Storybook Travels

Don't you love it when you accidentally stumble across something that is totally you? I was at the library yesterday looking for a storybook cookbook that contained a recipe we'll be using Friday for a book party. Instead I found Storybook Travels: From Eloise's New York to Harry Potter's London, Visits to 30 of the Best-Loved Landmarks in Children's Literature by Colleen Dunn Bates and Susan La Tempa. This wonderful little book combines two of my favorite loves -- books and travel.

An imaginative writer is able to transport readers to a whole other world. Wouldn't it be great if we could literally visit the location of some of our most beloved stories? Bates and La Tempa have done just that. They created a book that looks at the setting for 30 wonderful children's stories. They traveled to the different locations as a family field trip, making the stories come to life. The first story they presented was Pinocchio. I have always wanted to read this classic aloud to my boys and after reading this book, that passion has grown to include a visit to Italy!

Even if you, like me, won't be making a trip to Italy, London, or Germany anytime soon, Storybook Travels is an interesting read and a great way to get you thinking about more local trips you could take with your family. I have been reading Misty of Chincoteague to my children. We have been to Assateague and have seen the wild horses. But, it would be even better if we could go visit in July during Pony Penning Day, when they swim the wild horses across the Assateague Channel. Bringing literature to life for children (and adults) helps instill a lifelong passion for reading.

Have you or your family done any storybook traveling? If so, I'd love to hear about it!