21 Best Geography Books for Kids | Maps, Stories & More

This book became an instant favorite when my son got it for his 12th birthday. We’ve spent hours flipping through its vibrant pages, discovering the world’s weirdest and most wonderful places—hidden caves, unusual festivals, and places we never knew existed.

It’s not a traditional storybook, but it’s perfect for curious minds who love adventure. With 100 fascinating locations to explore, it feels like a passport to the most obscure spots on Earth.

If you pick just one book from this list, make it this one!

This timeless classic has a permanent spot on our bookshelf. Following Phileas Fogg on his race around the world is an adventure in itself, but what makes it even better is using a map to follow his journey in real-time.

Each time we read it, we imagine what it would be like to travel across different continents, seeing the world through a 19th-century lens. It’s the perfect mix of history, geography, and adventure—all wrapped up in a thrilling story.

Related: Free continent worksheets

This book is as quirky as its title suggests, and that’s exactly why kids love it! Who Pooped in the Park? turns learning about wildlife and ecosystems into an interactive experience.

While the story focuses on the Great Smoky Mountains, it naturally leads to discussions about animals and national parks around the world. Plus, kids love the challenge of identifying different animals based on their tracks—and yes, their poop. (Expect a lot of giggles with this one!)

Perfect for younger readers who enjoy hands-on learning and outdoor adventures.

I first discovered The Kids Who Travel the World series while searching for books to bring different cultures into our homeschool lessons. In this book, two sisters explore Paris, visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre while learning a few French phrases along the way.

It was such a hit in our house that we quickly grabbed other books in the series. It’s a great pick for kids who love to travel—whether in real life or through their imaginations. Even now, my son and I still joke about our "trip" to Paris whenever we flip through its pages.

If you’re looking for a geography book that the whole family can enjoy, this one is a must-have. It covers different cultures, landscapes, and regions in a way that’s both detailed and easy to understand.

We’ve used this book to complement our lessons, and it always sparks great discussions about how people live in different parts of the world. It’s an excellent resource for homeschooling or for any child who loves learning about different places.

Pair this with some of the best geography board games for a hands-on learning experience.

This atlas is a favorite in our home. The colorful maps, fascinating facts, and real-world updates make it a fantastic resource.

My son has spent hours flipping through its pages, tracing country borders, and learning about different cultures. Even as an adult, I’ve picked up new things from it! If your child enjoys maps and wants to learn about global trends, this is a great addition to their bookshelf.

From the creators of Horrible Histories comes this, a series that makes geography hilarious, engaging, and packed with crazy facts. These books cover topics like rainforests, volcanoes, earthquakes, and oceans in a way that’s both educational and entertaining.

We’ve been working our way through the series, and it’s amazing how it makes complex topics easy to understand. The humor keeps kids engaged, and the fun illustrations make learning even more enjoyable.

Books in the set include:

• Bloomin' Rainforests
• Cracking Coasts
• Desperate Deserts
• Earth-Shattering Earthquakes
• Freaky Peaks
• Monster Lakes
• Odious Oceans
• Raging Rivers
• Stormy Weather
• Violent Volcanoes

This book completely changed the way my son and I think about global populations. It takes the entire world and shrinks it down into a village of 100 people, making big statistics much easier to grasp.

For example, while there are around 6,000 languages spoken worldwide, more than half the population speaks just eight of them. These kinds of facts amazed my son, and they led to some great discussions about diversity and culture.

If you want a book that makes geography and global studies more relatable for kids, this is a must-read.

As a family from England, we couldn’t resist adding this one to our collection. This book is full of fun facts, traditions, and quirky details about the United Kingdom.

It’s great for elementary-aged kids who want to learn more about British culture and geography. We even fact-checked a few things, and I can confirm—it does a great job of representing the UK!

This book is like a passport to 200 countries, filled with fun facts, beautiful images, and engaging insights about different places around the world.

My son loves flipping through the pages, picking random countries, and reading about their landmarks, cultures, and unique traditions. If your child enjoys travel or wants to see the world from a new perspective, this book is a fantastic way to do it.

Related: Geography gifts for kids

If your child loves asking questions and digging into unusual facts, this atlas is perfect. It goes beyond just maps and countries—it highlights fun topics like the best diving spots, the tallest buildings, and natural wonders around the world.

My son and I always find ourselves lost in this book, making travel bucket lists and learning something new each time we open it.

This beautifully illustrated atlas is packed with over 50 maps designed specifically for kids. The vibrant visuals make it easy to explore different regions, and the simple explanations make learning fun.

We’ve used this atlas countless times, and it never fails to keep my son engaged. If your child loves maps but prefers a more visual approach, this is a great choice.

Related: Best map games for kids

If your child loves trivia or is just starting to learn about world geography, this book is a fun and engaging way to dive in. It covers every country, its capital, and its flag, making it a great reference guide.

My son loves challenging his friends and family to name the most obscure countries and their flags. It’s a simple but effective way to build geography knowledge while having fun.

This book is our go-to resource for learning about each state. With two pages dedicated to every state, it’s packed with fun facts about landmarks, famous figures, and quirky trivia.

My son and I constantly refer back to this one during our geography lessons, and it never fails to keep us engaged. If you're looking for a book that makes learning about the states fun and easy, this is the one to get.

Related: How to remember the states

We love all things National Geographic, and this U.S. atlas is no exception. It’s filled with stunning photography, detailed maps, and tons of information about the country’s geography, history, and culture.

Compared to The 50 States book, this one is more in-depth and fact-heavy, making it great for older kids who want a deeper dive into U.S. geography. Both books are excellent—it just depends on whether your child prefers a lighthearted approach or something more detailed.

Related: Best state games for kids

I haven’t read this one yet, but since we loved If the World Were a Village, I had to include its U.S. counterpart. It breaks down the American population as if the entire country were a small village, making big concepts about demographics, culture, and diversity easier for kids to grasp.

If it’s anything like the global version, I’m sure it’ll lead to some great conversations!

Related: 50 States unit study

This book is packed with information about the natural forces that have shaped Earth over thousands of years. From ice ages to tsunamis, it covers a wide range of topics with incredible visuals that make complex concepts easy to grasp.

My son and I were hooked from the first page—it’s been a great resource for learning about everything from global warming to earthquakes. If your child loves science and geography, this is one to have on the shelf.

Use this book with our free printable geography worksheets.

This book takes things a step further with extreme weather, natural disasters, and Earth's most fascinating geological features, The vibrant images and detailed explanations make it perfect for kids ready to dig deeper into Earth's geography.

We’ve spent countless hours flipping through its pages, learning about volcanoes, hurricanes, and even the science behind earthquakes. If your child loves jaw-dropping facts and colorful visuals, this one is a must-have.

Related: Geography subscription box review

For kids who love rock formations, rivers, and other natural landscapes, this book is a fantastic resource. It’s filled with maps, fascinating visuals, and easy-to-understand explanations that make physical geography feel like an adventure.

Every time we open this book, we end up on a deep dive into a new topic. It’s a great way to make Earth’s natural features feel accessible and exciting.

Related: Landforms coloring worksheet

Even though the National Geographic Bee is no longer running, this book is still one of the best geography study guides available. It covers topics like social studies, Earth science, and environmental issues, all through the lens of geography.

My son loves trivia, so this book has been a fun way to test his knowledge and explore new topics. Even if your child isn’t preparing for a competition, it’s a great tool for expanding their understanding of the world.

Related: Geography games for middle school students

For younger kids, this book is pure magic. Pop-ups, rotating wheels, pull-tabs, and more make it an interactive way to explore Earth’s geography.

When my son was little, he couldn’t get enough of this book—it made learning about mountains, oceans, and weather feel like an adventure. If you’re looking for a hands-on introduction to natural geography, this is a fantastic choice.