Books with a travel theme are a great way to open your children’s minds to new adventures and excitement about the world around us. They allow us to show our children about the people, places, and events that are currently outside of their own experience.
Take their imaginations on an adventure through books that encourage wanderlust, and help them learn about places and cultures around the world. We picked out these books that center on Black and POC characters as they go on journeys of all kinds, and we’d encourage you to try them out if you’re looking to raise a future globetrotter.
The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Pete in Paris! By Serena Minott and Asha Gore
This book follows Aya and her buddy, a stuffed sloth named Pete, as they explore the City of Lights. The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Petebook series is inspired by the real-life experiences of mother-daughter duo and authors Serena Minott and Asha Gore. This is the first book in the series and it follows Aya and Pete practicing speaking French, trying French foods, learning about the currency and geography of France, and visiting key Parisian landmarks. This book series teaches children about different countries and cultures and promotes diversity in children’s literature.
The Traveling Child Goes to Rio de Janeiro by Monet Hambrick
The Traveling Child Goes To is a series based on two traveling sisters Jordyn and Kennedy. This series highlights the activities they did on each trip which will educate your child on the city or country as well as give you ideas for a vacation you may be planning to that destination.
Austin Goes to Argentina by Angela Watford
This book follows the title character from his home in Brooklyn to Buenos Aires on his first trip outside of the country. While in South America, Austin and his mom see all the sights, hear all the sounds, and eat all the delicious food synonymous with the spirited, colorful culture in the city. The book exposes kiddos to life in Buenos Aires and even helps them learn or spruce up some Spanish. This is the first book in what will be a series of Austin’s travels around the world.
Titan and The Worldschoolers Book by Titan Knightley
Join Titan and his Mom as they travel on an adventure around the world from ‘A’ through to ‘Z’ giving us a glimpse of what ‘World-Schooling’ is all about. A World-Schooler is a student that travels around the world, visiting many different countries with family; gaining knowledge directly from experience and interactions with other cultures.
My Africa Vacation by Ozi Okaro
My Africa Vacation follows five-year-old Arinze and his older sister Cheta as they take a family trip to Africa. Starting in Kenya, Arinze’s family travels to ten African countries, demonstrating how vibrant and multifaceted the African landscape and cultures are. The book showcases iconic sites like Victoria Falls and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as their grandfather’s village in Nigeria. Ozi Okaro is of Nigerian descent and the founder of African Girl Brands, which develops toys, books, and educational materials designed specifically for children of African descent.
Little Nic’s Big World by Nic Naitanui
AFL star Nic Naitanui, who was born in Sydney to Fijian parents, celebrates the diversity of different cultures when it comes to art, music, sport, and more in his new book,Little Nic’s Big World, which is a follow-up to his previous children’s book, Little Nic’s Big Day. A playful journey through culture, sport, art, and music – and a celebration of the diversity of the Australian community.
Her Epic Adventure: 25 Daring Women Who Inspire a Life Less Ordinary by Julia De Laurentiis Johnston
This book showcases thrilling true stories of female adventurers who never stopped believing in themselves, and achieved the unimaginable. This highly readable and inspiring book describes the achievements of a diverse group of female adventurers from around the world, including women of color, Indigenous women, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities. Each section includes realistic illustrations and facts about the tools, training, gear, and diet needed to accomplish amazing travels.
Around the World, I Go by Cory J. Anderson
Imani shares her dream of traveling around the world. Go on the journey with her as she visits each of the seven continents. At each stop, Imani visits some fantastic sites and talks with her family about her journey.
Ana & Andrew Dancing at Carnival by Christine Platt
Christine Platt is a historian and storyteller of the African diaspora. Dancing at Carnival follows sister and brother Ana and Andrew as they visit their family on the island. They learn about the Carnival celebration and how it came to be. The book is just one in the Ana & Andrew series.
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Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies.
She’s an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own YouTube channel where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content.