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Expert Q&A
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| By Laurie Borman Managing Editor Rand McNally | ||
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Can you recommend any books to keep kids entertained while traveling?
The best books to keep kids entertained are the books that they help choose. Bring your kids along when you go to the bookstore, and see what topics interest them -- perhaps it's about a favorite sport, a hobby or destination. Younger children are often attracted to tactile books, like Pat The Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt or The Very Hungry Caterpillar board book by Eric Carle. If your older child is already interested in a series, such as Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling or The Babysitter's Club by Ann Matthews Martin, then you can purchase one they haven't read as a special vacation reading treat. For a recent eight-hour family driving trip, I was trying to find new, yet entertaining books and toys for my son. He loves Harry Potter, but he'd already read the series. So I bought him a related book by Rowling called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them that kept him entertained during several hours of the trip. A good choice for a girl would be something from the American Girls collection.
If you're traveling by car, consider a book that you can read aloud to the entire family. Some kids (even older children) are entertained having Mom or Dad read to them, and it's something that everyone can share and discuss. These could be classics, like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, or Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, or Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Choose the title based on the car's occupants interests and age levels.
Finally, don't forget to also bring along other toys and games, and perhaps an activity book, like Rand McNally's Kid's Road Atlas. Some children become carsick from focusing on a book too long, so they'll need other diversions."
Related Expert Q&A
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- Are there any hotels that offer activities to keep children entertained so the parents can have a break?
- Are there activities for children under 12 at ski lodges?
- Can you recommend any books to keep kids entertained while traveling?
More Answers by this Expert
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- Where are some family-friendly winter destinations for people who don't want to ski?
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- Can you recommend any software to help plan a vacation?
- Do you have any tips on entertaining kids on long car trips?