Here are a few of our favourite reading recommendations for younger readers travelling to Asia. If you're tempted to buy any of these titles but you don't have a local bookshop, we'd like to suggest using Hive, a website which supports independent bookstores (and offers free delivery).
A children's story about a curious cat who likes to explore different countries around the world. In Indonesia he comes across exotic animals, climbs volcanoes, goes scuba diving and learns to do yoga. A percentage of the profits from Beato will be donated to Bali Children's Project, that helps children escape poverty through education.
The Jack Stalwart series combines pacy adventure, secret agent antics and exotic locations into a great package for 6-9 year-olds. When an archaeologist who guards the priceless treasures of the temple of Angkor Wat temple goes missing her daughter Kate calls on Jack to help bring her home.
The Jack Stalwart series combines pacy adventure, secret agent antics and exotic locations into a great package for 6-9 year olds. In this story Max and Jack must try to find the Emerald Buddha that has been stolen from the Grand Palace in Bangkok but as well as being full of page-turning action the book highlights illegal dealing in antiquities and the importance of these items to a country's religious or cultural beliefs.
This non-fiction book from Usborne Young Reading tells the story of the war from Vietnam's struggle for independence from the French to the protracted peace process which brought the conflict with the USA to an end. Suitable for children 9+
This illustrated book brings the story of This is the story of Prince Siddhartha and how he became Buddha to life. 7+
In Hindu Mythology, The Ramayana tells the story of a young prince, Rama, who is unjustly exiled into the forest by his stepmother. His lovely wife, Sita, and his loyal brother go with him and the three encounter strange and dangerous creatures. Sita is abducted by a ten-headed demon and Rama makes an alliance with magical monkeys to fight a war and win her back. Reading the stories from Indian epics such as this one will help children recognise many of the character and stories depicted in Hindu temple carvings across Asia.
A moving story for 9+ about a boy and a bear in captivity in Laos. When twelve-year-old Tam is sent to work at a bear farm in the city, he has never felt so alone. He hates seeing the cruel way the bears are treated, but speaking up will mean losing his job. And if he can't send money home, how will his family survive?
Simon Chapman, winner of the Blue Peter Book Award, brings geography to life, and his Expedition Diaries are a great way to introduce the world's biomes and habitats to children, direct from someone who's actually been in them. In this edition Simon is planning a trip to Borneo - he'll travel by boat and plane, and trek through one of the world's oldest rainforests to find orangutans in their natural equatorial habitat. He'll be sketching some of the island's 1,000s of species of tree, mammal and bird along the way...
Set in the 1940s as India is about to shake off British rule, Dindy and the Elephant is a beautifully written story about a young English girl faced with leaving the only home she has ever known.
This is an award-winning debut novel (2019) for readers aged 8+ that weaves ancient Hindu beliefs into a fast-paced quest across modern-day India, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the bustle of the big city. Asha lives on the family farm with her mother in rural India. Her father is away working in the city, and when the money he sends stops suddenly, a wicked debt collector arrives. She’s determined to seize the property – and the treasure rumoured to be hidden on the land. Guided by a majestic bird which Asha believes to be the spirit of her grandmother, she and her best friend Jeevan embark on a journey to the city, across the Himalayas, to find her father and save her home …
Satisfyingly classic in feel, Bilan's story also highlights contemporary issues such as child labour and the perils of factory fires.
Michael Morpurgo was inspired to write this novel after reading a news article about an 8-year-old girl whose life was saved by an elephant. Running Wild (subsequently adapted for the stage too) actually stars a schoolboy named Will, who visits Indonesia and is riding an elephant when a tsunami hits. He then goes on to escape deep into the rainforest where he learns to survive with his new animal companions.
Join 12-year-old Tash and her best friend Sam in a story of adventure, survival and hope, set in the vivid Himalayan landscape of Tibet and India. Filled with friendship, love and courage, this young girl's thrilling journey to save her parents is an ideal read for children aged 10+
