Anytime my boys and I want to wander off to a magical land, we think about the stories that take us there. Books can provide a spark of curiosity or inspiration for travel. When I head to London with kids, for example, I start by grabbing some of my favorite story books to talk about and share the new places we may explore.
Reading a book about London begins to familiarize my boys with the city and involves them in our planning. My youngest likes to know our travel plans well head of time, which is why children’s books are especially important to our family. He doesn’t like surprises, so if this kid is going to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square, he wants to know what to expect when he gets there.
Reading books is a great way to explore a new place in the comfort of your living room. Whether you’re planning a visit to London with kids, or just want to share a new city with them, books are a great way to start.
by Miroslav Sasek First published in 1959 and updated in the 21st century, this charming book features beloved illustrations by Miroslav Sasek. The playful narrative highlights the main attractions and unique characteristics of the bustling city!
By Ludwig Bemelmans I just adore the Madeline book series and have such great memories of reading the books with my kids. Madeline in London embarks on a new adventure to London to “see the Queen”. The delightful book provides an introduction to the city to early readers and listeners.
by Salvatore Rubbino View the sights of London with this mother-daughter duo visiting the city for the day. The book features lovely illustrations and interesting trivia about the city’s main attractions. A perfect beginners guide to the city!
By Patricia Toht (Author), Sam Usher (Illustrator) All Aboard the London Bus is a delightful book filled with whimsical poems about the fascinating city. The book features beautiful illustrations by Sam Usher and loads of interesting facts about London’s “crowned jewels.”
by Ashley Evanson A playful book of opposites featuring all of London’s favorite spots and characters. The wonderful illustrations make London: A Book of Opposites a delightful book to share with the city’s youngest fans.
by Joanna Bill and Olga Baumert A beautifully designed pop-up book based on the popular Paddington movie. The book includes six pop-up images and scenes direct from the movie. Celebrate the history and culture of London with the classic story of Paddington Bear.
by James Mayhew Katie in London serves as the perfect introduction to London for children of all ages. Katie, along with her brother Jack, embark on an adventure through the city with the Trafalgar Square lion. The illustrations capture the spirit and historic feel of the beloved city.
by Jennifer Adams and Greg Pizzoli My Little Cities: London is a playful board book geared towards babies and toddlers. Start ’em young with this colorful introduction to London’s most famous landmarks. This book is the perfect gift to inspire future travelers.
By Lucy Cousins Part of the beloved Maisy book series, Maisy Goes to London showcases famous spots around the city. Maisy explores the city on a double-decker tour bus, a water taxi, and an underground train. Share in the fun with this delightful book!
By Steve Antony Join this charming and exciting adventure through London in a chase for the Queen’s hat. Famed author Steve Anthony has created magic yet again with this delightful and silly book. Adventures aside, this book also serves as a guide to the city’s popular landmarks.
by Oakley Graham (Author), Olive May Green (Illustrator) 3 Go To London is an adorable guide through London’s city streets. Perfect for toddlers, this book follows the story of Panda, Fox, and Donkey after they find an envelope addressed to the Queen. The hardcover book includes a press-out and build London tour bus model (no scissors or glue required).
by Marion Billet Little ones can discover the sights and sounds of London with this delightful children’s book. Hear the noises from the London Zoo, Buckingham Palace, and a double-decker tour bus. Kids can also use their best detective skills to find the hidden crown jewel thief on every page!
by Marion Billet A playful and interactive tour of London perfect for toddlers. Kids can push, pull, and slide their way through some of London’s most famous sights. Hello London will entertain and teach little ones about the bustling city.
By Tim Egan Tag along on an exciting adventure with Dodsworth and Duck as they explore the city of London. There is a case of mistaken identity, a lost duck, a hot air balloon, and so much more! Classic and sweet, this book is one to read.
byRichard Brassey A gorgeously illustrated and informative story with all the facts you need to know about London. Famed author and illustrator Richard Brassey even promises to share some of the city’s best secrets – shh!
By Francesca Lombardo Beatrice loves buses. She loves London buses, so much that she dreams of being a bus driver. However, being a very small girl who can’t drive yet, it may be a while for that wish to come true. That is until she meets a talking London Bus, one she thinks she has magicked to life. Follow their adventures as they meet talking buildings, mischievous characters and solve a few problems (after causing quite a few of them) throughout the city. It’s a fun way to learn about the landmarks, with a little magic by your side.
What are some of your favorite London children’s books?
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London skyline, Big Ben, London hot air balloon, and London city scene via Shutterstock.com. This post may contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of those links I will receive a small commission.
Keryn is the founder and editor-in-chief of Walking on Travels, an award-winning site that gives hope to today’s active parents who don’t want to stop their lives; they simply bring their kids along for the ride. Keryn utilizes her project management background, along with a masters degree in journalism and an undergrad degree in photography to the team to create dynamic content and a vision that keeps up with the latest technology and trends. You can find Keryn dragging her 2 boys around the DC area most days and across the globe several times a year. Follow along on their adventures on Instagram and Pinterest.
1 thought on “15 Children’s Books to Read Before You Go to London with Kids”
These are wonderful books that will surely prepare kids for a fun and learning-full trip to London!