Want to show your kids the country but don’t want to have to pack or leave the comfort of your own house? Check out this list from Brightly of books that take you across the country without the road trip!
9 Children’s Books That Traverse the United States
by Dena McMurdie
My family has a giant map of the United States on our wall covered with stickers indicating all the places we’ve lived or visited. Each time we go somewhere new, we add more stickers to our map. We’ve explored everything from the towering high-rises of big cities to flat expanses of plains. The vast American landscape is like nothing else.
Whether we’re hitting the road or sticking close to home, having picture books and activities on hand is a great way to keep the adventure going. Here are nine books that celebrate the sights, history, and people of the U.S.A.
A Chip Off the Old Block
Rocky goes on a cross-country trip to visit his rock relatives. From famous formations to iconic monuments, Rocky sees the geological sights of the United States in this delightful, inspirational, and pun-filled picture book.
Blue Sky White Stars
This stunning book will make your heart swell with pride as you explore the people, history, and landscape of America. With gorgeous illustrations and spare but powerful text, this book is a celebration of our incredible country.
The 50 States
Fact loving kids will adore this illustrated atlas of all 50 states. Each oversized map is packed with need-to-know information about individual states, their history, famous residents, and trivia.
How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.
A little girl wants to make a cherry pie but lacks the necessary baking equipment, so she heads out on a cross-country trip to gather raw materials. Readers will see the sights of the United States while learning about our natural resources and how they’re used.
Mr. Men Road Trip!
Little Miss wants to go on a road trip across America, so she buys an RV and packs it full of her friends. The crew hits up the Statue of Liberty, Hollywood, and everything in between. Kids and parents that love Mr. Men and Little Miss will enjoy this literary expedition.
Vacation Fun Mad Libs
Fill in the blanks to create your own wacky and hilarious vacation-themed stories. This little book provides screen-free entertainment to keep your kids’ hands and minds busy during road trips and plane rides.
Our Great Big Backyard
When Jane’s family heads off on the great American road trip, she isn’t too happy about it. But as she takes in the sights, she starts to appreciate the outdoors and all that the American landscape has to offer.
Amazing 50 State Maze Book
If your kid likes activities and puzzles, then they’ll love this book of intricate mazes. Armed with a pencil and a sense of adventure, your child can travel through each state, starting at the capitol and ending at a major city.
The Little Pioneer
Reminiscent of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved Little House series, this beautifully illustrated picture book introduces children to a young girl and her homesteading family as they travel across the country in a covered wagon.
Original Post from Brightly
Wellman Scofield Public Library 