There are so many books that I would choose to share with you relating to exploring countries of the world, but I have narrowed it down to some of my favorite and matched them up with links to coordinating activities or crafts. These can help you explore a new country and culture even more!
Explore the World:
by Marjorie Priceman
An apple pie is easy to make...if the market is open. But if the market is closed, the world becomes your grocery store. This deliciously silly recipe for apple pie takes readers around the globe to gather ingredients. First hop a steamboat to Italy for the finest semolina wheat. Then hitch a ride to England and hijack a cow for the freshest possible milk. And, oh yes! Don't forget to go apple picking in Vermont! A simple recipe for apple pie is included. (Amazon)
This is hands down one of my most favorite books for introducing the idea of world geography when it comes to the food we eat and how it gets to our home. The story is delightful and the pictures are very fun and colorful. I also love that it comes with a simple apple pie recipe!
Once you have read the story, why not try these activities and/or crafts to take it further?
*Attribute Apples: Sort and classify apples by 5 attributes including size color and physical features (stem, leaf, worm)
*FREE Apple Pie Tree Lapbook: To explore apples even further through making a lapbook
*How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World FREE Map and Apple Taste Test Printable {from World for Learning}
*How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World Unit Study ideas w/links {from Delightful Learning}
by Anabel Kindersley
Published to coincide with UNICEF's fiftieth anniversary, a celebration of children around the world is based upon interviews with young people from all walks of life and reveals their diverse cultural backgrounds and universal similarities. {Amazon}
This is a great book for showcasing the basic differences between children from around the world. The photographs and text depict the homes, schools, family life, and culture of young people around the world. This is a great book for ANY geography/culture study and can be referenced as you explore the other books I have included in my list.
Explore England:
by Alice and Martin Provenson
This award winning book, takes your child to England in 1909, as the Frenchman Louis Bleirot attempts the first flight across the English Channel. It is a great way to show your children the time period, as well as the English countryside, while teaching them about this historical moment!
Once you have read the story, why not try these activities and/or crafts to take it further?
*FREE United Kingdom Printable Pack {from Royal Baloo}
*London Bus Craft {from Craftulate}
Explore France:
by Emily Arnold McCully
Mirette lives in a boarding house surrounded by actors, dancers, jugglers and mimes. Her life is filled with exciting stories and fascinating people. None as magical as the stranger Mirette discovers crossing the courtyard on air--a tightrope walker. Mirette becomes the stranger's pupil and learns to walk the wire. Features brilliant watercolor and gouache paintings, reminiscent of the French Impressionists. {Amazon}
This books takes place in Paris about 100 years ago. It is a great way to introduce France to your child. The book features peeks of French daily life, and the illustrations are very much like the French Impressionistic era.
Once you have read the story, why not try these activities and/or crafts to take it further?
*Make the Eiffel Tower out of Toothpicks and baby marshmallows
*Study Monet the famous French artist and make a tissue paper version of the waterlily painting
*FREE Print a mini Paris City (this is SOOOOO cute!) {From La Petite Peach}
Explore Australia:
by Marsha Diane Arnold
Illustrated by Brad Sneed
"Nearly all the sheep ranchers in Blue Gum Valley rode horses or drove jeeps to check on their sheep. But Joshua Summerhayes liked to run...with Yellow Dog trailing behind him." So it's no surprise when Joshua decides to enter a race from Melbourne to Sydney. People laugh when old Joshua shows up in his overalls and gumboots, calmly nibbling a slice of pumpkin for energy. But then he pulls into the lead, and folks are forced to sit up and take notice. Inspired by a true event (and just in time for fall's pumpkin harvest!) a talented team introduces a humble and generous hero who knows that winning isn't always the reason to run a race. (Amazon)
This is a lesser known book that is just so much fun! From the story to the illustrations, your child will enjoy "seeing" Australia!
Once you have read the story, why not try these activities and/or crafts to help you take it further?
Explore China:
by Marjorie Flack
Illustrated by Kurt Wiese
Ping is the spirited little duck who lives on a boat on the Yangtze River. Ping's misadventures one night while exploring the world around his home, form the basis of this timeless classic. (Amazon)
This is a classic book that my boys just love. They think the pictures are darling and they love little Ping's story. This is a great introduction into the life of the Chinese and the Yangtze River.
Once you have read the story, why not try these activities and/or crafts to help you take it further?
*FREE Story of Ping Printables {from Mamas Learning Corner)
*Cruising the Yangtze River-YouTube Video
Explore Egypt:
by GA Henty
Chebron, the young son of an Egyptian high priest, and Amuba, a young slave in the boy's household, are close friends; but their lives are greatly altered when Chebron accidentally kills a cat, an animal held sacred by the ancient Egyptians. Forced to flee for their safety, the boys and their companions begin a long and dangerous journey. A thrilling adventure story, this is also a tale packed with historical facts. Among other fascinating details, young readers learn about the Egyptian religion and geography, how the Nile was used for irrigation, and how the Egyptians made war and were prepared for burial. A captivating book that accurately describes life in a once magnificent civilization, this volume will especially appeal to youngsters fascinated by the life and customs of ancient Egypt. (Amazon)
You can't go wrong with GA Henty when it comes to great stories for the young and old! This adventure story makes a great book for the grade 3-5 age range, though it's an excellent read aloud adventure too! I am so excited to also share that Heirloom Audio Productions will be releasing it as their next audiodrama this year! We LOVE their audiodramas and have already reviewed 3 of them and are currently reviewing their newest (Dragon and the Raven). GA Henty books are excellent for taking you to a country, culture or era in history and making it LIVE!
Once you have read the story, why not try these activities and/or crafts to help you take it further?
*Collection of Activities for Learning About Ancient Egypt {from To the Moon and Back}
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Some other things to help you in your exploration of countries around the world:
*Making LEGO Landmarks {from Homegrown Learners}
This post was part of the collection of posts from the Poppins Book Nook hosts! I hope you will check out what my fellow PBN bloggers have to share for you as part of this month's theme about Countries around the World.
3 Dinosaurs - ABC Creative Learning - As We Walk Along the Road - Brain Power Boy - Chestnut Grove Academy - Embracing Destiny - Every Bed of Roses - Farm Fresh Adventures - Growing in God's Grace - Kathys Cluttered Mind - My Bright Firefly - Peakle Pie - Preschool Powol Packets - Pray Species - SAHM I am - Stir The Wonder - Sunny Day Family - Sweet Silly Sara - Teach Beside Me - To the Moon and Back - Tots and Me - Tree Valley Academy - Witty Hoots
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There are so many books to explore the world with...One of my favorites is Around the World in 80 Days! The Magic Tree House Series is another way to get your child "exploring" the world. The list of picture books is endless!
What is your favorite international setting for books?
