Lonely Planet Kids Books for Housebound Families

As we try to protect our families by social distancing and isolation, this presents a new challenge for parents .... keeping the kids and ourselves from going stir crazy. Here is a great selection of Lonely Planet Kids books that are both educational and inspirational to help make the most of our time at home.

The Travel Activity Book

Explore over 70 countries and cultures around the world in this globetrotting activity and sticker book. Perform the haka with the New Zealand rugby team, race camels through the Algerian desert, and spot the difference between Bangladeshi rickshaw drivers. The adventure begins on Baffin Island in northern Canada, where you will learn about the mysterious Sasquatch, and will then travel across each continent before finishing in the Mariana Trench.

Hidden Wonders (ages 9 - 12)

150 strange and wondrous places await budding adventurers in this enchanting book. Discover the eerie crooked forest of Nowe Czarnowo in Poland, the invisible Kaleto Fortress hiding on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains and the beautiful (yet unpronounceable)Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu Hill in New Zealand, which at 85 letters long, has been listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest place name in the world.

How Trains Work (ages 6 - 8)

Go behind the scenes to explore the fascinating world of trains, inside and out. Peek inside engines, carriages, junctions and stations by lifting the flaps and unfolding pages to reveal stylish illustrations that teach you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about train travel. Young readers can travel through time and around the world to discover the earliest steam locomotives to the Japanese bullet train, which can reach speeds of up to 603 kph (375 mph)!

The Flag Book (ages 9 - 12)

Flags are all around us, but what do they all mean? Did you know that there is a flag to represent Planet Earth? Or that Denmark has the oldest flag in the world? This fascinating and visually engaging book will take you around the world, flag by flag, to discover what the patterns, colours and symbols say about each country. Learn why flags are flown at half-mast, which flags have a coat of arms and why, and what you need to spot in order to escape a pirate ship heading your way!

The Plastic Problem (ages 9 - 12)

We all know we use far too much plastic but now there’s a book that will help you reduce your usage and make a BIG difference. The Plastic Problem from Lonely Planet Kids contains dozens of easy, practical and effective ways to reduce our use of plastic. Learn the fascinating history of plastic, the different types, which ones to avoid and which ones to reuse. Join the Plastic Patrol now and help protect the planet!

This is my World (ages 6 - 8)

Meet 84 incredible kids from all corners of the globe who share in their own words, what’s unique about their lives. You’ll meet their families and pets, learn about their homes and their hobbies, their customs and celebrations. These personal portraits also reveal the many things children have in common, no matter where they’re from. Discover what it’s like to live on a cattle ranch in Australia, high up in the Himalaya mountains in Nepal, in an orphanage in Zambia or at an eco-lodge in Costa Rica.

Wild in the City (ages 9 - 12)

Be on the lookout! Discover the secret lives of more than 30 extraordinary creatures that share our cities. Cities may seem unlikely places for animals to thrive, but there can be worlds of surprising opportunity for animals in urban areas. From relaxing in parks and raiding dustbins, to scaling skyscrapers and dive-bombing hotel pools, see how animals have learned to make the most of the city.