The board book series follows children as they learn about the unique traditions of different countries. Photos: Gloo Books
Board book series by travel expert Vanessa Christensen introduces children to global cultures.
Vanessa Christensen loves to explore. Whether it’s in the St. Croix Valley, around the United States or across the ocean, experiencing the world and different cultures is part of the fabric Christensen is made of.
With a desire to combine her passion for travel and early childhood education, the Stillwater resident published the Baby Go! series in January 2023, aimed for kids aged 0–4. China, Thailand, Japan and South Korea are explored in each of the four board books.
“The idea of using children’s books to educate on travel and different cultures came to mind when I started thinking of how I can share my experiences with other people,” Christensen says. “I thought a board book would be a fun opportunity.”
The books are founded on Christensen’s own experiences growing up in Asia. Born in Arizona, Christensen also lived in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand as an adolescent. “My father’s work brought us over there,” she says. Because her mother’s family lived in Taiwan, Christensen recalls traveling as a child and eventually continued the tradition with her three children, who she’s raising in Stillwater alongside her husband, Cole. She writes about their adventures on her blog, cvgotravel.com.
“Doing things in a different place with new surroundings gives such a memorable and unique experience,” she says. “I love going to a local playground or going to local celebrations and events. It brings you into the local culture in a unique way.”
The Baby Go! series encourages sensory experiences through colors, shapes, textures and sounds. From being carried in a warm podaegi (baby sling) to celebrating Children’s Day to spotting triangles at Bukchon Hanok Village in South Korea, the books follow children as they discover the culture and traditions of different countries. The series offers parents and their children a unique, fun way to learn about the world.
Christensen admits the process was challenging and full of self-education. The books were illustrated by Audrey Lee and released with the help of Gloo Books, an independent publishing company focused on inclusivity and representation in children’s literature. It’s a partnership Christensen says has been the perfect fit.
“Board books are short, concise and the language is simple,” Christensen says. “You have a limited number of words and pages to fit in a lot of ideas. I love that I was able to accomplish that while covering a lot of wonderful topics and concepts for each of the different countries.”
Christensen understands traveling—especially with children—can be intimidating. She is hopeful that books inspire young readers to get excited about travel. The experience, she says, is extremely rewarding.
“Travel is education and connection,” Christensen says. “I hope the books inspire curiosity and interest in traveling. Getting out there is a wonderful way to learn and enjoy this beautiful world we live in.”
Christensen is also our Travel columnist! Check out her most recent story about Autumn Adventures here.
Vanessa Christensen
Facebook: CVGO Vanessa Christensen
Instagram: @cvgotravel
Gloo Books
Facebook: Gloo Books
Instagram: @gloobooks
