Travel is often on the wish list for many families, but the most affordable passport is still a library card. Books can whisk your child to coral reefs, cobblestoned streets, bush trails and bustling markets, with no suitcase required. Read on to discover the magical destinations stories can take you and your family, and the learning journeys you can go on together, from building vocabulary and comprehension, to practising WH-questions, growing empathy, and exploring the rich diversity of people and places. In this blog, we’ll share why stories make brilliant “tickets”, practical tips to turn reading into an adventure, and a curated list of titles to kickstart your travels at home or on holiday.
Why Stories Make Brilliant “Tickets”
There’s something special about sharing a story side-by-side – the cosy closeness, the turning of pages, the little chats that pop up as you notice details together. Reading aloud doesn’t just entertain; it invites your child to imagine places, people and possibilities beyond everyday life, all while feeling calm and connected with you. Those few minutes of togetherness create the perfect space for rich conversations. The kind that grows vocabulary, deepens understanding and builds confidence. As you read, try simple WH-questions (who, what, where, when, why, how), make predictions, and talk about how characters might be feeling or why they make certain choices. These gentle prompts help your child link ideas, practise new words and stretch their thinking (without it ever feeling like “work”).
Try this while you read:
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Predict: “What do you think will happen when they reach the city?”
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Feelings: “How might the boy feel looking at the ocean for the first time? Why?”
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Compare: “How is this house different from ours?”
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Notice words: “They used ‘shimmering’. What else could we say—sparkling, glittering?”
Discovering Diversity (from the Lounge Room)
One of the quiet joys of reading together is meeting people whose days look different from ours and noticing all the ways we’re the same. Stories open doors to new cultures, foods, families, celebrations and landscapes, while giving children a safe place to ask questions and be curious. With a gentle chat about what you see on the page (clothing, homes, languages, routines) you can help your child build understanding and respect for the many ways families live, play and communicate around the world (and right here at home).
As you read, use the illustrations and little facts in the text to spark conversation. Compare the book’s setting with your neighbourhood so new ideas have something familiar to “stick to”. Keep it light, warm and wonder-filled.
Try this as you explore diversity together:
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Spot the similarities: “What is the same as our morning routine? What’s different?”
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Celebrations and traditions: “They’re getting ready for a festival. What do we do when we celebrate? What might this celebration sound or look like?”
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Food adventures: “They’re cooking dumplings. What might they smell or taste like? What could we try making at home?”
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Language moments: “This character says ‘hola/konnichiwa/ciao’. Let’s practise that greeting. Who could we say it to?”
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Map it out: “Let’s find this place on a map. Is it near the ocean, mountains, or a big city?”
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Everyday life: “How do children get to school here? What games do they play at lunchtime?”
Small, curious conversations like these help children grow vocabulary, empathy and a sense of belonging in a wonderfully diverse world (no passport required).
Make Reading an Adventure (Practical Ideas)
These simple add-ons turn a story into a mini expedition. They invite your child to look closely, predict, plan and retell; the very skills that grow comprehension, vocabulary, sequencing and confidence. No special materials needed; a pencil, some scrap paper and a few toys are plenty. Keep it playful and follow your child’s lead.
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Create a mini itinerary: Before you start, scan the pictures and ask, “Where are we going today?”
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Pack the “props”: A toy boat for ocean stories, a scarf for pretend desert winds—props make retelling fun.
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Map it: Draw a quick map of the journey (even a line with three stops). Add new words you discover along the way.
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Cook or craft: Try a simple recipe or make a postcard linked to the story’s setting to deepen understanding.
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Retell the tale: After reading, encourage your child to tell the story back in their own words (beginning–middle–end).
Book Adventures to Try
Ready to pack your “book bags”? Here’s a curated mix of classics and Australian favourites that celebrate discovery, diversity and exploration. Choose titles that match your child’s interests (animals, oceans, cities, food, fairies), mix fiction with non-fiction, and don’t forget your local library. Borrowing widely keeps the adventure fresh and the vocabulary growing.
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Whoever You Are – Mem Fox
A warm reminder that while our languages and lives may differ, our feelings connect us. Lovely for talking about likeness and difference. -
Welcome to Our World – Moira Butterfield
Bite-sized facts and vibrant illustrations spark chats about food, play, celebrations and daily life across countries. -
The Snail and the Whale – Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
A small traveller on a big journey—great for rhyme, describing scenes and encouraging “dream big” thinking. -
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! – Dr Seuss
A playful look at life’s ups and downs; perfect for goal-setting language and talking about persistence. -
Madeline – Ludwig Bemelmans
Wander Parisian streets and landmarks; ideal for noticing details and map-making after reading. -
Super, Spectacular Pearlie – Wendy Harmer
Fairy adventures around famous parks invite vocabulary-building about nature, animals and cultures. -
Are We There Yet? – Alison Lester
A quintessential Australian road trip. Brilliant for place words, souvenirs of language, and drawing your own travel map. -
Possum Magic – Mem Fox & Julie Vivas
A delicious tour of Australian cities and foods—great for sequencing and local geography. -
Magic Beach – Alison Lester
Real places and imagined adventures side by side—perfect for comparing “real vs pretend” and describing settings. -
Maps / Atlas of Adventures – M. & A. Mizielińska / Lucy Letherland
Gorgeous, browsable non-fiction to build background knowledge, new words and curiosity.
Bringing It Back Home
Whether you’re reading before bed or on the back deck in the afternoon, the goal is connection. A few thoughtful questions, chances to predict and retell, and playful follow-ups (maps, props, postcards) turn picture books and stories into powerful language lessons (and trips around the world).
If you’d like more ideas tailored to your child’s goals, our speech pathologists can suggest literacy-based strategies and book routines that fit beautifully into family life. Reach out to our team at A Growing Understanding. We’re always happy to help you choose stories that spark imagination and grow communication.
