Imagine taking your kids on a world tour without ever leaving the house. That’s the idea behind Spin the Globe: The Incredible Adventures of Frederick von Wigglebottom, a new travel-themed children’s book series. Learn the story behind author Edward Moldenhauer’s novel idea, plus get our picks for other great books that help kids explore the world.
1.) SPIN THE GLOBE: THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF FREDERICK VON WIGGLEBOTTOM
The Spin the Globe series came from just that—spinning the globe. When author Edward Moldenhauer realized he needed fresh ideas for his kids’ bedtime stories, he had them point to a random place on the globe; wherever their fingers landed became the setting for his next tale. “One night would be about climate, the next would be about animals,” Moldenhauer explains. “My wife said to capture those moments before they were lost.” And thus The Incredible Adventures of Frederick von Wigglebottom was born.
2.) DREAMTIME IN ALICE SPRINGS
Alice Springs, Australia
Frederick von Wigglebottom’s first adventure takes us to Alice Springs, a town in central Australia with heavy Aboriginal influences. “I tried to pick cities that are less well known, but big enough to have culture and unique characteristics,” Moldenhauer says. His geographical experience as a military intelligence agent—paired with extensive research about the sites—provides the factual base for each Spin the Globe story.
3.) FJORDS, VIKINGS AND REINDEER
Trondheim, Norway
Mr. von Wigglebottom visits Norway on his next journey, learning about Viking heritage and Scandinavian history. Frederick always makes new friends on his trips, this time a pair of children named Nikolina and Erik (a sweet homage to Moldenhauer’s own kids, Nicole and Eric). Each book in the series features colorful illustrations, conversational prose, and a glossary of terms in the back, making Spin the Globe great for children—and parents—of all ages.
4.) THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET
Paris, France
What’s not to love in a story about a 12-year-old boy living within the walls of a train station? But the award-winning illustrations are the real reason to pick up Brian Selznick’s creation: the book features more than 300 pages of pencil drawings depicting Parisian life in the 1930s.
5.) MADELINE
Paris, France
We’d be remiss not to mention the other essential Paris-themed children’s book: Madeline. Whether readers are watching her visit tigers at the zoo or get her appendix removed, no one will ever forget the smallest of the 12 girls in two straight lines.
6.) ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Anne Shirley gives us the most idealistic version of Prince Edward Island possible, transforming the locale into its own magical character. Any kid will be begging to visit Canada after hearing about “The Lake of Shining Waters” and “White Way of Delight.”
7.) MONSOON
Delhi, India
Monsoon depicts one girl’s thoughts and actions as she waits for India’s rainy season to begin. Through poetic language and dreamlike illustrations, author Uma Krishnaswami offers a sensory portrait of life in Delhi—the temple bells, oppressive heat, and hustle and bustle of the busy city streets.
8.) STREGA NONA
Calabria, Italy
Strega Nona is one of the most popular Italian stories for children—and not just because it features infinite amounts of spaghetti. Tomie dePaola’s classic book may be fantastical, but it also wonderfully showcases the terrain, wavy roof tiles, and food of southern Italy.
9.) WABI SABI
Kyoto, Japan
Wabi Sabi is a kitten living a peaceful life in Japan, until she starts to question the meaning behind her name. When her master can’t give her a good answer, she sets out on a journey across Kyoto, discovering Mount Hiei, Ginkakuji, and the importance of beauty in unexpected places.
10.) ELOISE IN MOSCOW
Moscow, Russia
The precocious little Eloise is known best for her antics at The Plaza Hotel, but she also spent time gallivanting around Russia. Along with her dog and Nanny, Eloise discovers Moscow’s marble subways, the Bolshoi ballet, and plenty of fur coats. The book also features one of Eloise’s greatest lines ever: “The Rolls is the only sports car I will drive in a Russian blizzard."
11.) FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER
New York City
Before there was Night at the Museum, there was From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This timeless book tells the story of two young siblings spending the night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exploring the details of this NYC landmark. Kids have been dreaming of overnight museum adventures ever since.
12.) DODSWORTH IN ROME
Rome, Italy
The Dodsworth series takes kids to on a different adventure in each book, led by the titular mouse and his sarcastic duck sidekick. In Dodsworth in Rome, the duo toss coins in the Trevi Fountain, compete in a pizza-throwing contest, and come dangerously close to repainting the Sistine Chapel.
13.) TINTIN IN TIBET
Tibet, China
Tintin is perhaps the most famous cartoon traveler of all time. In this installment, he reads about a plane crash in the Himalayas and travels to the site in hopes of rescuing his friend who was on board. Rumor has it that Tintin in Tibet is author Hergé’s favorite story from the Tintin collection.
14.) UNDER THE PERSIMMON TREE
Peshawar, Pakistan
Under the Persimmon Tree tells the stories of two different people: Najmah, a young Afghan girl whose father is conscripted by the Taliban, and Nusrat, an American woman waiting out the war in Peshawar. As the two seek refuge and look for answers, their fates intertwine.
15.) JOURNEY TO JO’BURG
Johannesburg, South Africa
Thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother, Tiro, leave their village to find their mother in Johannesburg, revealing the culture and landscape of South Africa along the way.
16.) A SINGLE SHARD
Ch'ulp'o-ri, South Korea
In this Newbery Medal–winning book, young Tree-ear works for a master potter in the village of Ch'ulp'o-ri, South Korea. He takes a long journey to the royal court to get commission for his work, determined to prove himself—even if it means arriving with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.
17.) FLY HIGH, FLY LOW
San Francisco, CA
In Fly High, Fly Low, two San Francisco birds hatch some eggs in a very unconventional place—the letter “B” in the sign on top of the Bay Hotel. This Caldecott Honor book features breathtaking vistas of classic San Francisco sites.
18.) INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN
Saigon, Vietnam
This Newbery Honor book was inspired by author Thanhha Lai’s childhood experience of fleeing Vietnam after the fall of Saigon and moving to Alabama. The young protagonist not only gives a child’s-eye view of immigration, but also a realistic portrayal of the sights and thrills of Saigon.
19.) BOXES FOR KATJE
Olst, Netherlands
After World War II, there is little left in Katje’s town of Olst. But one spring day, the postman delivers a box of food and clothing from a girl in America, beginning an international correspondence that's full of surprises.
20.) THE LIBRARIAN OF BASRA: A TRUE STORY FROM IRAQ
Basra, Iraq
Alia Muhammad Baker, a librarian in Basra, struggles to save her priceless collection of books after war breaks out in Iraq. This true story teaches powerful lessons about the life of women in the Middle East and the universal love of knowledge and literature.
21.) MERCEDES AND THE CHOCOLATE PILOT
Berlin, Germany
This is the true story of seven-year-old Mercedes, a girl living in West Berlin during the Airlift, and Lt. Gail S. Halvorsen, a pilot who would drop nourishment and supplies to the children below. The book’s youthful tone and evocative paintings help portray life in 1948 Germany.
22.) A BEAR CALLED PADDINGTON
London, UK
Ever since Michael Bond first wrote about Paddington in 1958, the marmalade-lovin’ bear has become a staple in the children’s literary canon. In his first book, Paddington’s adventures take him all over London—on the Underground, to the theatre, and, of course, to Paddington Station.
23.) LITTLE LEAP FORWARD: A BOY IN BEIJING
Beijing, China
Little Leap Forward is a coming-of-age tale that brings to life the era of China's Cultural Revolution. A young boy growing up in the hutongs of Beijing in the 1960s discovers the heartache of loving and having to let go when he captures a bird, only to discover that she will not sing in confinement.
24.) MOONLIGHT ON THE MAGIC FLUTE
Vienna, Austria
This installment of the Magic Tree House series takes us to Vienna, Austria, during the 18th century. Set against the backdrop of the famous Schönbrunn Palace, this book is packed to the gills with history, mystery, and magic.
25.) BEAVER IS LOST
Chicago, IL
In this nearly wordless picture book by Elisha Cooper, a young beaver is accidentally separated from his family. Beautiful pencil-and-watercolor illustrations depict Beaver’s efforts to find his way home, highlighting the landmarks and busy street life of Chicago along the way.
