Blog Archives - Kids Travel Books

Jun 12 2017

Geography Games to Avoid Summer Brain Drain

I was reading this article on Scholastic Parent about skill-boosting board games and thought I would add my own twist to the list. And, if you haven’t guessed it, that would be a travel-related twist.

Geography Games Ages 4+

Geo Bingo

If you’re familiar with BINGO, you’re ready for this game. Instead of numbers, GEOBingo uses country cards. With 50 countries represented and 25 on each of the 8 bingo cards, kids will learn about the world in no time.

There is also a version of just US States.

Buy on Amazon.

Sequence States and Capitals: Photo Credit Amazon

Sequence States and Capitals

And, another familiar game with a geography angle – Sequence! Here match the state shapes (or capital) on the card with the shape on the board.

Buy on Amazon.

Geography Games Ages 8+

Ticket to Ride

SpielEssen in Essen, Germany is the Oscars of the gaming world. Here game creators share the games and the annual “Spiel des Jahres” (game of the year) is crowned. Since I used to live less than a 10-minute walk to the conference center that hosted SpielEssen, I was lucky to attend one year. It’s pretty awesome.

Anyway, whenever I see a game that has any mention of SpielEssen recognition, I know it’ll be a good one. Ticket to Ride is no exception. It won the award in 2004. In Ticket to Ride kids get a closer look at geography as they navigate through train routes on different maps. There are many versions available for various routes around the world.

Expansion kits include: (Basically, you need the original or Europe version to play these)

UK Ticket to Ride with Pennsylvania on the back
India Ticket to Ride with Switzerland on the back
Africa Ticket to Ride
Asia Ticket to Ride
Netherlands Ticket to Ride

There is also a version available for younger kids (Ticket to Ride First Journey), which I’ve seen at Target.

Geography Games Ages 10+

Passport to Culture

With over 600 questions and almost 50 cultural scenarios, kids will be able to test the “Cultural Intelligence”. It’s a fun way to see what you need and learn something new.

Buy on Amazon.

National Geographic Geo Bee Challenge

This game includes actual questions for the National Geo Bee Challenge.

Buy on Amazon.

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Jun 05 2017

Library Love: Eugene Public Library

Today I have a guest post from Ashley from the website, See Ash. She shares with us photos of the kid’s area of the Eugene Public Library and tells us why it’s a fun place to visit with kids.

With its friendly staff, wide variety of programming, and indoor and outdoor play areas, the children’s department at the Eugene Public Library is a welcome respite from traditional sightseeing. Let the kids browse the large collection of books, play with the puzzles, puppets, and toys, or enjoy a picnic on the whimsical patio.

Eugene Public Library. Photo Courtesy of See Ash.

Fun outdoor space at Eugene Public Library. Photo Courtesy of See Ash. — Fun outdoor space at Eugene, Oregon Public Library. Photo Courtesy of See Ash.

Visit the Eugene, OR Public Library:

Address: 100 West 10th Avenue, Eugene, OR

For more information about programs and events click here.

Follow Ashley:

Do you have a library you love for your kids that you want to share? Let me know.

Jun 01 2017

Two-time Nobel Laureate, Marie Curie, is inspiring children worldwide

Today I have a guest post from my friend, Lisa, who writes at Knocked Up Abroad. She shared with me a new book that’s launching a fundraising campaign on IndieGoGo. The idea of the book and the campaign seemed interesting to me and to the KidsTravelBooks audience that I had to share. I’ll let Lisa tell you more:

Marie Curie on the train in Marie Curie and the Power of Persistence. Photo Credit: My Science Heroes — Marie Curie and the Power of Persistence. Photo Credit: My Science Heroes

The Marie Curie Alumni Association has created a new illustrated children’s book called Marie Curie and the Power of Persistence to bring the amazing life of Marie Curie and her advanced discoveries in science to life for the next generation of critical thinkers.

Marie Curie and the Power of Persistence uses a novel storytelling approach to bring this historical figure to life for readers both young and old. Written and illustrated as a dynamic superhero story, this book introduces children to important scientists and their key accomplishments in a fun and engaging way.

Unlike other children’s book about historical figures, this book focuses not on the achievements of the two-time Nobel Laureate but instead on her personality traits that are inherent in all young children—persistence.

About Marie Curie

Marie was born in Warsaw, Poland as Maria Sklodowska in 1867. She fought against the commonly held societal belief that women were not smart enough for higher education by educating herself in underground networks.

When she was 24 years old, she moved to Paris, France. There she attended Sorbonne University where she earned not one but two advanced degrees. Her groundbreaking scientific discoveries with radium and polonium and radioactivity resulted in scientific recognition with two Nobel Prizes—one in chemistry and one in physics.

Marie Curie’s appeal to children

In her life’s story, the power of persistence is a recurring theme. In the children’s book, Marie relies on her superpower during her ongoing battle with her arch nemesis, Mr. Opposition. Throughout her life, society and institutional limitations threatened to block her progress. Determined to become educated and successful, Marie Curie persisted.

Marie Curie represents a strong-willed role model for both girls and boys. She is the only person to ever win two Nobel Prizes. This story demystifies her complex discoveries using language that early readers can understand.

Children love epic adventures complete with heroes, villains, and incredible superpowers. This book delivers all of that with dynamic and infectious energy.

Today, Marie Curie’s persistent spirit is taking over the world. Parents, teachers, librarians, and science lovers discover this new perspective of a famous figure.

Marie Curie and the Power of Persistence is available to pre-order now through IndieGogo, June 1 – July 4, 2017. Extra perks to complement and enhance the story, such as fun kid-friendly experiments and learning resources are available only through the campaign.

Marie Curie and the Power of Persistence. Photo Credit: My Science Heroes

May 04 2017

Library Love: New York Public Library

Today I have a guest post from Eileen Gunn from the popular family travel website, Families Go! I asked her to tell me about one of her favorite libraries to visit with kids, and I was very happy to see what she what she had to say.

One of my favorite recommendations to families exploring New York City is the central branch of the New York Public Library.

You might recognize the tall steps, the columns and the lions out front— named Patience and Fortitude by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia– from Ghostbusters and a whole host of other movies and television shows. The atrium just inside the entrance is tall and impressive, as are the 3rd-floor reading rooms. There might be a collection of photos or historic New York restaurant menus or a famous New Yorker’s letters on display in the collection rooms; you just never know.

Winnie the Pooh inspiration at the NY Public Library. Photo Credit: Families Go!

But the best part for families is downstairs in the sizable children’s room. The library is home to the original stuffed animals that inspired A.A. Milne to write Winnie the Pooh for his son: Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, and Kanga are all there. They were recently away for a little while to be spiffed up, so they’re looking particularly smart these days.

Find out where you can currently see Winnie the Pooh's inspiration. #familytravel Click To Tweet

Unfortunately, kids can’t actually play with them. But there are plenty of books, and a reading room with mats where you can stretch out and read, a nice break from site-seeing, especially if it’s an extremely hot summer day or extremely cold winter one. If you’re exploring the areas around Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park or Grand Central Station stop by. While you’re there, take advantage of the free, clean, not-to-crowded bathrooms, too (a must with kids)!

Want to visit this library?

Address:
476 Fifth Avenue (42nd St and Fifth Ave)

New York, NY, 10018
https://www.nypl.org/about/locations/schwarzman

I never knew that the NY Public Library housed the inspiration pieces for the popular Winnie the Pooh series. Definitely on my list of places to visit the next time I’m in town. Thank you so much, Eileen!

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Apr 26 2017

Aya & Bobby Discover Thailand | A Book Review

I love to think about the act of traveling.

Prepping for a trip. Packing suitcases. Enjoying the journey. Discovering new sites and sounds. Experiencing different things. Trying new food. Learning first hand. Finding the connection with the familiar back home, in an unfamiliar place. And saying goodbye.

Discover Thailand, the first book in a new series, does all of that. It prepares kids for a vacation to Thailand, by giving kids a realistic view of what their trip would look like – through the eyes of the main characters, Aya and Bobby.

A Recap of Discover Thailand

Aya and Bobby are siblings getting ready to visit Thailand for the first time. Before their trip, they learn more country to help prepare. We follow them as the pack their suitcases and sit through the long flight to Thailand.

Once in Thailand, through the magic of words and illustration, we make our first discovery in Thailand. It’s busy! Using the local transportation, a Tuk Tuk and a boat, Aya and Bobby start to explore Bangkok. They visit popular sites such as the Temple of Dawn, Royal Grand Palace, and more. The next set of adventures finds them on a Thai beach. Here they combine their activities with things they already love, swimming and ice cream, while still learning about things that are unique to Thailand. For example, they try new food, learn about the animals in the ocean, and even learn to fly a kite.

The publishers gave me a copy of the book for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

Discover Thailand - Kids Travel Books — Pin this image to your favorite book or family travel board.

Discover Thailand, a review

First, I want to mention how much I love the drawings in this book. I’m not an expert on illustration, but the style of drawing and coloring enhances the feel of Thailand. The busy Bangkok scenes feel busy, while there is a calmness when Aya and Bobby are at the beach.

I also appreciate how relatable Aya and Bobby are. My kids were excited to not only share the relative ages of Aya and Bobby, but they also have the same pajamas. In the same color.

As I mentioned early, Discover Thailand gives a realistic view of what a trip to Thailand looks like for kids. I like the combination of the many unfamiliar new sites, with the reminder of the familiar activities kids have even though they’re far from home. The stop at the beach and to eat ice cream adds a realness. This is what family vacation is all about. It’s about finding a way to make it enjoyable for all everyone. It’s not just an endless loop of learning and discovering. Don’t get me wrong, learning and exploring are vital aspects of traveling. However, it’s nice for kids to see that they can still do things, like eat ice cream or learn to fly a kite, while on vacation.

Still, the book succeeds at discovering Thailand, too. Kids will learn about the transportation, popular sites, animals, and activities that Thailand is known for. Use it as a jumping point for learning more about the country. I have some links below that work to gain further information about some of those things.

This must have for families traveling to Thailand. #kidsbooks Click To Tweet

Who should get this book?

This is a must have for anyone traveling to Thailand with their kids. It’s also perfect for anyone interested in teaching their kids more about the country.

You can buy your copy on Amazon.

More information

Author: Christina Kristoffersson Ameln
Illustrator: Seonaid MacKay
Find out more about Aya and Bobby.
Buddha and Buddhism for kids.
This site of Bangkok for Kids includes some of the sites listed in the book. Check out the Royal Grand Palace.
In the book, the kids try Pad Thai Shrimp, make some at home with this recipe.
Here are facts about some of the sharks off the coast of Thailand.