One of our favorite picture books genres is the Journey genre. In these books, characters may travel to faraway places, imaginative worlds, or even just across the living room floor. But in each case, they muster their courage to change along the way. Check out these beautiful books about learning, changing, courage, and hope along a journey’s path.
Truman by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Truman, a very small turtle, is quiet and pensive, just like his Sarah. But when Sarah leaves on the number 11 bus after a big breakfast, wearing a big backpack, Truman knows something has changed. After waiting thousands of tortoise hours, he knows he must be brave to go after his Sarah. Will he make it to the number 11 bus in time? Will he even make it across the apartment? This sweet story has simple illustrations that emphasize number learning as well as the beauty of being brave.
Journey by Aaron Becker
When no one in her family will play with her, a girl uses a magic red crayon to draw her way into an adventure. From rivers to castles and flying machines, she ultimately escapes her own fantasies to find a friend. This wordless picture book is beautifully crafted in monochromatic tones except for red and pink magical elements that weave their way through this fantastical story.
See You Later, Alligator by Sally Hopgood, illustrated by Emma Levy
Tortoise is ready for an adventure! But before he leaves the zoo, he must say good-bye to all of his friends. This rhyming story is a fun introduction to lots of different zoo animals as Tortoise attempts to make it to the park gates before they close for the night.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Every Sunday after church, Grandma and CJ take the bus to the last stop on Market Street. Even while CJ grumbles about the trip, Grandma reminds him of all the beauty that surrounds him, from the bus driver who does magic, to the man strumming his guitar, to their friends at the soup kitchen at the end of the ride. With colorful illustrations and lyrical details, this award-winning story is a must-read.
Journey: Based on the True Story of OR7, the Most Famous Wolf in the West by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Robin James
In this nonfiction journey story, gray wolf OR7, later known as Journey, leaves his home pack and sets out to create his own family pack. After traveling for three years, from eastern Oregon as far as northern California, he finally finds a mate. In this book, Journey’s adventures are followed by the little girl who named him and hopes he will survive the dangers of life in the wild. This fascinating story is followed by multiple pages of bonus information about Journey, his timeline, and wolves.
Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Abigail Halpin
Dressed in hiking gear, two children explore the many sides of Wild, from its smells to its dangers, from tiny elements to huge pieces. They even search for it– and find it–in the city! This book is lyrical and beautiful, with poetic wording and rich illustrations that mirror the many complexities of wilderness.
Once Upon a Cloud by Claire Keane
While Celeste ponders about what gift she can give her mom, she’s suddenly whisked from her room on a journey to the sky. She meets the stars, the moon, and the sun, and as the wind carries her home, she knows exactly what to make for the perfect gift for her mother. The sweeping strokes of the illustrations echo Celeste’s joy and excitement in this fun journey story!
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Sulwe looks nothing like her family, not even a little, not even at all. With her midnight skin, she longs to be beautiful like her sister, who has skin the color of high noon. Despite her mother’s assurances that like her name, which means Star, Sulwe is beautiful, she just can’t understand how that can be true when no one else can see it. Then, one night, a shooting star visits Sulwe’s bedroom and takes her on a journey through time to teach her the story of Day and Night, sisters at the beginning of the world. And Sulwe will never be the same, not even a little, not even at all. With weeping illustrations and lyrical writing, this book is a treasure.
Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Jay Fleck
Tiny T. Rex’s best friend Pointy is having a rough day, and Tiny wants to give him a hug. But with his super-tiy arms, he doesn’t even know where to begin! Tiny goes in search of hugging advice from his father, his aunt, his mother, and his siblings– will his tiny arms ever be able to help him comfort his friend? This story is short, sweet, and fun– those poor little T. Rex arms!
I Want a Boat by Liz Garton Scanlon illustrated by Kevan Atteberry
In this fun story, a little girl creates a boat from a box. Once she has her boat, she wants a rudder, a sail, and more. Each addition to her boat takes her on a journey across the ocean and eventually back home to supper and bed. The illustrations are colorful and fun as the little girl takes off on her adventure!