In PART 1 and PART 2 of this series on children’s books on London, I suggested some London books to read before and during a trip with kids. These kids travel books should get them excited about the stay as well as give you lots of ideas on where to take children in London.
But… I find it’s crucial for my wellbeing to have travel books for kids. At all costs I prefer avoiding scenarios of whining in planes, trains and automobiles. Or anywhere else.
A great solution is activity books, maps and cards to keep them occupied while learning more about London.
GUY FOX LONDON CHILDREN’S MAP by Guy Fox
Forget tourist maps and get the kids to guide you across the city. I’m planning to buy this for my kids on our next visit back as friends have recommended it as a great introduction to map reading for kids.
The map, which is printed on both sides, makes kids feel involved while you trek around London with them. There are also stickers for them to mark where they’ve been.
THE LONDON COLOURING BOOK by Julian Mosedale
I think the coloring books by Buster Books are brilliant. And my daughter loves them. The illustrations are detailed with fabulous patterns and images. Not your usual simple and boring colouring book.
The scenes have a flamboyant style to inspire kids to go wild with colours. Don’t be surprised if you want to join in and create your own masterpiece.
The British spelling is “colouring” so you’ll have to explain to your kids that it’s not an error!
POP-UP LONDON by Jenny Maizels
This is another children’s book popular with British parents – and grandparents – when the young ones hit London town.
Basically it’s a 3-D version of a map of the city with pop ups of some of the sights. It also includes mini-bios on famous Brits and key facts on some of the main locations.
USBORNE children’s books on London
UK publishing company USBORNE have a great selection of kid’s non-fiction books on London. Not surprising USBORNE won the prestigious Children’s Publisher of the Year 2012 in Britain.
SEE INSIDE LONDON (USBORNE) by Rob Lloyd Jones
The double page spreads have scenes with lift up flaps for different historical periods of London. Great way for the kids to learn and see what London looked like under the Romans or the Tudors such as Henry VIII or after the Great Fire in 1666.
This is an interactive book which teaches history while making the kids look at London in a new way. Winner all around in my view.
Although published in 2007, it’s still a hit in Britain. New copies of USBORNE’s SEE INSIDE LONDON are available on Amazon.co.uk. Or check with your local book store.
50 THINGS TO SPOT IN LONDON by Usborne
The pack contains 50 pocket size cards on 50 major landmarks in London. Choose the pocket sized spotters cards for any of the destinations and take them with you.
The USBORNE cards have interesting facts and historical notes making them both educational and fun.
LONDON STICKER BOOK (USBORNE) by Rosie Dickins
My daughter Luce is fanatical about USBORNE sticker books. USBORNE’s LONDON STICKER BOOK is on my checklist for any sightseeing trips in London.
Take a look at other book choices on London in PART 1 and PART 2 if you’re planning a visit to London with kids.
Disclosure: Most of the recommendations you can purchase on Amazon.com but I wanted to give a wider choice by also pointing out Amazon.co.uk children’s books on London that are available.