25 Books That Take Kids On A New Adventure With Every Page
How does a child learn about the world before they see it? Through stories that take them there. Some of the best books introduce new places, ideas, and possibilities, sparking a sense of curiosity that lasts a lifetime. This list blends real and imaginary adventures, each one a ticket to somewhere exciting, turning pages into passports and words into wonder.
“Lost And Found” By Oliver Jeffers
Just imagine opening your door to a penguin. Not a postcard—an actual penguin. One boy does just that, and suddenly, he’s on a journey full of questions, quiet courage, and surprising friendship. What starts with confusion ends with a lesson in kindness, told through soft steps toward the North Pole.
“The Snail And The Whale” By Julia Donaldson And Axel Scheffler
A small snail clings to a humpback whale’s tail, eager to see the world. From coral reefs to crashing waves, their journey spans vast distances. It proves that even the tiniest travelers can have the biggest adventures. Plus, the rhythmic rhymes of the book make it a bedtime favorite for curious little minds.
“Journey” By Aaron Becker
One quiet moment. One red door on a bedroom wall. With a single stroke of her crayon, she opens a path into a world where skies stretch endlessly, and castles rise from shimmering waters. This wordless book speaks volumes, inviting every child to imagine something new—something magical waiting just beyond their bedroom wall.
“The Adventures Of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend” By Dan Santat
In a world where imaginary friends wait to be chosen, Beekle gets tired of waiting. So, he sets off on his own, crossing oceans and towering cities to find the child meant for him. From wild dreams to true escapades, bold journeys unfold through every illustrated page as he marches forward in his quest.
“The Way Back Home” By Oliver Jeffers
When a boy crash-lands on the moon, he’s not alone for long. A stranded alien soon becomes his unexpected friend, and together, they come up with a clever escape plan. This heartwarming space adventure reminds kids that courage and friendship can make even the farthest places feel like home.
“Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” By Dr. Seuss
There’s a reason why “Oh, The Place You’ll Go” is a common gift at graduations—it’s a whimsical roadmap for life’s journeys. Through winding roads, strange creatures, and Seussian wisdom, it teaches children (and grown-ups) that adventure isn’t just about where you go but how you embrace the twists and turns along the way.
“All Aboard The London Bus” By Patricia Toht And Sam Usher
What’s the best way to explore London? From the top of a bright red bus! This book whisks kids away on a rhyming tour of the city, passing landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. It’s a perfect pick for little adventurers dreaming of cobbled streets and double-decker rides.
“Mr. Postmouse’s Rounmazonds” By Marianne Dubuc
Mr. Postmouse has a big day ahead—so much mail to deliver! As he visits each home, readers get a peek inside all kinds of places, like hedgehog burrows and squirrel treehouses. Every page is packed with tiny surprises, turning each stop into a fun discovery.
“Henry’s Map” By David Elliot
Maps offer more than directions as they organize the world around us. Henry, a clever little pig, wants to bring order to the farm, so he sketches a map to put everything in its place. But when his friends start questioning his work, they set off on a surprisingly fun exploration of perspective and discovery.
“The Incredible Book-Eating Boy” By Oliver Jeffers
Henry doesn’t just read books. He eats them! Page by page, he devours knowledge until things spiral out of control. It is truly a story that encourages kids to embrace their curiosity about books (though hopefully, not as a snack!), and the hilarious illustrations make it a feast for the imagination.
“The Bear And The Piano” By David Litchfield
A young bear stumbles upon a piano in the woods, and his talent takes him far from home. However, no matter how grand the concert halls are, something is missing. This tear-jerking tale weaves together travel and the yearning for home, creating a soulful journey of self-discovery.
“Up And Down” By Oliver Jeffers
A penguin wants to fly. His best friend says, “Let’s do it.” What follows is a sweet adventure filled with hope, laughter, and loyalty. “Up and Down” reminds us that the best stories happen not just when we chase dreams but when we chase them with a good friend.
“Please Bring Balloons” By Lindsay Ward
When a girl finds a note on a polar bear, everything shifts. Balloons carry her upward, where nighttime skies reveal shimmering water and snowy cliffs. The world turns quiet. It’s a story that floats between real and imagined—ideal for children who dream bigger right before falling asleep.
“Rosie Revere, Engineer” By Andrea Beaty And David Roberts
Not all explorers set out on foot; some take off in homemade flying machines. Rosie dreams of becoming an engineer, but most of her inventions don’t work. Still, each “failure” brings her closer to success. This is a fun, STEM-inspired tale that encourages kids to build, tinker, and dream big.
“Stanley’s Stick” By John Hegley And Neal Layton
To Stanley, a stick is never just a piece of wood. It becomes a magic wand, a fishing rod, or even a telescope shaped by his limitless imagination. “Stanley’s Stick” is one of those books that celebrates the joy of seeing endless possibilities in the simplest things. It shows that adventure is all about perspective.
“A Lion In Paris” By Beatrice Alemagna
Swapping the vast savannah for the lively city of Paris, a lion sets off on a journey of discovery. The city’s iconic sights come alive through striking collage-style illustrations. They draw young readers into the wonder of Paris as seen through the lion’s fascinated gaze.
“Julian Is A Mermaid” By Jessica Love
A subway ride turns into a dream when Julian sees people dressed as mermaids. Inspired, he transforms himself with flowing fabric and flowers. His excitement, however, is mixed with uncertainty—will his family accept him? This beautifully illustrated story celebrates self-expression, courage, and the magic of seeing yourself in the world around you.
“Where The Wild Things Are” By Maurice Sendak
One moment, Max is in his bedroom; the next, he’s sailing through a wild jungle of towering monsters. With only a boat and a fearless heart, he rules the “Wild Things” and returns to where he’s loved best. It is a classic tale that honors imagination’s wonder and the warmth of home.
“Quest” By Aaron Becker
Without a single word, this book tells a breathtaking adventure. Two children discover a secret map, unlocking hidden doorways to kingdoms of magic, waterfalls, and stormy seas. The lush illustrations invite kids to create their own stories, and in the right world, wonder says more than words ever could.
“Adventures With Barefoot Critters” By Teagan White
Winter melts away, and the critters are ready to play. From spring to snow again, they explore nature’s little surprises, one letter at a time. It’s an A-to-Z kind of magic, full of forest fun, cozy friendships, and discoveries hidden under leaves and logs.
“The Storm Whale” By Benji Davies
Noi lives in a quiet house by the sea, but everything changes when he finds a small whale washed up on the shore. His secret friendship with the creature unfolds in quiet, breathtaking moments, capturing the magic of the ocean and the bond between humans and animals.
“Tiny, Perfect Things” By M.H. Clark And Madeline Kloepper
Sometimes, the best treasures are the ones you stumble upon. Be it a golden leaf peeking from the ground or a pebble shaped like a perfect heart. With every step, this book motivates little explorers to find joy in life’s small surprises, one step at a time.
“How To Find Gold” By Viviane Schwarz
Anna is set on finding gold, but the path is full of twists and turns. Luckily, Crocodile has a knack for adventure. As they chase clues, children also learn that the rewards are not always the shiniest and that the adventure itself is the most valuable treasure.
“There’s A Tiger In The Garden” By Lizzy Stewart
Nora is certain her grandma’s garden is boring—until dragonflies, giant plants, and a real tiger appear. Is it all in her imagination? Or is there more magic in the world than she thought? This is a playful adventure that reminds kids that amazing things can happen in the most unexpected places.
“Atlas Of Imaginary Places” By Mia Cassany & Ana De Lima
What if the sky had neighborhoods, waterfalls had busy streets, and libraries floated like islands? This vibrant atlas opens doors to lands that don’t exist—except in curious minds. Plus, it shows the little explorers (…and adults) that wandering through new destinations doesn’t always mean following a path.
