Around the World in 80 Days - Bibliophiles

Around the World in 80 Days Book Review: A Classic Adventure for Kids

Phileas Fogg bets he can circle the globe in 80 days. Story, characters, illustrations and what this children's edition of the classic teaches.

Team Zootii Updated · 4 min read

Spin a globe in front of a child and they will want to know how long it takes to go all the way round. Around the World in 80 Days answers that question with one of the great adventure stories.

In this Around the World in 80 Days book review we look at this children's edition of the classic: the story, the characters, the pictures and what children learn from Phileas Fogg's race around the world.

The short answer Around the World in 80 Days is a classic adventure about Phileas Fogg, who bets he can travel around the world in 80 days. With his faithful valet Passepartout, he faces storms, bandits and a detective on his trail. This illustrated children's novel teaches determination and introduces children to places and cultures around the world.

Around the World in 80 Days, children's edition cover

Author: Yoyo

Around the World in 80 Days book review: what the story is about

Phileas Fogg bets that he can travel around the world in 80 days. Along the way he meets one challenge after another, including storms and bandits.

With the help of his faithful valet, Passepartout, he manages to complete the journey in record time.

It is a classic adventure that readers of all ages have enjoyed for generations. The story is full of excitement and suspense.

Children are swept along as they follow Phileas Fogg from place to place, wondering whether he will make it in time.

The characters

  • Phileas Fogg: a wealthy Englishman who is a bit of a stickler for rules, and very determined. He will do whatever it takes to win his bet.
  • Passepartout: Fogg's faithful valet.
  • Inspector Fix: a detective convinced that Fogg is a bank robber.
  • Aouda: a young woman whom Phileas Fogg saves along the way.

The illustrations

The pictures are beautiful and detailed. They capture the different places Phileas Fogg visits on his journey, which helps young readers picture each stop.

Around the World in 80 Days book for kids: format and what it teaches

This is a children's novel. Children's novels are written for children, are usually shorter than adult novels, and often have exciting stories and colourful pictures.

How it helps children's development

  • World knowledge: children learn about different cultures and places around the world.
  • Imagination: they can dream up the other adventures Fogg might have had.
  • Determination: Fogg never gives up on his goal, even when things get tough.

Map tip Keep a world map or globe next to you while you read. Let your child trace Fogg's route with a finger as each chapter moves him on.

About the author

Yoyo is the pen name of a French author known for children's books, with over 100 titles including this edition of Around the World in 80 Days.

Similar adventure books for children

  • The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
  • Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
  • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Gift it right: Around the World in 80 Days as a birthday gift

A classic adventure is one of the best books as birthday gifts for kids who are moving on to chapter books, and it is the kind of book that gets passed down. Add a name label inside the cover so it stays on the right shelf, and a travel-themed name sticker on the wrapping.

See all personalised book labels, or browse our gifts for kids to pair the book with something more.

Frequently asked questions

What is Around the World in 80 Days about?

Phileas Fogg bets he can travel around the world in 80 days and, with his valet Passepartout, completes the journey despite storms, bandits and a detective on his trail.

Who are the main characters in Around the World in 80 Days?

Phileas Fogg, his valet Passepartout, Inspector Fix and Aouda.

Is Around the World in 80 Days good for kids?

Yes. This illustrated children's novel teaches determination and introduces children to places and cultures around the world.

Found this useful? Send it to the family group.

Pinterest Facebook X
Written by Team Zootii

We are the parents and makers behind Zootii in Mumbai. We write about what we test with our own kids: school labels, gifting and everyday hacks.

Join the conversation

Comments are checked by Team Zootii before they appear.

Keep reading

Share this post
Pinterest Facebook X
Your saved posts
    Saved on this device only.