Tag: Adventure

Travelling

Karin, Hampshire LibrariesLeave a comment

Travelling can be daunting for young children, as can new experiences, whether it’s going on a plane, boat or train. Sharing stories can help calm the child and turn, what would otherwise be a difficult situation, into a fun adventure.

Maisy’s bus
by Lucy Cousins

Maisy, the lovable little mouse, is at the driving wheel of the bus. Where is she going – to pick up her friends of course. A new picture book about the little mouse, who is featured in a popular animated television series.
Age; 1+

Maisy goes by plane
by Lucy Cousins

Maisy is off on a journey to see her friend Ella, but Ella lives such a long way away. Maisy must go by plane and what an exciting trip it is! As she makes her way through security and steps on board, Maisy peeks in at the captain: what a lot of lights and buttons it takes to make a plane go! Maisy soon makes friends with Mr Percy and Betsy; and after drinks, magazines and a tricky toilet stop, the journey is over in no time!
Age: 3+

Where are we going?
by Elizabeth Dale

In this story, the family is on a train ride and the children are disappointed not to be able to get off and do all the things they can see from the window. But when they arrive at the seaside, they will be able to do everything!
Age: 3+

Going on a plane
by Roderick Hunt

Introducing your child to new situations through entertaining and sensitively written stories, each title in this series is packed with facts and humour, making them perfect for reading together.
Age: 3+

Going on a train
by Roderick Hunt 

Do you like trains? Biff, Chip and Kipper do! In this story they have lots of fun going to France by train.
Age: 3+

The wheels on the bus; and, The boat on the waves
by Wes Magee and Richard Morgan

The wheels on the bus just keep going round! Then the boat on the waves has a very up and down ride.
Age: 5+

Mungo Monkey goes on a train
by Lydia Monks

Mungo Monkey is very excited to be going on a train trip with his grandparents and little sister, Mimi. Where will they go? What will they see? Join in the fun by lifting the flaps and help Mungo discover an exciting surprise at the end of his travels.
Age: 3+

School bus trip
by Ellen Philpott

Peppa and her friends are going on a school bus adventure up a mountain. But what will they find at the very top?
Age: 4+

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A day at the animal airport
by Sharon Rentta

Kai Koala is going on holiday with his family – and they’re off to the airport. Kai has a wonderful time, using his passport, pushing trolleys and flying in a plane!
Age: 2+

Image result for The bus is for us!

The bus is for us!
by Michael Rosen

Small children take great delight in rides – whether by bicycle, car, boat, or plane. And best of all is taking the bus, because the bus is for everyone!
Age: 2+

George goes on a plane
by Nicola Smee

Join George and Bear as they travel on a plane for the first time! There are so many exciting things to see and do at the airport, and then there’s the journey on the plane with its thrilling take off!
Age: 3+

Useful Organisations

FlyFright:
Tips on helping your child through flying if they have a fear of flying.

NHS:
Advice and information before travelling with children.

Saving luggage space

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Planning a holiday or trip this summer? Dreading packing? Then look no further, here are some great tips on how to save space in your luggage!

1.Knowing exactly what to pack

There are simple ways of doing this like writing a check list! Whether that is on paper, your mobile phone or a computer. Doing this saves a lot of time, not having to unpack and re-pack because you think you missed something!

2. Rolling clothes up when packing

Don’t fold your clothes up, roll them up! Not only does this save your clothes from getting all creased and crinkled, but also it can maximises your luggage space.

3. Download your books on your tablet or smart phone

Trying to pack more than one book can be a bit of a nightmare! Follow the link and visit our e-book catalogue and download the books you wish to read on holiday to any tablet or smart phone. Make sure to download the app first – Libby! Save even more room and download travel guides onto your devices too!

4. Don’t pack your bulky clothes, wear them!

If you have bulky clothes, wear as much as you can on the flight! You can always un-layer yourself and put the clothes into the over head lockers. This will not only save you lots of room but will make your luggage a lot lighter.

5. Weigh your luggage

Paying for your luggage because it is over the weight limit can be bit frustrating. To avoid this make sure to grab your scales at home and weigh your luggage, that way you can see whether you have enough room or you need to unpack some more items!

If you want more advice on how to save luggage space then have a look at the titles below that are available to borrow from your local library, just in time for your holiday or trip!

How to pack: travel smart for any trip, Kelly Lasserre

How to Pack includes guidelines for narrowing down one’s wardrobe, how many pairs of shoes are really necessary and best practices for storing toiletries and makeup. Here, too, are instructions on selecting the right luggage, when to fold vs. roll clothing, and trip-specific packing lists. Hitha’s tips are for today’s modern traveller who doesn’t want to sacrifice style for space, but who still wants to fit a 2-week vacation wardrobe into a carry-on bag.

The backpackers’ survival guide: everything you need to know, Tasmin King

Tips and ideas for travelling the world So you’re off to explore the big, wide world: head filled with possibilities and hiking boots laced. But a big trip brings big questions, like how do I go about choosing and packing a bag and how should I handle money abroad? Luckily this handy guide is filled with essential tips, advice and hacks to make your adventures on the road truly unforgettable.

 

In Siberia by Colin Thubron

Gilbert1 Comment

About the book

This is the account of Thubron’s 15,000-mile journey through an astonishing country – one twelfth of the land surface of the whole earth. He journeyed by train, river and truck among the people most damaged by the breakup of the Soviet Union, traveling among Buddhists and animists, radical Christian sects, reactionary Communists and the remnants of a so-call Jewish state; from the site of the last Czar’s murder and Rasputin’s village, to the ice-bound graves of ancient Sythians, to Baikal, deepest and oldest of the world’s lakes.  It is the story of a people moving through the ruins of Communism into more private, diverse and often stranger worlds.

 

Reviewed by Newcomers

An Illuminating and evocative writing. He manages to humanise the map of Siberia – the encounters with the people gave relief to the subject matter. Very well written excellent travel writer”

star rating ***

 

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The Irresistible Inheritance of Wilberforce by Paul Torday

Gilbert1 Comment

About the book

Late one summer evening, Wilberforce – rich, young, and work-obsessed – makes a detour on his way home to the vast undercroft of Caerlyon Hall, and the domain of Francis Black, a place where wine, hospitality and affection flow freely.

Through Francis, Wilberforce is initiated into a life rich in the promise of friendship and adventure, where, through his new set of friends, the possibility of finding acceptance, and even falling in love, seems finally to be within his reach.

Wilberforce becomes a willing pupil to Francis, and in the cellars of Caerlyon he nurtures a new-found passion for wine. But even the finest wine can leave a bitter aftertaste, and Wilberforce will learn the undercroft’s unpalatable secrets, and that passion comes at a price …

Reviewed by The Village

“Beautifully written but subject matter distasteful. Would read more by the same author”

star rating ***

 

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The Almond Blossom Appreciation Society by Chris Stewart

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About the book

The Good Life goes on at El Valero. Find yourself laughing out loud as Chris is instructed by his daughter on local teenage moves; bluffs his way in art history to millionaire Bostonians; is rescued off a snowy peak by the Guardia Civil; and joins an Almond Blossom Appreciation Society.

You’ll cringe with Chris as he tries his hand at office work in an immigrants’ advice centre in Granada, spurred into action by the arrival of four destitute young Moroccans at El Valero. And you’ll never see olive oil in quite the same way again…

In this sequel to ‘Lemons’ and ‘Parrot’, Chris Stewart’s optimism and zest for life is as infectious as ever.

Reviewed by Goodworth Clatford WI

All the group thoroughly enjoyed reading this, particularly as many of us had read his previous books. The descriptions are vivid and the characters real life. We look forward to reading his next book. A ray of sunshine in dull weather!

star rating ****

 

 

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Lucky Bunny by Jill Dawson

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About the book

Queenie Dove is a self-proclaimed genius when it comes to thieving and escape. Daring, clever and sexy, she ducked and dived through the streets of London from the East End through Soho to Mayfair, graduating from childhood shop-lifting to more glamorous crimes in the post-war decades. So was she wicked through and through, or more sinned against than sinning? Here she tells a vivacious tale of trickery and adventure, but one with more pain and heartbreak than its heroine cares to admit. Yes, luck often favoured her, but that is only part of the story.

 

Reviewed by Waterside WI Book Club

“Historically very interesting about the events of the sixties and wartime. Queenie was a very likeable character. A lovely style of writing.”

star rating ****

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A Tramp in Africa by David Lessels

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About the book

Follow the trails of the Scottish explorer, David Lessels, fulfilling a dream to travel the length of Africa, confronting serious challenges to his freedom as he walked and hitch-hiked through history, in the early 1950s. Recalled with vivid clarity, this inspirational traveller’s tale is studded with gems and facts – some of which may be the only written accounts of the early development of unique African cultures. This is a colorful and rich taste of Africa in the raw – share the author’s thrilling experiences of an extraordinary adventure.

 

Reviewed by Hill Head Readers

“A travelogue which was far too long. It was quite well written but our group were defeated!”

star rating * ½

 

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In the Heart of the Canyon by Elisabeth Hyde

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About the book

The temperature is over 100. The rapids are some of the largest in North America. Water levels are rising. And JT Maroney, veteran river guide, is leading his 125th trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

For the next two weeks, his 13 passengers – strangers, mostly – will paddle, row, swim, ride the rapids, eat gourmet meals, sleep under the stars, and learn a lot about geology. They’ll learn a lot about each other, too – perhaps more than they want to know. Allegiances form, and likewise dissolve, in the course of an afternoon. JT’s decision on the first day to adopt a stray dog further complicates the group dynamics, leading to a series of fateful mishaps, one of which will alter the course of many lives.

Reviewed by Bridgemary Bookworms

“The group enjoyed the book and was glad that it followed everybody’s storyline through to the end, but what happened to them all next?? JT was a strong character and was a good influence on everyone in the group.

star rating ****

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The Society of Others by William Nicholson

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About the book

Cool, clear-eyed, and bluntly cynical, the young narrator of The Society of Others embarks on a journey without a destination. He hitchhikes through Europe only to find himself in a mystifying country where terrorists are inexplicably after him, and so is a sinister government. In a surreal landscape where people are shot to death without reason and social control runs deep, he must learn who to trust–and what to stand for. Fast paced and provocative, a gripping philosophical thriller, The Society of Others is an ingenious meditation on the nature of contemporary innocence and identity.

Reviewed by The Benches Reading Group:

The author’s first adult novel gave our group much thought for discussion with a range of views concerning the subject person in the story. Quite well written, good description of people, country and urban areas. The inclusion of several painting masterpieces added special interest in the tale. Ending speculative – who was shot!

Star rating: ***

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A Short walk in the Hindu Kush by Eric Newby

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About the book

The view was colossal. Below us on every side mountain surged away it seemed forever; we looked down on glaciers and snow-covered peaks that perhaps no one has ever seen before, except from the air.’
Feeling restless in the world of London’s high-fashion industry, Eric Newby asked a friend to accompany him on a mountain-climbing expedition in the wild and remote Hindu Kush, in north-eastern Afghanistan. And so they went – although they did stop first for four days of climbing lessons in Wales – becoming the first Englishmen to visit this spectacular region for more than half a century. Newby’s frank and funny account of their expedition to what is still amongst the world’s most isolated areas is one of the classics of travel writing.

Reviewed by Kingsclere Reading Group:

A mixed response: some loved it, others found it a bit dull. Good discussion about the attitudes shown by writer to ethnic groups he met. Quality of his writing enjoyed. All pleased that we read a book we might otherwise have rejected.

Star rating: ***

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