There are so many potential pitfalls in traveling with children, and while I may forget to pack enough clean clothes or diapers, I (almost) never forget to take a break from the busyness and think about how I can help my littlest travelers get the most out of their adventures. For me, that means preparing their mental canvas for the places we will visit with a storybook about the location. I am always on the lookout for great children’s books that can introduce a new culture and prepare us for the next trip.
The Adventures of Bella and Harry
The adventures of Harry and Bella follow siblings, who just happen to be Chihuahuas, as they gallivant around the globe. In the stories that are set in cities like Rome, Edinburgh and Paris, Bella is the smart older sister, and Harry is the silly younger brother. Together, they explore the sights of the city. Exciting, and sometimes comic adventures are woven together with learning opportunities that explore new language, culture, and cuisine in a way that is fun and natural for kids. Although they read like a snappy narrative, the books are really a travel guide for kids and serve as a perfect precursor to any overseas travel.
Quality Literature that Meets High Standards
As a teacher, I have no problem admitting that I am a book snob. I practically demand literature of the highest quality for my kids because I know that the stories they read become a part of their framework for the world. For my little ones, I look for stories with vibrant illustrations, relatable characters, and a learning opportunity woven into the language of the book. If I can find all that in a book that also ties into my love of travel, I am thrilled. The Adventures of Bella and Harry have beautifully rich illustrations by Kristine Lucco and the characters bring the adventures and new vocabulary to life in way that is never boring, but highly educational.
Diving into the World of Bella and Harry
The publishers of the book were kind enough to send me a copy of the two newest versions of the series, but it only took me a minute of browsing these copies to wish that I had the whole collection. Edinburgh and Rome are the seventh and eighth books in the series. Paris, Venice, London, Cairo, Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul and Jerusalem are also available.
About Bella & Harry: Let’s Visit Edinburgh
Good day! Join Bella and Harry as they travel to Edinburgh with their family and see Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Botanic Garden and enjoy a trip to Loch Ness to search for Nessie! Along the way local cuisine (such as Dundee cake) and basic Scottish phrases are introduced.
About Bella & Harry: Let’s Visit Rome
Bon giorno! Join Bella & Harry as they travel to Rome with their family and see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and other sites. Along the way local cusine (spaghetti and meatballs) and basic Italian words are introduced.
You can learn more about the adventures of Bella and Harry by visiting their website or following them on Facebook.
Want to take your own journey through the world of Bella and Harry? Hop over to our HUGE Back to School Giveaway for a chance to win a copy of your own.
These look great! I would love to get some of them before we head to any more of those destinations! Would have loved to have the Paris book before out trip. I had a very hard time making that trip fun for our little sightseers….
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