MINDFUL WANDERS

Zivkov’s children’s book explores the world through imagination.

In this illustrated book, the author pairs rhyming passages about international travel with whimsical illustrations by Kasha. “Did you know that your mind can travel and wander to any magical place within space and all over the world?” the narrator asks at the outset. Zivkov tells readers that their minds are “magic” and can transport them anywhere. As a boy launches paper airplanes on a grassy hill, the author urges, “Now let’s try it! Let your mind take flight. You can wonder as you wander, and you’ll be alright.” The first stop is New York City, with its “glimmer and glitz” and “shimmering lights.” Next, it’s off to Mexico, notable for its pyramids and mariachi bands, where “the culture is so magnetic, it makes you feel energetic.” In Italy, a girl enjoys “the pizza, the pasta, the passion, the beauty, and history galore.” Meanwhile, in France, one can “hang out all day” in the many parks or dance under the lights of the Eiffel Tower at night. Imaginative children learn that they can also visit Big Ben in London, befriend elephants in Thailand, or skydive in New Zealand. The author uses simple, kid-friendly language throughout the book, evoking both wonder (“Your mind is like a shooting star”) and humor (“If you’re lucky, you might even see two kangaroos ­fight” in Australia). While Zivkov emphasizes cultural appreciation, some of the representations feed into (largely harmless) stereotypes; for example, in Paris, “people say ‘oui oui’ and ‘merci.’ Maybe you even wear a beret as you eat a baguette.” Kasha’s bright watercolors burst forth from the page in daytime scenes and inspire a dreamy state in nighttime scenes. The illustrator effectively balances panoramas of the many destinations with snapshots of children with varying skin and hair tones interacting with nature and wildlife in each locale.

A delightful tour of popular international tourist destinations for young readers.