts about cultures, customs, and geography. Like a postcard from every page.
My son loved this story! It's a goofy, fun Canadian road trip featuring a dog named Carlson and lots of unexpected adventures. You kids will learn about Canadian landscapes and local traditions while laughing at Carlson’s antics.
Chapter Books (Ages 7–10)
For curious readers ready to dive into longer stories, these blend action with learning.
I've been reading this series over and over again. It's very short but packed with awesome adventures and historical information. If you don't know this series here's how I would describe it: Time travel + history + siblings who don’t argue much = a winner. Each book drops Jack and Annie into a different time and place, from ancient China to the Amazon. Very gentle intro to world history and culture.
This is another one of my favourire middle grade book series. Each book features real historical events told from a kid’s perspective. These books are fast-paced and gripping. From earthquakes to wars, they open the door to empathy, resilience, and understanding the past.
Part science, part adventure, part travel — this series follows a team of kids who solve real-world problems. This specific book takes readers under the sea near the Pacific Islands, exploring both nature and teamwork. I absolutely love the concept and their little adventures!
Astrid the Unstoppable is a wonderful journey into the snowy mountains of rural Norway. Astrid, nicknamed "the little thunderbolt," spends her days racing down hills on her sled, singing at the top of her lungs, and visiting her gruff but lovable godfather, Gunnvald.
When a new family arrives in the tiny village of Glimmerdal, followed by the unexpected return of a mysterious woman, Astrid discovers that Gunnvald has been keeping a secret from her. Determined to put things right, she throws herself into a heartwarming adventure full of humour, friendship, and courage...
I read this book around Christmas, and it couldn't have been a more perfect winter read. As a chocolate lover, I was completely won over by Gunnvald's tradition of making hot chocolate from real chocolate bars. It sounded absolutely divine!
Upper Middle Grade (Ages 9–12)
For older readers who love a strong storyline and vivid settings. These are great for solo reading or family read-alouds.
Archie’s life in Australia is pretty uneventful. He lives in a quiet suburb, rides his bike to high school every morning, and plays soccer on Saturdays. That is, until he and four of his schoolmates win a competition and are suddenly thrust onto a dangerous mission to retrieve a stolen suling, a precious flute belonging to the Makassar tribe.
From crocodile-infested swamps and an abandoned mine in the Australian desert to a trap room in a famous art gallery, the five children face life-threatening challenges. They’ll have to rely on their courage, survival instincts and ability to solve cryptic puzzles in order to complete their mission.
Time is running out. Will Archie and his friends manage to survive and recover the sacred object before it disappears forever?
This book is the first of a series (The Intrepid Explorers) I wrote with my mum a couple of years ago for children who enjoy mysteries, adventure, treasure hunts, and stories that make them feel as though they're travelling to a new country.
You can order a personalised signed copy here, complete with a free bookmark and free shipping anywhere in Australia.
Set in 1930s Paris, this beautifully illustrated novel follows Hugo, a boy who lives in a train station and keeps the clocks running while unraveling a mysterious mechanical man. It’s cinematic, emotional, and full of French atmosphere; a perfect blend of adventure, history, and art.
Set in the Arctic, this is a heartfelt story about a girl who befriends a lone polar bear. It’s quiet and powerful, touching on climate change, loneliness, and courage.
One of my favourite middle grade books! I love anything happening in the Amazon jungle. When a group of kids crash-land in the Amazon, they must learn to survive — unless they're not alone... Atmospheric, a little wild, and full of rich detail about life in the rainforest.
A magical, high-seas adventure with an all-female pirate crew, set in Spain and Morocco. History, fantasy, and fierce girls, what's not to love?
Do You Want Your Kids to Keep Learning about the World?
If your child loved discovering new countries through these books, they can keep exploring the world with The Intrepid Explorers Magazines; a collection of digital geography magazines that take kids on adventures around the world.
Each magazine brings a different country to life through exciting adventure stories, mini lessons, puzzles, maps, recipes, crafts and hands-on activities. They are fully printable, so your kids can revisit their favourite destinations and explore at their own pace.
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