Around the World with Picture Books plus FREE Book Passport Printable

Travel around the world with picture books with our free printable book list and book passport. These picture books from around the world allow elementary age children to hear stories from other cultures and countries to increase their understanding of the world, geography, literacy, and more!

Around the World with Picture Books

The “Books Around the World” printable is an exciting and educational resource designed to introduce kindergarteners to diverse cultures and traditions through literature. This printable includes a curated book list featuring stories from different countries and a passport template to record the books they read. With this engaging activity, kids can embark on a literary journey across the globe!

Book Passport

Start by scrolling to the bottom of the post, under the terms of use, and click on the text link that says >> __________ <<. The pdf file will open in a new window for you to save freebie. T

Picture books from around the world

Here are some fun, creative ways to Incorporate the Printable

1. Book Exploration: Present the book list to the kindergarteners and let them choose a book from a specific country. Read the selected book aloud to the class, discussing the unique elements of the culture depicted in the story.
2. Passport Activity: Provide each child with a passport template. Encourage them to add the title and country of the book they read, draw a picture related to the story, and share their favorite part with the class.
3. Story Mapping: Create a world map and mark the countries represented in the book list. Let the children place stickers or flags on the map corresponding to the countries they “visit” through their reading.
4. Cultural Crafts: After reading a book from a particular country, engage the kids in a craft activity related to that culture. For example, make origami from Japan or create paper lanterns from China.

Around the world in picture books

There are lots of educational benefits to reading stories from around the world with kids including:

1. Cultural Awareness: The “Books Around the World” printable exposes children to diverse cultures, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for different traditions and lifestyles.
2. Language Development: Listening to stories from various cultures enhances language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension as children encounter new words and concepts.
3. Global Knowledge: By “traveling” through books, children gain geographical knowledge and a sense of the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
4. Reading Engagement: The excitement of collecting passport stamps motivates children to read and explore more books from different countries.

Stories from other countries

1. Book Club Adventure: Organize a book club for kindergarteners where they take turns reading books from the list and discuss their favorites with their peers.
2. Cultural Cuisine: Pair reading with trying out traditional dishes from the featured countries, providing a multisensory experience.
3. Storytelling Showcase: Encourage children to retell the stories they read using puppets, drawings, or role-playing, promoting creativity and confidence.