Since I’m never going to travel the world I’ve decided I’m just going to become a #armchair traveler because I end up with books about different States which allows me to travel without leaving home which is Godsend for my family. This morning I would like to share This Is London by Miroslav Sasek: This is a children’s classic that brings London to Life.
Now, I have a question for you. Have you ever wanted to visit a place so badly that you wished you could just open a book and step right into it? That’s how Charlie and I felt while reading This Is London a children’s classic book from Rizzoli Universe that brings the sights, sounds, and history of London right to your fingertips.
Since I’ll probably never get the chance to travel to London myself, I can at least pretend I’ve been there through this amazing book! And let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of turning those pages and imagining Charlie and I there and sometimes David and Suzzane. Pheobie to.
From the publisher’s desk, I learned that a vacation in Paris inspired Czech illustrator Miroslav Sasek to create children’s travel books about some of the world’s most exciting cities and we was blessed that London was one of the Cities he chose to write about because its on my #BucketList.
.His books began appearing in the late 1950s, combining amusing text with bright, charming illustrations. The series became enormously popular, selling nearly two million copies through the Rizzoli Universe imprint. I’m surprised I hadn’t ever seen the books when I’ve been in bookstores browsing the travel sections.
The newer, smaller-format edition which is what I have was introduced in 2026 and it preserves the original book’s pages and illustrations, with updated facts where applicable. I love knowing that a new generation of children can discover these books, just as readers did decades ago.
The first pages explain that London is sometimes hidden in fog, particularly during the winter months making it fun to explore. You can barely see the city at first, but as you turn the pages, beautiful buildings begin to emerge. What a fun way to introduce children to a city’s weather and scenery!
The book tells us that London is the capital of the United Kingdom, and I was surprised to learn just how much history and information is packed into these pages. You don’t simply look at the pictures. You learn about the places, the buildings, and the people who make London special.
One of the things I appreciate most is the attention to detail. Take St. Paul’s Cathedral, for example. The book tells readers that Christopher Wren built it between 1675 and 1710, and it even shares information about what you’ll find inside. That’s the sort of detail that makes this more than a picture book.
Then there are the double-decker buses! Those colorful buses are among my favorite illustrations because riding one is something I’ve always wanted to do. I wish I could bring one home. David and Charlie, on the other hand, were especially interested in the cars. I love that we each found something different to enjoy.
We also visit Trafalgar Square, just don’t try and get David to pronounce that name because it will not happen. Then we see Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery, and discover peanut vendors, fascinating streets, pubs, and so much more. And we’re not even halfway through the book yet!
If I ever made it to London, you could forget the castles for a moment. Take me to Piccadilly Circus! Then leave me there for a while because I know I’m going to find so much to see I’m not going to want to leave for a while. Or you can stay with me but you can’t ask me if I’m ready to go.
The nighttime illustrations remind me of the hustle and bustle of New York City, even though we’re looking at London. There’s so much happening that I could spend ages looking at the pictures and imagining myself right there among the crowds with my family.
I also enjoyed learning about St. Paul’s Church, known as the actors’ church ,isn’t that cool? And seeing the different markets and everyday scenes. It’s little discoveries like these that make the book so enjoyable. You’re learning without feeling as though someone has handed you a history textbook.
And then there’s the Chelsea Flower Show in May. You can bet your bottom dollar that I’d love to see those flowers in person. My mother-in-law would probably want to come along, too! The only problem with this is we would want to bring all the flowers home. How about you?
If you’re a# homeschooling family, I think This Is London could be a wonderful addition to a lesson about geography, history, architecture, or traveling around the world. Plus, it would be fun to read in our 10 Minute Reading Challenge and its why I will be asking Santa to bring it to families who enjoy traveling and homeschooling.
You could have your children find London on a map, research St. Paul’s Cathedral, learn about Trafalgar Square, or compare London’s double-decker buses with the buses they see at home. You could even plan an imaginary trip, letting each child choose which landmark they’d most like to visit.
The colorful illustrations make the book inviting, while the facts give children plenty of opportunities to ask questions and explore topics further. Parents and grandparents may enjoy it just as much as the children, especially if they remember reading Sasek’s books when they were young.
One of my favorite little details is the reminder that, at the end of your picture of London, there should be a mention of that faithful friend, your umbrella. Because this is London! That sounds a little like Texas to me. The weather here can change at the drop of a hat, too. How about where you live?
I also noticed the book explains that children aren’t allowed inside pubs, although they can peek in to see what’s happening. That’s an interesting cultural detail to discuss with children, especially when comparing customs in different places. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the book tells you that the best way to see London is from the top of a bus, but to see the zoo, you ride an elephant. OMG! I would absolutely love that! Although, I would want to bring the elephant home with me.
My family thoroughly enjoyed This Is London by Miroslav Sase and we will be sharing this book with our friends and family. Because the illustrations are beautiful, the colors are wonderful, and the amount of information tucked into each page makes this a book I could return to again and again.
I loved seeing the double-decker buses, discovering Piccadilly Circus, learning about historic landmarks, and imagining what it would be like to walk through those busy streets. David and Charlie enjoyed the cars, while I found myself wanting to climb aboard a bus and explore the city from the top.
For me, this book is a reminder that even when we can’t travel everywhere we’d like to go, we can still discover the world through books. And sometimes, that’s a pretty wonderful adventure in itself. Which is what makes me and my family the perfect armchair travelers. Would you want to join us?
If you’re looking for a children’s book that combines beautiful illustrations, history, travel, and a little fun, I think This Is London is worth exploring. It’s a lovely way to introduce children to another part of the world while giving grown-ups a chance to travel through their imaginations, too.
Now I have to ask: If you could visit London, what would you want to see first? Would you choose the historic buildings, the Chelsea Flower Show, the famous landmarks, or would you be like me and head straight for Piccadilly Circus? And tell me, would you ride a double-decker bus or take your chances on an elephant at the zoo? I’d love to hear about it!
About the book:
The classic children’s series with over 2 million copies sold.
With the same wit and perception that distinguished his charming books on Paris, New York, and San Francisco, M Sasek presents stylish, elegant London in This is London, first published in 1959 and now updated for the 21st century. Here this beloved illustrator shares his impressions of London with its beautiful buildings, historic monuments, bridges, parks, shops and Piccadilly Circus, black cabs, Horse Guards, and famed Underground.
Sasek has cast his loving eye on London and the result are colorful, sophisticated pictures of one of the most exciting cities in the world, paired with a lively text that keeps a playful sense of fun while taking the reader to the highlights of one of the world’s great capitals.
This is London is a facsimile editions of Sasek’s original title. His brilliant, vibrant illustrations have been meticulously preserved and remain true to his vision. With the passing of time facts have been updated where applicable in the back of the book. The result is a treasure with an elegant, classic look and delightful narrative that will charm both children and their parents, many of whom will remember the same book from their own childhood.
Greatful Moments — Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
