Books About Exploration · 249 titles considered

The Best Exploration Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about exploration? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Exploration

Sammy the Seal
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1959

Sammy the Seal

By Syd Hoff

A seal leaves his home at the zoo to explore the outside world and learn about what lies beyond his enclosure.

72 pages· 786 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 6,479 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Sammy, a curious seal, escapes the zoo for a day in the bustling city. His adventure leads him to a school where he encounters children and discovers the joy of reading. As Sammy navigates this new world, will he find his way back home, or will the allure of learning keep him in the city? Join Sammy on a delightful journey filled with discovery and fun, perfect for young readers eager to explore the magic of books.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1938

Mr. Popper's Penguins

By Richard Atwater, Florence Atwater · Book #1 in the Mr. Popper's Penguins series

A house painter receives a surprise gift from Admiral Drake, the famous South Pole explorer, which changes his life forever.

Newbery Honor (1939)
148 pages· 18,641 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 78,847 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Mr. Popper, a humble house painter, receives a penguin from Admiral Drake, soon followed by another from the zoo. As the penguins multiply to twelve, chaos ensues. Can Mr. Popper manage his unexpected, waddling family before they consume everything in sight? Discover the hilarity and heartwarming moments as Mr. Popper navigates this delightful dilemma.
The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree
Sale price
$674
Board Book · Ages 2–5 · 1978

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

By Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain · The Berenstain Bears series

Three little bears explore a spooky old tree and encounter various obstacles.

24 pages· 216 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,646 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Board book
Summary: Join three adventurous little bears as they embark on a nighttime exploration of a mysterious hollow tree. Inside, they encounter unexpected surprises that challenge their courage and curiosity. What secrets will they uncover as they journey through, over, and out of this enigmatic place? Discover the wonders hidden within the tree's depths in this delightful tale of exploration and bravery.
Olivia
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · 2011

Olivia

By Editors of Publications International LTD, Layouts by Art Mawhinney (Illustrator), Illustrated by Bob Berry (Illustrator) · Look and Find series

Join Olivia in a playful search for hidden treasures across eight delightful scenes.

24 pages· 257 words
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 10 ratings
$9.95Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Olivia the piglet on a whimsical adventure as she plays dress-up, performs at the theater, and sets up a lemonade stand. Each scene is a treasure hunt, inviting young readers to find hidden objects and characters. From feeding sea lions to show-and-tell with her cat, Olivia's world is full of surprises. Can you spot all the hidden treasures and discover what inspires her next great painting? Dive into Olivia's playful world and see what you can find!
Cyclops of Central Park
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2020

Cyclops of Central Park

By Madelyn Rosenberg, Victoria Tentler-Krylov (Illustrator)

A cyclops braves New York City to find a missing sheep.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2021)
32 pages· 742 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo·3.5/5 Goodreads · 136 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In Central Park, a cyclops discovers one of his sheep, Eugene, is missing. Despite his fears of the city's sharp grass and twirly carousels, he embarks on a daring quest through New York. With the help of his fluffy friends, he must navigate the city's 'dangers' to bring Eugene home. Will he find courage in the chaos and discover that new experiences can brighten his world?
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

By Mac Barnett, Jon Klassen (Illustrator)

Two brothers dig a hole in search of something spectacular.

Caldecott Honor (2015)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2015)
40 pages· 275 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 10,712 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Sam and Dave embark on a quest to uncover something extraordinary by digging a hole. Despite their efforts, they find nothing. Yet, their day transforms into an unexpected adventure, revealing that sometimes the true treasure lies in the journey itself. Will they discover the hidden wonders beneath the surface, or is the real surprise waiting above ground? This witty tale invites readers to look beyond the obvious and find joy in the unexpected.
Over and Under the Rainforest
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–9 · 2020

Over and Under the Rainforest

By Kate Messner, Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the Over and Under series

A young explorer and their guide hike through the rainforest, discovering its hidden world of animals and plants.

48 pages· 623 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 717 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Journey into the heart of Central America's rainforest, where the vibrant world beneath the canopy teems with life. From the slender parrot snake to the elusive jaguar, discover the secrets of this lush ecosystem. Capuchin monkeys swing through the trees, while sloths patiently endure the daily storms. What mysteries lie hidden among the roots and rivers? This captivating adventure invites young explorers to uncover the wonders of nature, blending education with the magic of discovery. Perfect for curious minds eager to learn about the diverse creatures and enchanting landscapes of the rainforest.
The Wish Tree
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 2–4 · 2016

The Wish Tree

By Chris Turnham (Author/Illustrator), Kyo Maclear

Two friends go on a journey to find a wish tree.

32 pages· 468 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,504 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Charles embarks on a quest to find a legendary wish tree, despite his siblings' doubts. With his loyal companion Boggan, he ventures into a world where wishes might just come true in surprising ways. As they journey through enchanting landscapes, Charles learns that magic often lies in the unexpected. Will he find the wish tree, or something even more extraordinary?
Maisy Goes to the City
Sale price
$674
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2011

Maisy Goes to the City

By Lucy Cousins · Maisy series

A mouse's urban adventure reveals the city's wonders and challenges.

32 pages· 258 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 336 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Maisy the mouse embarks on an exciting city adventure with her friend Charley. From navigating bustling sidewalks and noisy traffic to exploring a giant toy store and savoring pizza, every moment is a new discovery. As they ride escalators and subways, the city becomes a playground of endless possibilities. Will Maisy and Charley find their way through the urban maze and enjoy their visit to the fullest? Join them on this vibrant journey and see the city through their curious eyes.
Penguin and Pumpkin
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2014

Penguin and Pumpkin

By Salina Yoon · Book #4 in the Penguin series

Penguin seeks a way to share autumn's magic with his little brother left behind.

40 pages· 339 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 1,018 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Penguin embarks on a fall adventure to a distant farm, leaving his little brother, Pumpkin, behind. As Penguin explores, he can't shake the thought of Pumpkin missing out. Determined to share the season's wonders, Penguin and his friend Bootsy hatch a plan to bring a piece of autumn back home. Will their surprise bring joy to Pumpkin and capture the essence of fall? This heartwarming tale of family and discovery invites readers to explore the bonds that connect us, even when we're apart.
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Exploration Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about exploration for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Bear Came Along
Sale price
$1899

Bear Came Along

Ages 5–6 · 2019

A group of animals embark on a journey together along a river.

Reach for the Stars
Sale price
$1899

Reach for the Stars

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Reach for dreams and discover life's wonders.

The Complete Brambly Hedge
Sale price
$2499

The Complete Brambly Hedge

Ages 0–5 · 1999

Join the mice of Brambly Hedge on seasonal adventures filled with friendship and discovery.

The Barnabus Project
Sale price
$1899

The Barnabus Project

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A failed pet dreams of escape before being recycled.

The Golden Glow
Sale price
$1799

The Golden Glow

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A fox's quest for a rare plant leads to an unexpected discovery.

Going to Town
#3 in Series
Sale price
$999

Going to Town

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A family's first trip to town brings unexpected wonders and excitement.

I am Sacagawea
Series
Sale price
$1599

I am Sacagawea

Ages 5–8 · 2017

A young Native American woman guides an epic expedition across uncharted America, proving her courage and skill.

Except Antarctica
Sale price
$1799

Except Antarctica

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A turtle defies the odds to reach Antarctica, challenging nature's limits.

The Emerald Berries
#2 in Series
Sale price
$799

The Emerald Berries

Ages 5–9 · 2015

Two friends embark on a journey to find a mysterious place called Weedsnag Way, where they hope to discover a rare and valuable treasure

Amelia Earhart
Series
Sale price
$1599

Amelia Earhart

Ages 4–7 · 2016

A daring aviator dreams of flying around the world.

View all exploration picture books
Browse by age

Exploration Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about exploration for developing and independent readers.

Stickeen
Sale price
$1200

Stickeen

Ages 6–9 · 1897

A man and his dog face a perilous glacier crossing during an Alaskan ice storm.

Expedition Backyard
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Expedition Backyard

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Two friends explore nature's wonders, even after moving to the city.

The Doldrums
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1799

The Doldrums

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A boy defies his overprotective mother to rescue his explorer grandparents trapped on an iceberg.

Vikings
#33 in Series
Sale price
$699

Vikings

Ages 7–9 · 2015

The Vikings were skilled warriors and explorers who sailed from Scandinavia to raid and settle in various parts of Europe and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy in history and culture.

View all exploration chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about adventure and adventurersBooks about city and town lifeBooks about discoveriesBooks about feeling scaredBooks about new experiencesBooks about nightBooks about rainforestsBooks about the zoo