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Last Updated on 5 August 2026 by Vanessa
Are you looking for travel books for kids that are both educational and heartwarming? KeeKee’s Big Adventures is an award-winning series that blends storytelling, geography, and cultural discovery into one engaging experience for young readers.
These beautifully illustrated picture books follow KeeKee, a curious calico cat who travels the world in a hot air balloon—one city at a time. They are designed for children ages 5 to 7, but even as an adult, I found myself completely drawn in.
In this review, I’ll break down what kids learn from these books, which one to start with, and how to use them for learning at home. Let’s break it down.
KeeKee’s Big Adventures: best travel books for kids (ages 5–7)
Why KeeKee’s Big Adventures are worth adding to your home library
Unlike many children’s books that simply tell a story, this series introduces kids to:
- real-world cities
- famous landmarks
- basic foreign language words
- local food and culture
Each book acts as a mini travel guide for kids, making it perfect for:
- early learning
- homeschool geography
- travel preparation
- educational gifts
The inspiration behind the books
Author Shannon Jones created the KeeKee’s Big Adventures series with a clear goal: to spark curiosity about the world and help children appreciate different cultures from an early age.
Because her mother was a flight attendant, Jones spent her childhood traveling around the world. Experiencing different cultures, languages, and places from a young age shaped how she saw the world—and sparked a lifelong love of travel.
Years later, while living in Amsterdam with her real-life calico cat KeeKee, the idea for the books took shape.
She wanted to create something that would:
- feel safe and engaging for young children
- introduce global cultures in a fun, accessible way
- and bring travel to life through storytelling
And so, KeeKee—the traveling adventure cat—became the perfect guide for these books.
Visual city tours
There are currently five books in the KeeKee’s Big Adventures series, each focusing on one city at a time: Paris, Rome, Athens, Amsterdam, and London.
Each of these books are visual city tours with children between the ages of five and seven in mind.
The destinations in the series aren’t random. Jones chose each city because they are iconic and easy to recognize, rich in culture and history, and visually distinctive for young readers.
But which book should you start with? Jones was so kind to send me all the books for review. Here’s what to expect from each one.
KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Paris, France
In KeeKee’s very first book, she lands with her hot air balloon in Paris, France. In 40 pages, she visits all the must-see attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum and learns several French words along the way.
Related: The Ultimate Cat Lover’s Guide to Paris.
KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Rome, Italy
In KeeKee’s second travel book for kids, she visits several famous landmarks in Rome, including the Spanish Steps, the Mouth of Truth, and the Trevi Fountain.
And, of course, one can’t go to Italy without talking about the food, so KeeKee introduces children to the origins of pizza, amongst other things.
KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Athens, Greece
KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Athens, Greece introduces kids not only to the Greek capital but also to some of the nearby islands, such as Santorini. They will also learn several Greek words (such as Yiá sas and Efcharistó), as well as the names of some famous Greek dishes (such as tzatzíki and moussaká).
Of course, KeeKee visits many famous landmarks and historical sites in Athens, including the Acropolis.
Related: Which Greek Island Has the Most Cats? (It’s not what you think)
KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands
KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Amsterdam, Netherlands gives a very good visual impression of what the Dutch capital is like. We get a glimpse of the Netherlands’ famous biking culture, while also getting acquainted with the country’s famous canals, windmills, and tulip fields, amongst other things.
Related: 12 Amsterdam Must-See Attractions For a Feline-Inspired Trip.
KeeKee’s Big Adventures in London, England
In KeeKee’s latest book, you can join her on her adventures in the British capital, London.
Again, the book gives children a very good visual impression of the city—the red buses, Leicester Square, Big Ben, Kensington Palace… Your child will know them all after reading this book.
Related: The Ultimate Cat Lover’s Guide to London.
What kids learn from KeeKee’s Big Adventures
Geography & cultural awareness
Kids are introduced to iconic cities and landmarks around the world, helping them build early global awareness.
Language exposure
Each book includes simple foreign words and phrases, making it a gentle introduction to new languages.
Food & traditions
From Italian pizza to Greek dishes, kids learn about local cuisine and customs.
Early reading engagement
The combination of visuals + storytelling keeps young readers engaged and curious.
Which is KeeKee’s best travel guide for families?
My personal favorites are the first two books, KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Paris, France and KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Rome, Italy. Why? Solely because the pictures are less bright and more cozy.
However, content-wise they are all similar… and excellent. With each of these books, children will learn a lot about the major attractions in each city, as well as picking up several foreign words and customs.
If you are planning on taking your child to one of these cities, then I’d recommend giving them the corresponding picture book. However, I truly believe you should get them all and not just one. They are that cute and informative. I’m a big fan.
Where to buy KeeKee’s Big Adventures
All the books in the KeeKee’s Big Adventures series are available through Amazon.
How to use these books for learning at home
Travel prep idea
If you’re planning a trip, read the corresponding book beforehand to build excitement and familiarity.
Simple learning activities
- locate each city on a map
- practice the foreign words together
- talk about foods from each country
Creative extensions
The KeeKee’s Big Adventures website offers a wide range of free downloadable activities you can use alongside the books, including: French–English word match-ups, coloring pages, mazes, and more.
These are perfect for:
- quiet time activities
- classroom or homeschool use
- reinforcing vocabulary in a playful way
You can print a few of these out and turn reading time into a mini “travel activity session.” Here are a few examples:
Rome word scramble
Rome maze page
Athens word search puzzle
KeeKee’s Big Adventures Family Travel Podcast
Crafted to ignite inspiration and facilitate the planning of your family’s upcoming grand expeditions, KeeKee’s Big Adventures Family Travel Podcast boasts over 80 episodes featuring insights from Travel Moms and Travel Experts, including real-life travel stories and travel advice for families.
Episodes span a wide range of topics—from planning US family trips to exploring European Christmas markets in Germany and France, or organizing multi‑week adventures in Japan, Switzerland, and Central Europe. There are also episodes on family‑friendly cruises, Ecuador and Galápagos trips, and practical tips for making any family vacation smoother.
Final thoughts: a must-have for curious young travelers
If you want your child to explore the world without leaving home, KeeKee’s Big Adventures is a fantastic place to start.
It’s:
- educational without being overwhelming
- extremely cute
- and genuinely enjoyable for both kids and adults
If you ask me? This is one of those rare children’s series that manages to be both meaningful and fun.
👉 Which of KeeKee’s travel books for kids will be your next read? Which destination should KeeKee travel to next? Leave us a comment with your ideas.
And if you already know the books and love them, kindly share this article with fellow parents and across social media to help us spread the word about this heartwarming and enriching endeavor.
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