Traveling Tots

For spring break or just a weekend ride, consider these titles for traveling in trains, planes or automobiles.

Along a Long Road by Frank Viva (Little, Brown). Viva has created one 35-foot long journey through the great outdoors in this retro artistic treasure. A single yellow line propels you forward on a thrilling bicycle journey. The spare words create more of a mood than a story, which captures the spirit of freedom for any age.  (Ages 4 and up)

My Little Suitcase by Moms with Apps. This app for the very young helps kids pack their own suitcases. Where do you want to go? To the beach? Skiing? A Sleepover? Put all of your items into your virtual suitcase and then use them in the scene at the end. Available on Apple products. (Ages 3 and up)

Scribble It! 30 Postcards by Taro Gomi (Chronicle). A great travel-sized book (4”x6”) with 30 pages of post cards to send to or from home. Each card has the perfect question to spark creativity—“What kind of pet does he/she have?” A perfect way to keep up handwriting, along with personal remembrances of trips. (Ages 3 and up)

All About Bullies… Big and Small (Cool Beans Music & East Coast Recording Company). Nominated for a 2011 Grammy Award, this CD features 32 tracks of songs, poetry and storytelling perfect for when you have family time. Each track can start a conversation or provide comfort to children and parents alike. With names like Steve Van Zandt, Eric Bazilian, Peter Alsop and the Battersby Duo, this disc is not to be missed. Full of humor and life lessons from different perspectives.  (Age 5 and up)

Around the World by Matt Phelan (Candlewick). A three-part graphic novel that provides mini-biographies of amazing individuals who have circumnavigated the earth: Thomas Stevens, Nellie Bly and Joshua Slocum. Phelan captures each unique personality and attempts to uncover their motivations. Amazing determination and that “can-do” spirit permeate these unfathomable stories and may just inspire your child to travel the world. (Ages 8 and up)

Julie Hubble is spending spring break in Leawood.