Today I have a guest post from Valerie Van Ballaer. Valerie writes the series, The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo. Here she tells us more about the series and how she got started writing the books.
Florence, Italy: Photo used with permission from Valerie Van Ballaer
Born in Belgium, at the age of 3 I moved to Thailand with my parents, where I spent 20 years living and learning near the city of Bangkok, as well as in Phuket. Having studied at an international school, I quickly learned the value of different cultures and learning from others’ life experiences. Living in Thailand was a completely unique experience that opened my eyes to new perspectives on life and values. I went on to study at universities in Italy, Australia, and Mexico, as my thirst for travel and cultures grew. I have since traveled to Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Nepal, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Hong Kong to name a few.
As a traveler, I’ve always had a passion for learning about new cultures, meeting people from all corners of the globe, and sharing my experiences with new friends. The Travel Adventures of George and Paolo is an illustrated travel book series for kids that I started while studying Graphic Design in Florence, Italy back in 2007. The first edition illustrated and written in 2007 is about Italy, and recently I have added to the series with books about Thailand and Hong Kong, and soon to be published a book about Australia. (Editor’s note: please see below for information about her new Australia and Mexico books.)
These books are based on my own travel experiences in these countries, with checklists of the top recommended things to do in each city. I realize that there are so many travel guides and books for adults, but not many for kids, hence the reason I created this series, for kids to enjoy learning about these countries in a fun way.
Photo used with permission from Valerie Van Ballaer
Learn more about the Travel Adventures of George and Paolo books
George and Paolo hop on a vespa to explore the wonders of Italy, traveling through Venice, Bologna, Pisa, Florence, Siena, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. From riding a gondola in Venice to having delicious gelato at the Amalfi coast, follow their adventure and learn about the incredible sites in Italy along the way.
George and Paolo hop on a tuk-tuk to explore tropical Thailand, traveling from north to south, through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, enjoying the wonders of the country’s culture, food, and nature.
George and Paolo hop on a minibus to explore exciting Hong Kong, traveling to Lantau Island, Hong Kong Island, Tsim Sha Tsui, Dragon’s Back, Ocean Park & Disneyland, Kowloon, and Macau. Enjoying the contrasts from the hustle and bustle of Central to the tranquil trails of Lantau and the Dragon’s Back.
I hope kids and adults alike will enjoy reading these books as much as I enjoy creating them.
Follow Valerie Van Ballaer
Website: www.vvbdesign.com
Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/valerievanballaer
Instagram: www.instagram.com/vvbdesign
Thank you so much for insight into your books and process, Valerie. Also, please note, that since this post was written Valerie has also written a book about Australia and Mexico. Click on the link to go to their Amazon page. They will both be added to the KidsTravelBooks Global Bookshelf soon.
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Learn more about the children’s book series THE TRAVEL ADVENTURES OF GEORGE AND PAOLO.
