Road trips for the family have a certain something. The highway stretches out before you, a bag of snacks stuffed full of goodies, the radio or a favorite playlist streaming the tunes, and the inevitable rear-seat question: “Are we there yet?” It’s the challenge of keeping the kids occupied without resorting to handing over a tablet that makes the miles tick by. That’s where a good chapter book comes into the picture, transforming hours on the highway into a world of make-believe.
Chapter Books are Ideal Travel Companions
Unlike picture books or short stories, chapter books bring children into more expansive, complex stories. That means they remain entertained for mile after mile without having constant transitions between things. If it’s a suspenseful fantasy or a humorous book that they’ve waited and waited for the release of, a book brings a world within reach.
Setting Up a Reading-Friendly Ride
Prior to leaving, consider making a small nook all the way in the back seat. Cozy seat car configuration, combined with a good book, can make any long trip an adventure. A pillow, a soft blanket, and a basket of chapter books within easy reach of your arm can make all the difference. Add a small reading light attached to a seat pocket, and the later on-road hours won’t be restless anymore.
Top Chapter Books to Pack for the Trip
- E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web”
- A classic for a reason. Sweetly intelligent and surprisingly witty, this book finds a perfect fit into the slow sweep of a road trip.
- Peter Brown’s “The Wild Robot”
- This tale of a robot surviving the wilderness engages imaginations from page one. Short chapters allow children to easily take a break between pit stops if necessary.
- “Wayside School” series by Louis Sachar
- Ideal for children who are looking for something side-splitting. With short, snappy chapters, this book is ideal for those moments when attention spans begin to wane.
- “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate
- This poignant but delicate tale about a gorilla kept in a zoo is emotional without weighing on the reader. The chapters are short but full of substance.
- “Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein
- A mystery, a puzzle, and an adventure rolled into one. Perfect for a slightly older child who likes being “in on things.”
Tips for Making Reading on the Road Even Easier
Not all children are comfortable reading while a car moves, and that’s fine. Audiobooks make a great alternative. Read the print book while having your child listen and follow along. When stop times arrive, they’ll be able to get the fresh air they need while having time to go through the pages again and read the parts they love.
Turning Pages into Memories
Occasionally, it’s not even a matter of reading the entire book on the trip. It’s about having moments where they get lost in a book, even if just chapter by chapter. It’s about looking back and finding them snuggled up with a book while the world outside the window whisks by, lost within a world of their own. That’s the unassuming beauty of reading and road-tripping. Without fuss, without having to plan a grand experience, you’re offering them the gift of time invested in a book. And on a long drive where the hours get longer and the patience wears thinner, a couple of carefully selected books might just prove the finest traveling companions you’ve had.
