Madeline is my all time favorite too. Another good one could be the Eliose series that follows the life of a 6 year old girl living in the Plaza, New York.

Posted By Jen on September 28, 2009, 4:28 PM

Czech author and illustrator Miroslav Sasek published well over a dozen books that charmingly capture the essence of cities and countries like London, Venice, Greece, and Australia: http://www.miroslavsasek.com/. To me, they're as inspirational as they are transportational.

Posted By Ben Keene on September 28, 2009, 10:38 PM

Don't forget one of the best books ever:
The Phantom Tollbooth
by Norton Juster

Posted By Kelly on September 29, 2009, 12:02 AM

I definitely agree with From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, E. L. Konigsburg - I was so excited to finally see New York after reading that book so many times growing up.

Posted By kriskelly49 on October 1, 2009, 1:32 AM

Set in today’s day and time, Me and My Best Friend is about a young boy, his faithful companion and their exciting adventures.

Henry and Liam are the best of friends and they do everything together. They can run and play all day long. But when Henry the puppy gets tired and tries to take a nap, three-year-old Liam keeps waking him, wanting him to play some more. Will Henry get any rest?

Get your children involved with this beautifully illustrated book. Your child will love to match up words and pictures, and find Liam, who keeps hiding in his bedroom. Perfect for the young reader!

About the Author

J.S. Huntlands is the author of Nick Twisted Minds and is currently working on more books in this series, as well as 23 more books in the Me and My Best Friend series. Huntlands is a full-time writer, as well as a mom to a wonderful four-year-old boy. This book is dedicated to her son in hopes that he never forgets his best friend.

Posted By JS Huntlands on October 2, 2009, 4:56 AM

I big thumbs up to Miroslav Sasek and his terrific series of city books! The Little House and Betsy-Tacy series inspired me to visit the Midwest. And who didn't want to visit Times Square to try to find a Cricket?

Posted By Annabella on October 5, 2009, 11:22 AM

Biographies of the founding fathers for making East Coast travel more exciting...Montpelier, Mr. Vernon and Monticello make an amazing road trip out of DC. The Octavian Nothing duet (riveting) can add depth for the older kids.

Posted By Moho on October 5, 2009, 11:31 AM

If Maurice Sendak is your guy; Where the Wild Things Are is your movie; and food is your thing --see "Too Many Thoughts to Chew: A Sendak Stew" at the Rosenbach Museum and Library in Philadelphia. It deliciously examines the importance of food and eating in Sendak's work.

Posted By Cara Schneider on October 5, 2009, 1:06 PM

The Traveler: A Magical Journey
Daniel Page Schallau

A VERY imaginative story and incredibly illustrated

Posted By Steve on October 5, 2009, 1:08 PM

Toot and Puddle is one of my recent favorites to read (and watch...it's on Noggin) with the girls I babysit for. Toot and Puddle are two little pig best friends who love to travel. "A boomerang flies, but always returns." One day the 5 year old started talking about India and France and when I asked where she learned all that she said that Toot and Puddle were just there!

It's an adorable book series and TV show with a very catchy theme song. Great for younger kids too!

ps: I also agree that Madeline is fabulous! I remember reading that when I was younger.

Posted By Natty on October 5, 2009, 1:10 PM

Linnea in Monet's Garden...we never did find or stay at the pension, but definitely inspired a desire to look at Monet at Boston Museum of Fine Arts...book in hand to make sure the signature was right...and travel to France.

Posted By Marleen on October 5, 2009, 1:13 PM

Anyone looking for an enchanting book about places around the world should check out "Letters From Felix...A Little Rabbit on a World Tour" by Annette Langen and Constanza Droop. A little girl's lost stuffed rabbit sends her letters from Paris, Rome, Cairo, Kenya, and New York. The letters are actually enclosed in real envelopes within the book. Wonderful fun for all! PB

Posted By Pam on October 5, 2009, 1:48 PM

I nominate "Haroun and the Sea of Stories" by Salman Rushdie, and the Paddington Bear books.

Posted By Alice McNutt Miller on October 5, 2009, 2:37 PM

My daughter loves the magic treehouse series, by Mary Pope Osborne, that inspires both travel and a curiosity of history

Posted By Ileana on October 5, 2009, 3:09 PM

I'd also incude "Oh, They Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Suess, or just about any picture book by Grame Base. =)

Posted By Traveling Librarian on October 5, 2009, 3:14 PM

Time of Wonder, Robert McCloskey

My favorite picture book. Though the paintings and words might appeal more to adults than to little children. Reminds me of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's Gift from the Sea - so tranquil.

Posted By Kathleen on October 5, 2009, 3:22 PM

If you are looking for books for very young children that inspire travel, check out "The Adventures of Paw Paw" series. Paw Paw visits China, Costa Rica and France. Written by Diana Scimone and illustrated by Leah Wiedemer.

Posted By Leah on October 5, 2009, 3:29 PM

Anne of Green gables- beautiful Prince Edward island

Posted By Lee on October 5, 2009, 3:37 PM

The author's choices - and most of the comments that precede mine - are for older children of reading age, though I read the Betsy/Tacy books and Anne of Green Gables to my daughter when she was quite small.

If you're looking to inspire toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners with stories from abroad, or children's travels, here are some recommendations from GoodLittleTraveler.com :

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
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Jenny Goes to Sea by Esther Averill
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Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema
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Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
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Adele & Simon by Barbara McClintock
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Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming
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Papa Piccolo by Carol Talley
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The Great Race by Dawn Casey

Posted By Scotty Kober on October 5, 2009, 5:12 PM

The beloved Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace are back in print! In July I visited Mankato, Minnesota where these books are set - the kind of trip that is more like a pilgrimage. Here is a link showing the very house that Betsy/Maud grew up in and became inspired to write the books.
http://www.betsy-tacysociety.org/betsyhouse.php
These books are a must for young and old fans of Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, and Princess Diaries.

Posted By Constance on October 5, 2009, 6:02 PM

Inside Outside Book of Texas by Roxie Munro

Posted By Jeanette Larson on October 5, 2009, 6:18 PM

One day I hope to visit the Lake District of England where the Swallows & Amazons series by Arthur Ransome is set!
http://www.amazon.com/Swallows-Amazons-Godine-Storyteller-Ransome/dp/087923573X

Posted By Lil on October 5, 2009, 6:34 PM

Beatrix Potter inspires those old and young to explore and sustain the lake district, and to connect with nature and its stewards, furry and otherwise...

Posted By TBA on October 5, 2009, 7:31 PM

A beautiful picture book by Charlotte Zolotow and photos by Tana Hoban is called The Moon was Best. Pair it with Madeline for another view of Paris. And you can't beat Toot & Puddle!

Please no more infomercials by authors plugging your own books!

Posted By Renee on October 6, 2009, 1:01 AM

I have loved the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace for many years. Two of the best travel inspiring books I have ever read (and I have read a lot) are BETSY AND THE GREAT WORLD, which inspired me to go to every single place she went to, and BETSY IN SPITE OF HERSELF, wherein she goes to Milwaukee for Christmas. I still feel excited and special whenever I am in Milwaukee.
They are tops!

Posted By Kathleen Baxter on October 6, 2009, 6:08 AM

Roddy Doyle, and Irish writer who's known for writing "The Commitments,", among other novels, has written a couple of children's books which are hilarious. The best one for wanderlust would be "Rover Saves Christmas."

Posted By Maureen on October 6, 2009, 8:12 AM

In agreement with Traveling Librarian - "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss still makes me want to get up and go.

Posted By Corinne @ Have Baby Will Travel on October 6, 2009, 10:10 AM

"Lost in Moscow" by Kirsten Koza is a true story about a group of Canadian kids who are sent away from their families, to spend their summer at Soviet summer camp (in the former USSR). The book is hysterically funny and insanely exciting. It is overseas summer camp on steroids. It is the definition of cultue clash.

"Lost in Moscow" is published by Turnstone and is available from them internationally, and at amazon.ca. The book columnist at CBC (Radio Canada International) said it's a book the whole family can enjoy and I agree (probably eleven or twelve and up, though. You can see fun photos from that summer on the author's website: www.kirstenkoza.com).

Posted By Farley on October 6, 2009, 11:16 AM

Don't forget Family Sabbatical by Carol Ryrie Brink, if you can find it. Best description of France ever. I'm still thinking about Dom Ling in the oubliette.

Posted By Jessica on October 6, 2009, 12:34 PM

The Wonderful Adventures of Nils (Nils Holgerssons underbara resa genom Sverige) by the Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf

Posted By Marylka on October 6, 2009, 4:39 PM

I have to admit I've never read it, but: Heidi's Years of Wandering and Learning (German: Heidis Lehr- und Wanderjahre), usually abbreviated Heidi. by Swiss author Johanna Spyri.

Posted By Marylka on October 6, 2009, 4:46 PM

Sorry....I'm getting carried away but I love this topic. I read this 5 years ago as an adult when my Army son was in Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. I liked it so much I bought it for my niece:
The Orphans of Normandy: A True Story of World War II Told Through Drawings by Children, by Nancy Amis.

Posted By Marylka on October 6, 2009, 5:14 PM

The Flat Stanley books

Posted By Michelle on October 7, 2009, 12:38 PM

Richard Scarry's Busy Busy World is the all-time best. It's a great shame that it's out of print.

Posted By Laura on October 7, 2009, 2:47 PM

THANKS for reblogging us! :)

Posted By Anna on October 11, 2009, 5:31 PM

Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss :)

Posted By Amanda on October 14, 2009, 9:49 PM

I knew since childhood that I had to travel to Peru one day because I read THE SECRET OF THE ANDES

Posted By Virginia on December 21, 2009, 11:08 PM