Adventuring Around the World: Children’s Books Set in Iconic Cities

Exploring famous cities through the lens of children’s literature is a wonderful way to introduce kids to new cultures, histories, and adventures. Below are three recommended books set in notable cities around the world, complete with discussion questions and a fun, interactive activity to inspire curiosity and cultural appreciation.

Recommended Books

1. “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans (Set in Paris)

• This classic tale follows the fearless Madeline as she navigates her school life in Paris. Through her adventures and her feisty character, children can discover some of Paris’s iconic landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Seine River, making it a perfect introduction to this famous city.

2. “The Red Pavilion” by China Institute in America (Set in Beijing)

• This illustrated book brings to life the beauty and history of Beijing, following a young boy as he visits the Forbidden City and other landmarks. With vibrant illustrations and rich storytelling, children can learn about Chinese architecture, gardens, and the essence of this ancient capital.

3. “The Mystery of the Egyptian Amulet” by Scott Peters (Set in Cairo)

• Part of an adventure series set in Ancient Egypt, this story takes young readers on an exploration of Cairo and the surrounding historical landmarks. It introduces elements of Egyptian culture, history, and mystery, making it an exciting choice for kids interested in ancient civilizations.

Discussion Questions for Parents and Children

1. “Which city would you most like to visit, and what would you like to see first?”
   • This question encourages kids to think about what excites them in each city and explore its unique appeal, whether it’s an iconic monument or a historic landmark.
2. “What is one thing you found interesting or surprising about the culture or history of each city?”
   • This allows children to reflect on what they learned about each culture and think critically about why these cities are important.
3. “How are these cities similar to or different from where we live?”
   • This question helps children consider cultural diversity and draw comparisons, fostering an understanding of how cities and communities around the world differ in lifestyle, architecture, and traditions.

Interactive Activity: “Build Your Own Adventure City Map”

Activity Description:

1. Choose a City to Highlight: Let your child pick one of the cities from the books to focus on, such as Paris, Beijing, or Cairo.
2. Create a “Map” of the City: Using a large sheet of paper or poster board, have your child draw a simplified version of their chosen city. They can mark famous landmarks from the stories, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Forbidden City, or the Pyramids of Giza.
3. Add Adventure Elements: Incorporate elements from each book. For example:
   • Draw Madeline exploring Parisian streets, perhaps with a little hat and her signature outfit.
   • Include a small “red pavilion” inspired by Beijing, where children can imagine their own stories in China’s iconic architecture.
   • Create an ancient amulet “hidden” in Cairo, where they can imagine a mystery adventure as they explore.
4. Discuss: Talk about the different locations and why each landmark or cultural symbol is significant. Your child can “tour” you around their map, explaining the different landmarks as though you were a visitor to their newly designed city.
5. Bonus – Make it a Scavenger Hunt: Hide small objects around the house to represent items from each story (like a mini Eiffel Tower or a toy camel), and encourage your child to “find” them on their city adventure.

Purpose of the Activity

Creating a city map of their chosen adventure destination allows children to visualize and personalize their learning, combining creativity with cultural appreciation. It also gives families a chance to discuss the diversity of cities around the world, fostering a global mindset and excitement for exploration. By bringing these books to life through hands-on activity and imagination, kids can connect more deeply with the cities they explore in stories, sparking a love for travel and adventure.