Email: Good books for kids to read? (US)
Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
What’s not to love about this fantastic story of a 12 year old boy living within walls of a train station in Paris? 300 pages of pencil drawings depicting Parisian life in 1930’s. Buy: Amazon.com
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Whether watching her visit tigers at the zoo or appendix removed, no one forgets the smallest of 12 girls in 2 straight lines. Buy: Amazon.com
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
Marmalade loving bear is a staple in children’s literary canon. Paddington’s adventures take him all over London Underground, to theatres, Paddington Station. Buy: Amazon.com
Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein
Wabi Sabi is a kitten living a peaceful life in Japan until she starts to question the meaning behind her name. She sets out on a journey across Kyoto, discovering Mount Hiei, Ginkakuji, importance of beauty in unexpected places. Buy: Amazon.com
Tintin in Tibet by Hergé
Most famous cartoon traveler of all time. He reads about a plane crash in the Himalayas, travels in hopes of rescuing his best friend. Buy: Amazon.com
Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Most iconic children’s books. Story of a pilot who crash lands in Sahara Desert. Meets a blonde-haired, extra-terrestrial boy who shares stories of his incredible travels. Buy: Amazon.com
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
Popular Italian stories for children, features infinite amounts of spaghetti. Wonderfully showcases terrains, terra-cotta roof tiles, delicious food of southern Italy. Buy: Amazon.com
Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Young Tree-ear works for a master potter in village of Ch’ulp’o-ri, South Korea. Takes a long journey to royal court for commission, determined to prove himself. Buy: Amazon.com
Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Fisher Staples
Najmah, a young Afghan girl whose father is conscripted by Taliban. Nusrat, an American woman waiting out the war in Peshawar. As they seek refuge, look for answers, their fates inter-twine. Buy: Amazon.com
Monsoon by Uma Krishnaswami
Monsoon depicts one girl’s thoughts, actions as she waits for India’s rainy season. Through poetic language, dream-like illustrations, a sensory portrait of life in Delhi. Temple bells, hustle & bustle of busy city streets. Buy: Amazon.com
From Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Story of 2 young siblings spending the night at Metropolitan Museum of Art. Exploring rooms, exhibits of this iconic NYC landmark. Buy: Amazon.com
Mercedes & Chocolate Pilot by Margot Theis Raven
7 year old Mercedes lives in West Berlin during the Airlift. Lt. Halvorsen, a pilot who drops nourishment, supplies to children below. Youthful tone, evocative paintings portray German life in late 1940’s. Buy: Amazon.com
Moonlight on Magic Flute by Mary Pope Osborne
Takes us to Vienna in 8th century. Set against backdrop of famous Schönbrunn Palace. Packed with history, mystery, magic. Buy: Amazon.com
Little Leap Forward: Boy in Beijing by Guo Yue & Clare Farrow
Brings to life era of China’s Cultural Revolution. Growing up in hutongs of Beijing in 1960’s. Discover heartache of loving, letting go of captured birds. Buy: Amazon.com
Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter
A librarian in Basra struggles to save priceless collection of books after war breaks out in Iraq. True story teaches powerful lessons about lives of women in Middle East, universal love of knowledge & literature. Buy: Amazon.com
Geronimo Stilton by Elisabetta Dami
Newspaper journalist finds himself on faraway travels with sister, nephew. Adventures take place in real world locations – Niagara Falls, Easter Island, Mount Kilimanjaro. Buy: Amazon.com
Journey to Jo’burg by Beverley Naidoo
13 year old Naledi, younger brother Tiro leave village to find mother in Johannesburg. Reveals culture & landscapes of South Africa. Buy: Amazon.com
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Childhood experience of fleeing Vietnam after fall of Saigon, moving to Alabama. A child’s eye view of immigration, realistic portrayal of sights & thrills of Saigon. Buy: Amazon.com