Around the World Book Picks for Preschoolers

Around the World Book Picks for Preschoolers

Books are one of the easiest ways to show preschoolers how big and diverse the world really is. An around-the-world theme in your preschool classroom can spark curiosity, teach empathy, and help your preschoolers feel connected to others. These types of books aren’t just fun to read—they’re also a great way to introduce geography and  cultural traditions in a way preschoolers can understand. Whether you’re focusing on food, clothing, or how kids live their daily lives, these books will give your students a window into different parts of the world. Here is a list must-read books that fit perfectly into an around-the-world theme for preschoolers.

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List of Around the World Books for Your Preschooler:

​Whoever You Are

​This book is a great reminder that while kids around the world might eat different foods or live in different homes, they all laugh, cry, and love just like us. With simple language and colorful pictures, it’s perfect for starting conversations about what connects us all.

I See a Kookaburra!

​This book is like a little adventure into habitats around the world. Each page invites kids to find hidden animals in detailed, cut-paper illustrations. It’s a fun way to learn about nature!

Children Just Like Me

​This book introduces kids from around the world and gives a peek into their daily lives. From what they eat to what their schools look like, the photographs and short stories make it easy for preschoolers to see how they’re similar to and different from kids in other places.

Same Same But Different

This story of two pen pals—one in America and one in India—shows how kids’ lives can be different yet connected. The book has beautiful illustrations and a a simple message.

 ​What We Wear

​What better way to talk about culture than through clothing? This book is full of real-life pictures of kids wearing everything from school uniforms to traditional outfits, making it a great way to show how what we wear tells a story about who we are and where we come from.

Global Babies

​Babies are babies no matter where they’re from! This board book shows pictures of little ones from different countries dressed in traditional outfits. It’s simple, sweet, and perfect for even the youngest preschoolers in your group.

The Name Jar

Unhei, a young girl from Korea, starts a new school in America while deciding whether to keep her unique name. A beautiful story about identity and embracing your culture. A great one to spark conversations about your own student's names and where they came from.

If You Lived Here: Houses of the World

This book introduces children to unique homes from different cultures, from yurts to treehouses. It’s a great way to have conversations with your preschoolers about how people adapt their homes to their environments.

All Are Welcome

​A heartwarming story that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a school setting, showing children from many different cultures learning and playing together.

Around the World We Go!

A simple yet great book that celebrates how kids all over the world play, sing, and connect with each other.

​A Ticket Around the World

A little boy takes readers on a journey through 13 different countries, sharing interesting cultural details about each place. This book is a great way to teach preschoolers about different places around the world. 

​We hope you’ve found some books you’re excited to share with your preschoolers as you explore the theme of cultures and communities around the world. These stories make it easy to introduce kids to the many ways people live, celebrate, and connect, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Through these books, your preschoolers can take a trip around the globe without ever leaving the classroom!

View all of my around the world book picks

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