This is going to be a long one guys. As you know, I think books are key to enjoying family trips. Family road trips can be boring, especially for kids. So doing prep work with them via books is vital. Below I have a variety of books that I feel will help either pre-trip or during the trip. So take a look at the best children’s books for a road trip.
I’m dividing this post into two sections. Books I think help pre-road trip (get them in the frame of mind for success) and books that help during the trip.
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Kid’s books to get kids ready for a road trip
Motorcycle Road Trip
by Stanley Strickland (Author), Rhys Jefferys (Illustrator)
This fun board book is fun for the littlest kids on a trip. Sure it’s a motorcycle road trip and most kids aren’t going on a motorcycle road trip, but it puts them in control. They move the book according to the directions in the book. What I love the most is that the book does a great job at setting road trip expectations and shows why they could be fun.
Pete the Cat’s Family Road Trip
by James Dean (Author, Illustrator), Kimberly Dean (Author)
Early readers will enjoy checking out a Pete the Cat road trip on their own. The family is going across the U.S., but before they can see all the sites – there are some problems. How do they handle them? You’ll have to read to find out.
Fred and Ted’s Road Trip
by Peter Eastman
The Dr. Seuss Beginner Book is meant to be easy enough for new readers to read on their own. Fred and Ted are heading out on a road trip, but as usual, things go wrong. What types of things can we learn to help make our road trip more successful?
Amelia Bedelia Road Trip!
by Herman Parish (Author), Lynne Avril (Illustrator)
If your child is worried that tripping on a road doesn’t sound so fun, this may be the book for them. While Amelia Bedelia might not get it, she sure knows how to make kids laugh.
Disney: Andi Mack Rockin’ Road Trip
by Disney Book Group (Author), Alexa Young (Author), Disney Storybook Art Team (Illustrator)
This chapter book is great for fans of Disney’s Andi Mack show. In this novel, geared for kids between the ages of 9 and 12, Andi Mack hits the road to go to a music festival.
Need more book ideas for kid’s road trip books before the trip? I love this list from Kid World Citizen.
Kid’s books to help kids get involved in the Road Trip
The books below are various kid-focused road trip atlases, regular atlases, and geography games. Click on the image for more information.
The 50 United States
by Gabrielle Balkan (Author), Sol Linero (Illustrator)
While this isn’t an atlas, I think this is a fun book for a multi-state road trip. There’s nothing more fun that learning about the states you’re driving through. On that note, check back next week as I’ll be posting a list of the best children’s books for each state. In the meantime, visit our U.S. children’s books section to find books for a specific state.
Great American Eating Experiences
by National Geographic (Author)
This is not road trip specific, but what better time to try foods of the United States than during a road trip. This state-by-state journey of food favorites is a good thing to double-check before planning your route. Decide if a detour is necessary, and recognize that since it’s food-related, it probably is.
Fun activity books for a family road trip
These road trip activity books will help pass the time on a trip. There are jokes, games, mad libs, travel-themed activities, questions, and so much to keep kids and families busy.
Click on the image to go to Amazon to find out more or to buy one.
Any books you’d add? Let me know in the comments.
