Many versions of the story of Cinderella (Persia, China, Egypt, Korea, South Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, Ireland, India, France and Russia) are part of this reading list. Given a wide variety of children's reading levels, as well as the indisputable appeal of picture books to readers of all ages, I would recommend this list to children from kindergarten all the way to middle school. Artistic and literary merits of the book, as well as its current availability were taken into consideration. In selecting books for a specific location, I attempted to cover that country's customs, folklore, traditions, cuisine, art, fashion, cultural attitudes to childhood, as well as famous historical figures. Located in close proximity to the United Nations, Beekman Hill is a perfect microcosm of a vibrant global village. My criterion for inclusion was rather narrow, as this list was originally compiled for a specific class of students at PS 59, Beekman Hill International. New Yorkers have always been known for their special appreciation of cultural differences.

A trip to El Museo del Barrio can be combined can with a quick lunch at Cuchifritos or Cabana. How lucky are we to reside in a city that offers unparalleled opportunities for cultural exploration? The Museum of the Chinese in America or Asia Society could be visited in conjunction with your favorite Chinatown landmark or Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

If you can't take your child to another country, visiting cultural institutions and ethnic neighborhoods throughout New York City can have similar benefits. They can introduce children to the rich cultural heritage of your international destinations.Įven if your pilgrimage to a dream destination is entirely imaginary, picture books can offer kids an introduction to a wonderful world of armchair travel.

Books on this list offer young travelers a great opportunity to explore new cultures through a colorful world of illustrated picture books. Unless you are lucky enough to travel to a small number of selected destinations covered by the wonderful Lonely Planet Not For Parents Guides, your younger traveling companions will be deprived of any guidance. While we research our destinations with some assistance from guidebooks, children don't really have that option.

Summer is here and with it comes the joy of getting away from it all.

Celebrations anabel kindersley