The children's book series, Adventures of a Suitcase, aims to spark curiosity and inspire children to discover the world beyond their doorstep. Explore and appreciate Earth's diverse environments and cultures as you travel along with Mariana and her new friends. The first book, Mariana Travels to the North Pole, introduces this unique suitcase with special powers. Mariana understands human and animal languages and also speaks Bagali, the universal language of bags. Our story opens as Mariana takes her second trip to the North Pole, where she meets many bags gathered in Washington D.C., USA to travel together. They are not experienced travelers like Mariana, and at first they resent her. But soon, Mariana endears herself to everyone as she shares stories about her previous travels to the North Pole. The other bags inch closer to Mariana and become curious about their destination and the adventures ahead. Mariana is patient and compassionate with the more junior, inexperienced bags, and helps everyone feel included.

Join us as the bags learn cooperation, along with respect for age, experience, and diversity. Mariana listens, acknowledges everyone, and shows the fresh travelers that new experiences can be fun. Mariana earns the admiration and gratitude of the other bags as she prepares them for the voyage ahead. Once in-flight, she describes the ice-breaker on which they will travel, nomadic reindeer herders they might meet, and the Arctic and its wildlife.The story is vividly illustrated and unfolds as the bags get to know each other and share this journey to the North Pole with their new friends.

"Challenge Questions" integrating elements of the five Themes of Geography engage children and adults alike in exploring the world from where ever they are. "Resources" provides contacts for local and international organizations, so children can learn about and participate in environmental and social programs close to home and abroad. The intended reader is in the 1st to 4th grades. Ignite your wonder and curiosity for learning and creativity; and remember, when you are curious, it can inspire you to explore further and discover where your next adventure might be!