When we were in New York City over Thanksgiving, we visited Rockefeller Center and went up to the “Top of the Rock” for a glimpse of the illuminated city. What really caught my eye, however, was a classic children’s book in the gift shop. This is New York, the iconic children’s illustrated travel guide, first published in 1960, has been reissued in book and calendar form!
When I was seven, I travelled to Edinburgh, in my mind. Friends of my parents gave me a copy of This is Edinburgh by Miroslav Sasek as a souvenir from their trip overseas.
The beautifully illustrated book told me everything I needed to know to get to Edinburgh, and what to see when I got there. Even though I never have been to Scotland, the images of Edinburgh from that book are still etched in my mind.
Along the way, I also acquired This is London. But I never realized that this was a whole series of children’s books covering over two dozen great cities of the world.
When we got home, I looked for the New York book on Amazon.com, and was pleased to discover that dozens of Miroslav Sasek’s whimsical books have been reissued in the last couple of years. 
These books make great gifts for kids pre- or post trip.
What’s more, several of the books have been published in wall calendar form. The wall calendars are only $9.99.
I immediately ordered a 2014 wall calendar for myself and one for a friend!
