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Books to Read When... You're Going on a Journey

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 Summer is a time for journeying. Whether you are traveling near, far, or just through a good book from the comfort of your sofa, take time to broaden your horizons with these picture book suggestions. 

A Gift of Dust: How Saharan Plumes Feed the Planet
Written by Martha Brockenbrough
Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2025. Informational.

The unorthodox journey of dust is showcased in A Gift of Dust. Dust seemingly lifeless, is actually responsible for nourshing much of life on Earth as it travels. So watch as it starts in Chad, West Africa, as winds carry it across the continent, over the Atlantic ocean, to replenish the Amazon rain forest and beyond. 

Sunday
By Marcelo Tolentino
San Francisco, CA : Blue Dot Kids Press, 2025. Picture Book. 

Journey into Martin's imagination with his faithful dog companion, Maize. Follow along as they cross frozen tundras and arid deserts, encounter a sacred beast, and fearsome pirates. Readers will enjoy looking for the clues within the landscapes that hint at what Martin may be using in real life to spark his fantastic voyage.

On All Fours
By Gaëtan Dorémus
Brooklyn, NY: Enchanted Lion Books, 2025. Picture Book.

A young bear is stretching his independance by exploring on all fours the natural world around him. From meadow to stream and everything in between, sometimes the journey doesn't have to go far to feel big.
The Voyage
Written by Stéphane Servant 
Illustrated by Audrey Spiry
Vancouver; Berkeley; London: Aldana Libros / Greystone Kids, 2024. Picture Book.

Our heroine was born with a spirit of adventure --always looking toward the unknown horizon. Her journey through life (chronicled with swirling, lush illustrations) is full of courage, strength, and love and always reiterates the importance of the journey itself not the destination.





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