Kids Travel Picture Books You Will Enjoy Too by Robin Gorman Newman
Gearing up for our trip to London, I’ve been encouraging my son, 12, to read about places he might want to visit. Reading isn’t his favorite thing, but looking at a vibrantly illustrated picture book makes it easy. And, given that he’s a dog lover, my favorite series is The Adventures of Bella & Harry.
Written by Lisa Manzione and illustrated by Kristine Lucco, they have books for a number of worldwide destinations including London, Rome, Jesuralem, Berlin, Cairo, New York, Paris, and more.
Bella and Harry are wide-eyed adorable puppies. BCFs — “best canine friends” who travel with their owners. Bella is a girly girl — she loves wearing a pink bow and collar. And, Harry is all boy. They have all kinds of adventures together, and take the reader along for the ride.
In Let’s Visit London!, they ride on a double decker bus, visit Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, London Bridge, Waterloo Train Station, Stonehenge, have high tea and fish ‘n chips.
In Let’s Visit Rome!, Bella & Harry learn about Gladiators, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, eat antipasto, and more.
In Let’s Visit Jerusalem!, Bella & Harry visit Masada, the Dead Sea, the Old City, the Western Wall, sample baba ganoush, pita bread and shawarma.
The endearing illustrations are not only vivid and colorful, but each book features key sights with informative descriptions. Titles also include common words and phrases and illustrated snapshots of Bella and Harry as they tour around town.
The books are just adorable, and are a great way to introduce kids both to travel, history, customs and countries they may be studying in school. They are an appealing learning opportunity, and make for memorable gifts for the world traveler (or the one who aspires to) in your life.
About the Author – Lisa Manzione
Photo by Amy Beth Bennett
The Bella and Harry series of children’s books is Lisa Manzione’s first foray into children’s fiction writing. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Lisa’s entrance into the field of literature is one she has eagerly awaited and is very passionate about.
As the daughter of a single parent who worked for a major airline, Lisa’s exposure to (and interest in) travel began at an early age. Later in life, as Lisa’s own children grew up and her love of animals continued, the idea for the Bella and Harry series was born. The series was developed with the hope of inspiring young readers to embrace the world and encourage its exploration.
About the Illustrator – Kristine Lucco
Born in rural Pennsylvania, Kristine’s passion for art began at a young age. This interest in art continued and ultimately led Kristine to study at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Her talent was quickly recognized, and today, over 20 years later, Kristine’s art and designs adorn walls and a myriad of other surfaces all over south Florida.
Now a mother of two avid junior readers, Kristine’s flair for children’s themes has evolved into the world of children’s books and illustrations. She credits her children for inspiring this phase of her art, as it is often conceived by seeing the characters and places through their eyes.
Visit http://www.BellaAndHarry.com.
Tags: bella & harry, book blogger reviewer, Mom, overseas travel, picture book for kids, taking children to europe, travel book for kids
