Exploring the world can mean many different things to different people. It might mean jumping in the car and exploring your local area, or setting off to climb the tallest peak near your house. It might mean something more exotic, like boarding a luxury cruise and sailing around the Mediterranean, or jetting off to a paradise island to lie on a beach.
But exploring the world isn’t always just about where you go. It is also about how you think. And for kids, exploring the world can be possible without leaving the house, through the power of reading. Reading a great book is one of the best ways to expand a child’s imagination, as well as being one of the most powerful teaching tools. Books explore different perspectives, new cultures, and alternative ways of thinking, and take kids to places they might never have the chance to go to in real life.
By diving into the world of books, children can understand the world in a deeper and more subtle way, preparing them for life and inspiring them to seek out adventure and enjoyment. So if you want to take your kids on a journey to far-off lands and introduce them to new cultures, new people, and new ways of looking at the world, here are a few of the best cultural reads to get them started on an adventure that will last a lifetime.
“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi
This moving coming-of-age story follows a young Korean girl named Unhei, who struggles to fit in at her new school and with new friends after she moves to America. It is a fascinating exploration of the challenges of competing cultural heritages and is a wonderful way to teach children about the importance of celebrating your own diversity and accepting who you are.
“Mama Panya’s Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya” by Mary and Rich Chamberlin
This charming tale is a wonderfully rich deep dive into the fascinating traditions and customs of Kenya, told over a simple meal of pancakes. A mother and her son invite their friends over to eat, and as each contributor brings ingredients, they also bring a story. It is a wonderful showcase of traditional Kenyan folk culture, as well as an important parable about the importance of sharing and cooperation.
“Bringing in the New Year” by Grace Lin
This colourfully illustrated book follows a Chinese-American family as they prepare their celebrations for the Lunar New Year. It is a rich, vibrant experience that goes into delightful detail about the customs and traditions of Chinese families, as well as exploring the wonderful history and myths that surround Chinese New Year.
“The Royal Bee” by Frances Park and Ginger Park
“The Royal Bee” charts the adventures of Song-Ho, a young girl in ancient Korea, whose dreams of becoming a scholar are thwarted by the expectations of a traditional, conservative society. Thankfully her father supports her ambitions and encourages her to pursue them, leading to Song-Ho solving a supposedly unsolvable riddle posed by the king. This lovely tale is great for challenging gender stereotypes and inculcating the values of perseverance and ambition.
“The Magic Tree House Series” by Mary Pope Osborne
This magical series is a whirlwind of myths and legends, fantastical creatures and ancient civilizations, combining magic, mystery, and real-life history and landmarks to create an interconnected series of short stories that will captivate young readers and inspire them to go on adventures and be curious about the world around them. It is a great introduction to a variety of global cultures and an excellent way to inspire young minds.
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