Books About Travel · 1,156 titles considered

The Best Travel Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about travel? 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.

A Bear Called Paddington
Series
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Travel

Sale price
$2849
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2007

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick

A hidden life in a Paris station unravels with a cryptic message.

Caldecott Medal (2008)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2007)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2007)
533 pages· 24,938 words· Est. 3 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 191,299 ratings
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hugo, an orphan and clock keeper, hides within the walls of a Paris train station. His secretive existence is threatened when he encounters a mysterious toyseller and a curious girl. As a cryptic drawing, a stolen key, and a mechanical man come into play, Hugo must unravel a hidden message from his deceased father. Can he protect his secret and uncover the truth before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Nebula Secret

A young explorer uncovers a family secret that threatens his future at an elite academy.

216 pages· 52,975 words· Est. 6 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,166 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Cruz Coronado leaves Hawaii for the prestigious Explorer Academy, joining kids from around the world to train as future explorers. But Cruz's journey takes a perilous turn when he discovers his family's mysterious ties to the academy, putting his future at risk. Amidst thrilling classes and augmented-reality adventures, Cruz must unravel the enigma of who is targeting him and why. With puzzles and codes to solve, Cruz's quest for answers becomes a race against time. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1958

A Bear Called Paddington

A bear from Peru turns a family's life upside down with his whimsical adventures.

174 pages· 23,962 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 88,038 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: When the Browns discover a bear from Peru at Paddington Station, they have no idea how much their lives will change. With a suitcase, a peculiar hat, and a sign asking for care, Paddington Bear brings chaos and charm to their home. His well-meaning antics lead to humorous misadventures, transforming ordinary days into extraordinary tales. As Paddington navigates his new world, will the Browns manage to keep up with his delightful unpredictability? Discover the heartwarming and comedic journey of a bear who finds a family and a place to belong.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Story Collector

A library prank spirals into a quest to uncover a ghost and a missing stamp collection.

272 pages· 39,626 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,143 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Viviani Fedeler, raised in the New York Public Library, suspects it's haunted. A prank to spook new girl Merit Mubarak goes awry, leading Viviani and her friends on a thrilling quest. They must unravel the mystery of a possible ghost and a vanished stamp collection. Can they uncover the truth hidden within the library's walls?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2011

Safari, So Good!

Join a safari adventure to uncover wild animal secrets with the Cat in the Hat.

48 pages· 1,174 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 169 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Embark on an African safari with the Cat in the Hat, Nick, and Sally. Discover why zebras sleep standing up, how baboons groom, and why hippos love water. This rhyming journey reveals fascinating wildlife facts, sparking curiosity and wonder. Perfect for young explorers eager to learn about the animal kingdom.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2000

Because of Winn-Dixie

A young girl navigates a new town and a new life with the help of a stray dog she adopts.

192 pages· 22,105 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 285,068 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ten-year-old Opal's life changes when she adopts a stray dog named Winn-Dixie. This scruffy companion helps her forge new friendships and gives her the courage to confront her father's silence about her absent mother. As the summer unfolds, Opal discovers that everything seems to happen because of Winn-Dixie. Will this unexpected friendship help her uncover the truths she's been seeking? Dive into a heartwarming tale of discovery and connection.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

The Someday Birds

By Sally J. Pla, Julie McLaughlin (Illustrator)

A boy's cross-country journey to spot birds may heal his fractured family.

327 pages· 62,765 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,267 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Charlie's life unravels after his father is injured in Afghanistan. On a cross-country trip with his siblings and a mysterious friend, Charlie believes spotting birds he and his father dreamed of will mend their world. As they journey from California to Virginia, Charlie, an autistic boy, navigates family chaos and self-discovery. Will this madcap adventure bring healing and understanding, or will it reveal deeper truths about family and resilience? Join Charlie in a tale of humor, heart, and hope as he seeks solace in the skies.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

A girl schemes to return home, uncovering secrets and friendships on a cross-country journey.

352 pages· 82,710 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 33,647 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have roamed the country in a bus for five years. When Coyote learns her childhood park is being demolished, she hatches a secret plan to return home and retrieve a buried memory box. As they travel 3,600 miles, they gather a quirky group of travelers, each with their own dreams and struggles. Will Coyote's journey lead her to healing and a new beginning, or will the past prove too difficult to face? Discover the power of friendship and the courage to confront the past in this heartwarming adventure.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2012

Bird & Squirrel on the Run

By James Burks · Book #1 in the Bird & Squirrel series

A bird and a squirrel embark on a journey to the south, facing various obstacles and challenges along the way.

126 pages· 2,362 words· Est. 27 min read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,204 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: When a carefree Bird and a cautious Squirrel lose their winter stash, they embark on a zany road trip south. With Cat hot on their trail, this unlikely duo must outwit their relentless pursuer. Can they find safety and friendship amidst the chaos, or will Cat finally catch his prey? Join Bird and Squirrel on a hilarious adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2010

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

By Lauren Tarshis, Scott Dawson (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the I Survived series

A ten-year-old is off exploring the parts of the ship he isn't supposed to be in when the Titanic hits the ice.

104 pages· 10,470 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 20,446 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: George Calder's dream voyage on the Titanic becomes a nightmare when disaster strikes. As the ship begins to sink, George must navigate chaos and danger to save himself and his sister, Phoebe. Will they survive the icy waters and find safety? Dive into a gripping tale of courage and resilience aboard history's most infamous ship.
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Travel Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about travel for the youngest readers and listeners.

This Little Explorer

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Discover the world's greatest explorers in a vibrant journey for young adventurers.

Going

Ages 2–5 · 2019

A little bear explores the world, from school to space, always on the move.

Hello, World!

Ages 3–5 · 2011

Explore the world by learning to say 'Hello' in 10 languages.

Sale price
$899

Jane Foster's London

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Explore London's iconic sights through vibrant illustrations in this engaging board book.

How Do You Say I Love You?

Ages 1–4 · 2017

Discover 'I love you' in ten languages, uniting hearts worldwide.

Sale price
$1199

All Aboard! Washington D.C.

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Embark on a train journey exploring iconic landmarks around the world.

Landmarks

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Explore world monuments through touch in this tactile learning adventure.

Sale price
$1199

All Aboard! National Parks

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Embark on a train journey exploring cities and wildlife with your little one.

Hopper and Wilson
Sale price
$699

Hopper and Wilson

Ages 3–5 · 2011

Two friends sail to the world's end, discovering home is where the heart is.

Sale price
$995

Good Night New York City

Ages 0–3 · 2006

Explore New York City through a child's eyes, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.

Sale price
$799

Paris

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Discover shapes hidden in Paris's iconic landmarks.

San Francisco

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Count vibrant sights in San Francisco's iconic landmarks.

View all travel board books
Browse by age

Travel Picture Books

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

Wherever You Go
Sale price
$1899

Wherever You Go

Ages 3–6 · 2015

Embark on a journey with friends to discover magical worlds beyond your doorstep.

Maps

Ages 7–10 · 2012

Explore the world's wonders through beautifully illustrated maps.

Off & Away

Ages 4–7 · 2018

Jo must conquer her fear of the sea to deliver mail and discover new adventures.

How I Learned Geography

Ages 4–7 · 2008

A boy discovers a map's power to nourish his imagination beyond hunger.

Sale price
$999

London

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Discover London's iconic sights through charming illustrations and playful text.

A House That Once Was

Ages 3–6 · 2018

Two children explore an abandoned house, uncovering its mysterious past.

L Is for London

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Explore London's iconic sights from A to Z with hidden surprises.

Everything & Everywhere

Ages 5–8 · 2018

Embark on a global adventure uncovering unique surprises in cities worldwide.

Madame Badobedah

Ages 5–8 · 2020

A young girl suspects a mysterious hotel guest is a supervillain. Is she right, or is there more to the story?

Spider-Man Swings Through Europe!

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Spider-Man's European vacation turns into an unexpected adventure. What surprises await him abroad?

Edmund Unravels

Ages 5–8 · 2015

A yarn ball's adventure reveals the joy of exploration and the warmth of home.

I Dream of a Journey

Ages 4–7 · 2020

An innkeeper dreams of adventures beyond his hotel, longing for distant journeys.

Browse by age

Travel Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about travel for developing and independent readers.

My Diary from the Edge of the World

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A girl races to save her brother from a mysterious threat in a world of mythical creatures.

Danny the Champion of the World

Ages 7–11 · 1959

A group of teenagers discover a hidden world of magic.

See You in the Cosmos

Ages 10–14 · 2017

A boy's quest to launch his iPod into space uncovers family secrets.

Just One Day

Ages 14–18 · 2013

A spontaneous trip to Paris changes everything in just one day.

Sale price
$999

Walk Two Moons

Ages 10–14 · 1994

A girl's journey reveals secrets and a quest to find her missing mother.

Lalani of the Distant Sea
Sale price
$1699

Lalani of the Distant Sea

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl braves a perilous sea quest to save her mother and her future.

The 21 Balloons

Ages 8–12 · 1947

A professor's flight goes awry, leading to a mysterious island of wealth and inventions.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Ages 8–12 · 2003

A girl discovers she's half mermaid and dives into a quest to find her father.

Big Foot and Little Foot

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A young Sasquatch named Hugo befriends a human boy named Boone through a series of letters and gifts exchanged through a magical stream

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Ages 12–18 · 2001

A magical pair of jeans transforms four friends' summer into an unforgettable journey of discovery and friendship.

The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea
Sale price
$1899

The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea

Ages 14–18 · 2020

A pirate and a lady defy fate and captors on the high seas.

Lord of the Flies

Ages 14–18 · 1954

Stranded boys' paradise turns to chaos as order collapses.

Keep exploring
Books about family problemsBooks about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about books and librariesBooks about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about death, grief, and bereavementBooks about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilitiesBooks about explorersBooks about father-daughter relationships

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