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

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.

Comments

Funny Farm by Mark Teague 2009

There are things I liked about Mark Teague's newest book, Funny Farm , and things I didn't like. Where should I start? I'll do the "didn'ts" first. The illustrations show animals personified. Well, some of the animals are. The main characters, Edward, and his farm family relatives, all dogs, are humanized. They stand upright, do farm chores, eat at a table, wear clothes, knit (yes, with paws) and sleep in beds. Most everybody else on and around the farm, who are also animals, act like animals. They are outside, roll in mud, live in the barn, and require care from their owners. It struck me the most on the page spread where there are pigs playing in puddle in the rain and Edward, a black and white boxer, watches from inside the house. I thought "You're a dog! Go play with them!" But, alas, he can't, seeing as how he goes through his entire visit to the farm wearing a suit and red bow tie. Another picture that bothered me was the maple syrup pa...

Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) by Pamela Espeland & Elizabeth Verdick

If there's one book today's kids need to read, it is Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) . The authors provide a fun format for teaching etiquette to children. They discuss proper behavior at home, at school, at other people's homes and in public places. The information is completely up-to-date with cellphone manners and netiquette included. Fun, cartoony illustrations are on practically every page giving the book great visual appeal. This book is perfect for boys and girls in the fourth grade or older. WARNING: Bodily functions are discussed.

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester 2008

J Fiction 328 pages I almost didn't finish this book. I got to Chapter 4, and was just about ready to quit (a kind of slow story about a girl, name of Piper McCloud, who discovers she can fly, parents freak out, she becomes a social outcast, yadda, yadda) but suddenly, right there in Chapter 4, the story takes a sharp turn and becomes really interesting . Piper finds herself in the company of others like her, but not "fliers", and under the care and authority of Dr. Hellion. I won't even tell you any more. Read this book. Forester does a great job of keeping you wondering who's the good guy and who's the bad? Piper is a likeable, strong, endearing character that girl readers will enjoy. But don't NOT give it to boys! The main male character is an extremely intelligent young man who is one of the ones you wonder about . . . good or bad? This is a good one, well worth your time.

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