Check Out My Newest Guest Post From Authors Sofie Wells & Ali Barclay PLUS Learn About Their Newest Book 'The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City' PLUS Enter To Win A Giveaway! #TheTalesOfCharlieWags ~

This post is sponsored by Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

How to Teach Kids About World Cities Through Picture Books: A Parent’s Guide

Before having kids, traveling the world probably felt like a dream you couldn’t wait to share with your future family—exploring new places, embracing different cultures, and creating unforgettable memories!

Then reality set in. Suddenly, the idea of traveling with little ones involves more logistics than joy: endless snacks, countless bathroom breaks, and nap schedules that feel like high-stakes negotiations.

But what if there were another way to spark that sense of wonder and curiosity in your kids? A way to introduce them to new cultures, landmarks, and traditions without the hassle of airports and overtired toddlers? The answer is simpler than you think: a great picture book can take them on the journey of a lifetime, all from the comfort of home!

The Magic of Picture Books in World Travel

Picture books are like tiny windows into different worlds, offering children a chance to explore new places, experience diverse cultures, and expand their imaginations. The beauty of children’s literature is that it doesn’t just tell a story; it immerses little readers in the sights, sounds, and flavors of places far and wide. In the pages of these books, kids can visit cities they’ve never heard of, meet characters from different backgrounds, and learn key facts about landmarks, traditions, and customs in ways that are fun and easy to understand.

Top Tips for Using Picture Books to Explore the World with Your Kids

To give you a glimpse of how picture books can open doors to exciting new worlds, here are our top tips, with examples from our debut book, The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City (available now on Amazon!). These examples will show just how interactive reading can be with your kids—and how a good travel picture book goes beyond the text on the pages.

1. Look for Relatable Characters
Stories set in real cities, with relatable characters and engaging themes, make kids feel like they’re truly part of the adventure. While we’re partial to an adorable puppy named Charlie Wags, your main character could be a curious young explorer, a dynamic investigative duo, or even something unexpected—anything that draws children in and helps them experience the city through the character’s eyes.

2. The Power of Illustrations: Visual Learning in Action
Illustrations are a wonderful tool in helping kids connect with new places. Picture books offer vibrant, detailed depictions of world cities that bring the setting to life in a way that words alone can’t. Will the illustrations be a perfect, photo-realistic representation of the city? Probably not. You might not find litter on the streets, but you will get a clear, accessible image of iconic landmarks without having to take a boat ride! These visuals provide a simplified yet engaging way for kids to experience the essence of a city, sparking their curiosity and helping them imagine themselves in these far-off places.

After reading about a famous landmark, spend a few minutes looking at photos or videos of it in real life. Seeing images can help kids understand these places’ significance and beauty. It also shows that these landmarks are more than just illustrations; they’re part of our real, shared world.

3. Engage with Every Page
Take a moment to really explore each page with your child. Discuss the landmarks, ask open-ended questions, and encourage them to share their thoughts. Does that building look tall to you? What would you do if we spent a day in Central Park? These types of questions spark meaningful dialogue and deepen children’s understanding and curiosity about the world around them.

In The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City, we’ve made it easy for you to dive deeper into New York City with your child. Each book ends with a two-page “Paws and Learn” section, offering a brief description of key landmarks along with fun, thought-provoking questions designed to spark conversation. For example, after explaining how the Statue of Liberty was gifted to the USA by France when our country declared independence from Great Britain, we ask, “What type of statue would you design as a gift of independence?” While their answer might not involve New York at all, it gets them thinking, talking, and engaged with the idea of landmarks and what they represent.

When we say “engage with each page,” we mean it! The Tales of Charlie Wags starts each journey by showing readers where the city is located on a world map. We then follow with a map that places each landmark geographically, allowing little ones to visually trace the path Charlie takes, giving them a sense of adventure as they follow along.

4. Share Your Own Travel Stories or Dream Up Your Own Adventures
Ever read a picture book about a city you’ve actually visited? That’s the perfect chance to turn storytime into an adventure! Share your personal travel memories with your kids—and don’t hold back on the details. Tell them when you went, what you saw, and all the little things that made the trip unforgettable. Maybe you had pizza in Naples that was so good, you still dream about it, or you took a wild tuk-tuk ride through the streets of Bangkok. Reliving those experiences with your kids not only makes the city feel real, it also sparks their imagination.

Haven’t been to the city in the book yet? No problem—make it a dream adventure instead! Share with your kids the places you’d love to visit together someday. You can show them photos, tell stories about why those places are on your list, or even create a “bucket list” of dream destinations you’d like to explore together. Turning travel into a fun “what-if” game sparks their imaginations and gets them excited for all the places they’ll explore in the future.

5. Bringing the Story to Life: Go Beyond the Picture Book!
You’ve read the book—that’s a great first step! Now that you’ve sparked some interest, why not take learning to the next level? When kids engage all their senses, they form deeper connections with what they’re learning. Take the adventure beyond the pages and right into your everyday life. For instance, if you’re reading The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City, here are three fun ways you can bring the Big Apple to life at home:

*Make a New York-style pizza: In The Tales of Charlie Wags, Charlie stops by a classic New York pizzeria to grab a slice of the city’s famous pizza. Why not let your kids join in the fun by helping roll out the dough and choose their favorite toppings, just like Charlie does? If you’re reading about a different city and aren’t sure what their iconic dish is, a quick Google search can usually point you in the right direction!

*Get Crafty and Explore More: Put those little hands to work! Many authors feature dedicated pages for parents and teachers on their websites, offering a variety of crafts and activities inspired by their books. Whether it’s coloring pages, instructions for creating a New York City skyline silhouette, or other fun projects, it’s worth checking out if your favorite author provides engaging activities that kids can enjoy after reading the book.”

*For Charlie Wags New York City-themed activities, visit Charlie Wags New York City Activities

*For activities that can be applied to any city or book, check out Charlie Wags Series Activities for even more fun ways to extend the adventure!

*Dance to City Sounds: Play music from iconic New York artists like Alicia Keys or Lady Gaga, or try some Broadway hits like Wicked or The Lion King. Have a mini dance party in your living room to experience the rhythm and energy of the city. It’s a fun way to connect with the story and get kids excited about the culture and sounds of New York.

Travel the World, One Page at a Time

Picture books aren’t just stories—they’re gateways to new places, cultures, and adventures. With each book, your child is taking their first steps toward understanding and appreciating the world’s diversity. So whether you’re hoping to ignite their curiosity for future trips, looking for a way to learn together, or simply want to bring a little magic into bedtime, let picture books take you and your child on an unforgettable journey.

The world is waiting, and the best part? You’re already packed and ready to go.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City
Written by Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay

Illustrated by Sanna Sjöström

Ages: 3-7 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Kendam Press (2025) | ISBN: 979-8-9900050-0-6

Publisher’s Book Summary: Charlie Wags is a seemingly ordinary pup. He sits on demand, is appropriately needy, and only sometimes begs for treats.

But Charlie has an extraordinary secret. He loves to travel the world and has a special trick to do so: his wagging tail can whisk him away to far-off places.

This time, he’s off to the Big Apple!

Embark on a panoramic tour of New York City led by ever-curious pup Charlie Wags! From the serenity of Central Park to the dazzling lights of Times Square, Charlie explores the city that never sleeps before returning home for bedtime.

Wherever you may be, The World Is Just a Wag Away.™

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sister-author duo Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay form the writing team behind The Tales of Charlie Wags picture book series.

As daughters of immigrants, their family heritage exposed the sisters to the importance of cultural diversity early on. Their parents prioritized showing them the world, even on a tight budget, instilling in them the idea that travel is one of the best forms of education.

Knowing that not all children had the chance to explore the world firsthand, they put pen to paper to create a tale about a globetrotting dog. They hoped their story would allow young readers to experience the wonders of the world without ever having to leave their homes.

Their series mission is simple: provide a conversational understanding of the world’s most famous cities through charming stories that make far-off places accessible to every child and family.

For more information, check out charliewags.com

INSTAGRAM ~ FACEBOOK

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Sanna Sjöström, known professionally as Sannadorable, has loved art her whole life. With an extensive background in watercolor painting, she found it increasingly difficult to find the time and energy for her art after having children. Realizing how quickly she could access her iPad, Sanna began experimenting with digital art, skillfully mimicking the look of watercolor.

Today, Sanna illustrates children’s books and also creates posters, cards, and digital illustration tools. Through her creations, she aims to bring joy and smiles to people’s faces.

Sanna’s distinctive style—rooted in her deep appreciation for nature and her love for finding beauty in the ordinary—brings iconic cities to life in enchanting, rose-colored hues throughout The Tales of Charlie Wags series.

https://www.instagram.com/sannadorable/