11 Children’s Books That Traverse the United States
by Dena McMurdie
My family has a giant map of the United States on our wall covered with stickers indicating all the places we’ve lived or visited. Each time we go somewhere new, we add more stickers to our map. We’ve explored everything from the towering high-rises of big cities to flat expanses of plains. The vast American landscape is like nothing else.
Whether we’re hitting the road or sticking close to home, having picture books and activities on hand is a great way to keep the adventure going. Here are eleven books that celebrate the sights, history, and people of the U.S.A.
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Baby's First United States
Available from:Give your baby a crash course in American culture, history, and landmarks with this exciting board book. With bright colors, fun photos, and facts about animals and places, this book is the perfect way to introduce tiny readers to the land they call home.
(Ages 0 – 3)Also available from: -
Planes USA!
Explore 12 major cities in the United States with these high-flying friends! Adorable four-legged friends will take you from coast to coast, with sightseeing stops along the way in this cloud-shaped board book.
(Ages 0 – 3)Preorder from: -
Blue Sky White Stars
Available from:This stunning book will make your heart swell with pride as you explore the people, history, and landscape of America. With gorgeous illustrations and spare but powerful text, this book is a celebration of our incredible country.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Mr. Men Road Trip!
Available from:Little Miss wants to go on a road trip across America, so she buys an RV and packs it full of her friends. The crew hits up the Statue of Liberty, Hollywood, and everything in between. Kids and parents that love Mr. Men and Little Miss will enjoy this literary expedition.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
Sticker Encyclopedia Around the United States of America
Available from:If your child loves to peel and stick, this encyclopedia is a must-have! With over 600 stickers, activities, and facts about the United States to explore, they’ll stay happy and busy with this hands-on book. It’s perfect for road trips, travel, or as a boredom buster at home.
(Ages 5 – 7)Also available from: -
50 States Activity Book
Available from:For hours of educational fun, you can’t go wrong with the 50 States Activity Book. Learn about each state in this big, beautiful country — from Maine to California. Kids will learn fun facts and key information about what makes each state special while completing fun challenges along the way.
(Ages 5 – 7)Also available from: -
Amazing 50 State Maze Book
Available from:If your kid likes puzzles, then they’ll love this book of intricate mazes. Armed with a pencil and a sense of adventure, your child can travel through each state, starting at the state capital and ending at a major city.
(Ages 5 – 7)Also available from: -
Someone Builds the Dream
Available from:Celebrate the skilled tradespeople who turn dreams into reality. It takes hard-working people with passion and expertise to design and construct buildings, bridges, farms, and factories. This gorgeous picture book in verse honors laborers across the United States and the world.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.
Available from:A little girl wants to make a cherry pie but lacks the necessary baking equipment, so she heads out on a cross-country trip to gather raw materials. Readers will see the sights of the United States while learning about our natural resources and how they’re used.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
A Chip Off the Old Block
Available from:Rocky goes on a cross-country trip to visit his rock relatives. From famous formations to iconic monuments, Rocky sees the geological sights of the United States in this delightful, inspirational, and pun-filled picture book.
(Ages 5 – 8)Also available from: -
Vacation Fun Mad Libs
Available from:Fill in the blanks to create your own wacky and hilarious vacation-themed stories. This little book provides screen-free entertainment to keep your kids’ hands and minds busy during road trips and plane rides.
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2021.