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If you want to inspire your kids to travel, then reading map books is a great way for kids to visualise how big and diverse this world is.
Books take you away on an imaginative trip, discovering faraway places and wondrous locations, without the need to leave your home.
I love maps – in particular, old maps. I love that they give you a snapshot, at any given time, of what was known and what was not, and I love the incredible, artistic detail on antique maps.
These days, Google maps are (mostly) accurate and efficient, but I do miss those angels in the corner blowing the winds about, the sea monsters frolicking in the deep, and the mermaids awaiting unsuspecting sailors.
The good news is that there are plenty of terrific map books for kids out there that will inspire a love and appreciation of maps in your family.
The Best Map Books For Kids
If you don’t know where to start, check out these books for kids about maps!
1. Mapping Penny’s World by Loreen Leedy
Mapping Penny’s World is a wonderful introduction to mapmaking and follows Lisa and her class as they learn how to make maps.
In this story, Lisa makes maps of the various places in her life with her mischievous dog, Penny, who helps out.
Ages 5-8.
2. Me On The Map by Joan Sweeney (Illustrated by Annette Cole)
Me On The Map gives kids an idea of the size of the world by showing the maps of a young girl as she explores the wider world. It begins with a map of her room and then pans out from there to show a map of her house, map of her street, town and so on.
Ages 4+.
3. Henry’s Map by David Elliot
Henry is a most particular pig who tries to clean up the messy barnyard by drawing a map to show the other animals where they belong.
It’s a sweet story with adorable illustrations, perfect for preschoolers and young kids who want to learn about maps. It would make for a great readaloud story for teachers.
Ages 4-8.
4. There’s A Map On My Lap By Tish Rabe (Illustrator Aristides Ruiz)
Inspired by Doctor Seuss, There’s A Map On My Lap is a riotous, rhyming introduction to maps as some adventurous friends follow a map together. It shows the different kinds of maps, as well as the symbols and other tools we use to read them.
Ages 5-9.
5. Map My Neighborhood by Jennifer Boothroyd
Follow a little girl as she maps her neighbourhood to show her visiting grandma where everything is. It will show your kids the types of features that their own neighbourhood map needs to have. Also, the easy-to-read text makes it perfect for early reader’s who are starting out on their phonics journey and learning to read.
Ages 5-8.
6. Follow That Map: A First Book of Mapping Skills by Scot Ritchie
A fun picture book that shows kids not only how to read a map to get from A to B, but how to recognise certain map features, no matter where they are in the world. It shows them how to use a compass, how to read grids, and how to read map keys. This interactive picture book comes with myriad activities to keep kids inspired and engaged from start to finish.
Ages 4-7.
7. Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska, Daniel Misielinska
The Mizielinskis return with this beautifully illustrated book featuring not only borders, cities, rivers, and peaks, but also places of historical and cultural interest, eminent personalities, iconic animals and plants, cultural events, and many more fascinating facts associated with every region of our planet. It comes with a companion activity book and poster book with pull-out pages as well.
Ages 4-10.
8. Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams (Illustrator, Lucy Letherland)
Atlas of Adventures inspires young adventurers to travel the world without leaving their armchair. Divided into seven sections, representing the continents, this is a busy, fact-filled introduction to maps and atlases. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and there are more than 100 activities to do as you read along, inspiring young explorers everywhere!
Ages 4-7.
9. Map Art Lab by Jill K. Berry, Linden McNeilly
Map Art Lab features 52 map-related activities that are realised as weekly artistic exercise. Beginning with legends and lines, the projects move through different types and styles of maps before encouraging kids to create their own worlds.
Ages 10+
10. As The Crow Flies: A First Book of Maps by Gail Hartman
Inspire your next family vacation with this playful introduction to maps by Gail Hartman. This book follows a crow as he navigates where to go. It’s a great book for learning road maps, as well as learning how animals find their way.
Ages 3-8.
11. Mapping Sam by Joyce Hesselberth
Mapping Sam follows a cat named Sam as she explores her neighborhood at night. It’s a book about how maps work told in a fun, character-driven story. It’s perfect for teachers looking for educational resources or for homeschooling as it also has colorful maps and background information about maps and map terms throughout.
Ages 4-8.
12. The Mapmaker Chronicles by A.L. Tait
The epic adventure series, The Mapmaker Chronicles, is about a race to map the world! This four-part series begins with “Race to the End of The World” and follows Quinn and his brother’s adventure across the world. It’s part fantasy, part quest, and teaches kids not only about travel, but also of resilience, perseverance and friendship.
Ages 9-14.
13. National Geographic Kids Beginners World Atlas
With bright artwork and up to date facts and statistics, the National Geographic World Atlas is the only map of the world young explorers need.
Paired with bold photography, it’s not just a fact-file but a visual feast for children to learn about topography and map metrics.
Although it’s designed for older kids, it’s an educational resource for readers of all ages as the images and colorful maps are easy to read.
Ages 7-10.
14. Once Upon A Time Map Book by B.G. Hennessy
One of the best-selling maps book is Once Upon A Time Map Book by B.G. Hennesy, which has a curious collection of fact-filled maps paired with fairytale explorers. Reader’s can navigate Aladdin’s Kingdom, the Giant’s Kingdom from Jack and the Beanstalk, or Peter Pan’s Neverland.
Each map has a compass, quadrants and a key with local routes, plus comes with six fold-out maps and a pop-up castle.
Ages 3-7.
More Travel Book Inspiration
Need more travel books to add to your bookshelf? Check out these other guides!
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Comment: Can you think of any more books for kids about maps? Let us know in the comments!
Thank you for providing these books information, I bought some books about maps, but not so good, I think I should try some new map books
Love the book suggestions. Great gift ideas for my nieces children! Books are truly a door to world adventures.