Books About Maps: 20 Amazing Ways to Make Geography Fun
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Books about maps are brilliant ways to enjoy educational resources that cover multiple subjects.
By featuring maps, these books provide your kids with many opportunities to learn new skills and expand their knowledge base. These types of geography materials have become invaluable parts of our homeschool. My boys and I love the interactive nature of these books!
I'm sharing our favorite books that feature maps plus ideas for using to take your geography fun to the next level.
Related: These geography board games are great interactive ways to gain map skills and more!
Master Map Skills with Fun Books
Do you want to help your kids learn important map skills but not sure where to start? Or maybe you're concerned that learning about maps might be a tad bit boring?
I totally get it! When I was a student, I thought geography was ho-hum. I did what was necessary to get a good grade but never really learned map skills. I just didn't understand how those skills could help me in everyday life.
As a homeschool mom, I now see the error in my ways. My eyes were opened to all the amazing things that geography has to offer when my boys and I started using Beautiful Feet Book resources. WOW!
My two younger boys and I had a blast with Geography Through Literature Pack K-3. We traveled throughout the United States of America using delightful books, hands-on projects, Culinary Connection (making and trying different recipes from each of the 50 states), and more.
We continued that incredible learning journey using Beautiful Feet Book's U.S. Geography: A Literature Approach for Intermediate Grades. So many awesome resources, including map work!
Well, all of that learning fun sparked an obsession with geography! We found books in our local library and started a collection.
Our 20 Favorite Books About Maps
Although paper maps might not be used as often in our modern day, there are so many valuable skills that your children can learn from using them. For kids, maps are not just practical tools but gateways to adventures, discoveries, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
These books go beyond geography and dive into cartography (the science of map-making). Here are our top 20 map-themed books for kids:
"Me on the Map" is a children's book by Joan Sweeney that introduces young readers to the concept of location and maps, starting from their own home and expanding to the world.
"The Boy Who Loved Maps" by Nancy Carpenter is a picture book that tells the true story of a boy who was deeply fascinated with maps and grew up to become a renowned cartographer.
"There's a Map on My Lap!: All About Maps (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library)" is an educational children's book that explores the world of maps in a fun and informative way with the Cat in the Hat.
There's a Map on My Lap! All About Maps (The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library)
"Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map" is a children's book by James Dean that follows Pete the Cat and his friends as they search for hidden treasure using a map.
Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map
"A Story About Directions" is a children's book that educates young readers about the concept of directions and how to use maps.
"Children's Illustrated Atlas" is a beautifully illustrated book that comprehensively introduces geography and maps for children.
Children's Illustrated Atlas: Revised and Updated Edition
"Beginner's U.S. Atlas" is an introductory atlas designed for young readers, offering an overview of the United States with maps and interesting facts.
Beginner's World Atlas, 5th Edition (National Geographic Kids)
"Footsteps on the Map" is a novel by Kathleen Bunker that explores a young woman's journey to discover her family's history through maps and travel.
"What a Map Can Do" by Kira Willey is a children's book that illustrates the various functions and uses of maps in a simple and engaging way.
"Ginny Off the Map" is a middle-grade novel by N.S. Sharpe follows the adventures of Ginny, who sets out to explore a mysterious map.
"Magnolia’s Magnificent Map" by Lauren Keskinen is a children's book that narrates Magnolia's imaginative journey using her treasure map.
Magnolia's Magnificent Map (Walnut Animal Society)
- 12. Magic on the Map
"Magic on the Map #1: Let's Mooove!" by Courtney Sheinmel is the first in a series of chapter books that follows the adventures of twins Finn and Molly as they discover a magical map.
Magic on the Map #1: Let's Mooove!
"Treasure Map: An Acorn Book" by Megan Atwood is an early reader book that takes young readers on a treasure hunt adventure.
Treasure Map: An Acorn Book (The Adventure Friends #1)
"From Here to There: A First Book of Maps" by Margery Cuyler is an engaging children's book that introduces the basics of maps and geography.
From Here to There: A First Book of Maps
"Map of Memory Lane" by Adele Sterk is a novel exploring maps' power to navigate memories and emotions.
"The Last Mapmaker" by Christina Soontornvat is a middle-grade novel that follows a young girl's quest to save her father, the last mapmaker, in a world where maps are forbidden.
- 17. My Map Book
"My Map Book" by Sara Fanelli is a whimsical and creative children's book that showcases various personal and imaginative maps.
- 18. The Map Trap
"The Map Trap" by Andrew Clements is a middle-grade novel about two friends discovering a mysterious map and finding themselves in an unexpected adventure.
"How to Go Anywhere (and Not Get Lost): A Guide to Navigation for Young Adventurers" by Hans Aschim is an educational book that teaches young adventurers the art of navigation and map reading.
How to Go Anywhere (and Not Get Lost): A Guide to Navigation for Young Adventurers
- 20. Maps
"Maps" by Aleksandra Mizielinska is a beautifully illustrated and informative children's book that takes readers on a global journey through intricate maps, revealing fascinating details about countries, cultures, and landmarks worldwide.
More Ways to Boost Geography Time
Extend your geography fun with our free printable activities, like:
- 50 States of America worksheets
- 7 Continents of the World worksheets
- U.S. Landmarks printable activities
- World Landmarks worksheets
- Flags of the World printable activities
And here are some more cool ideas for having map fun:
BEST LEARNING i-Poster My World Interactive Map - Educational Talking Toy for Children of Ages 5 to 12 Years Old - Geography Learning Game as a Birthday Gift for Kids Ages 8-12Imagimake Mapology USA & World Map Puzzle with Flags, Capitals, Stickers | Educational Toys for Ages 5-7 | Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids Ages 8-10 | Geography Toys for Ages 8-13 | 6 Year Old Boy/Girl GiftsMapGoMap USA Edition - Reportedly The World's Speediest Map Memory Game. Created by an 11-Year-Old. Super Fun for Boys, Girls, Families and Adults.Game Zone Great States - Fun and Educational Geography Game for Ages 7+ - An Engaging Way to Learn about the 50 States with Friends and FamilyUniversity Games, Scholastic Race Across the USA Board Game , Geography Learning Game for Kids and Families, for 2 to 4 Players Ages 8 and Up
Make Learning Fun with Map-Themed Books
If you need simple and engaging ways to get your kids excited about geography (and more), I highly encourage you to add maps to your educational fun activities list. These types of resources are magnificent ways to help your students gain impressive skills and learn more about the world around them.
Do you have any books or resources that you'd add to this list of ideas for making maps fun? Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!